The Definitive Guide: Choosing the Best iPad for Procreate in 2024

So, you’re ready to unleash your inner artist with Procreate on an iPad? Excellent choice! But navigating the iPad landscape to find the perfect creative companion can feel overwhelming. Fear not, my friend! After years of digital painting and countless hours testing devices, I’m here to cut through the noise and guide you to the best iPad for your Procreate journey.

The short answer? For most users, the iPad Air (5th generation or later) strikes the perfect balance of performance, portability, and price, making it the best overall choice for Procreate. However, the iPad Pro (12.9-inch, any generation) remains the ultimate Procreate machine, offering the most powerful processor, largest display, and advanced features for professional artists.

Delving Deeper: Choosing the Right iPad for Your Needs

While the iPad Air and iPad Pro are our top contenders, the “best” iPad truly depends on your individual needs and budget. Let’s break down the key factors to consider:

1. Performance: Powering Your Creativity

Procreate, especially with large canvases and complex layers, demands processing power. Here’s the hierarchy:

• iPad Pro: The M1, M2, or M4 chips in the iPad Pro are absolute beasts. They handle even the most demanding Procreate projects with ease. Expect virtually no lag, lightning-fast rendering, and the ability to work with hundreds of layers without a hiccup.
• iPad Air: The M1 or M2 chip in the iPad Air offers impressive performance, closely rivaling the previous generation iPad Pro. It’s more than capable for most Procreate users and handles complex projects admirably.
• iPad (9th/10th Generation) and iPad Mini: These models are powered by older A-series chips. While still usable for Procreate, you might experience lag with large canvases or numerous layers. These are better suited for beginners or casual users with simpler needs.

2. Display: Seeing Your Vision Clearly

The display is your canvas. Consider these aspects:

• Size: The 12.9-inch iPad Pro offers the most immersive and comfortable experience for digital painting. The larger screen provides ample space for detailed work and keeps toolbars accessible without feeling cramped. The 11-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air offer a good balance between screen real estate and portability. The iPad Mini is extremely portable but might feel restrictive for extended drawing sessions.
• Technology: The Liquid Retina XDR display on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro boasts exceptional brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. The Liquid Retina display on the iPad Pro 11 inch and iPad Air is also excellent, offering vibrant colors and sharp detail.
• Promotion: Only the iPad Pro models feature ProMotion technology, which offers an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. This results in incredibly smooth and responsive drawing, further enhancing the experience.

3. Apple Pencil Compatibility: The Key to Precision

• Apple Pencil 2nd Generation: This is the premium option, offering wireless charging, magnetic attachment, and advanced features like double-tap for tool switching. It’s compatible with the iPad Pro and iPad Air (4th generation and later), and iPad Mini (6th generation).
• Apple Pencil 1st Generation: This requires plugging into the Lightning port for charging and lacks the advanced features of the 2nd generation. It’s compatible with the entry-level iPad (9th and 10th generation).

The Apple Pencil 2nd Generation is highly recommended for a seamless and intuitive Procreate experience.

4. Storage: Saving Your Masterpieces

Choose a storage capacity that suits your workflow. Digital art files can be large, especially if you work with high-resolution canvases and numerous layers.

• 256GB: This is a good starting point for most users.
• 512GB: Ideal if you work with very large files, create a lot of animations, or plan to store a large library of brushes and resources.
• 1TB or 2TB: Only necessary for professionals who handle extremely large projects or require extensive local storage.

5. Budget: Finding the Sweet Spot

Ultimately, your budget will play a significant role in your decision. The iPad Air offers excellent value for money, providing near-Pro-level performance at a more affordable price. If you’re on a tighter budget, consider a refurbished iPad Pro or Air, but be sure to check the battery health and overall condition.

Summary Table: iPad Options for Procreate

Pro Tip: Accessories Enhance Your Experience

Don’t forget about accessories! A matte screen protector can significantly improve the drawing feel, mimicking the texture of paper. A case with a built-in stand can provide a comfortable drawing angle. And, of course, a good selection of Procreate brushes is essential for expanding your creative toolkit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about iPads for Procreate

Here are 12 frequently asked questions, designed to provide additional clarity and guidance:

1. Is the base model iPad good enough for Procreate?

The base model iPad (9th or 10th generation) can run Procreate, but it might struggle with larger canvases and complex projects. It’s suitable for beginners or casual users, but if you’re serious about digital art, investing in an iPad Air or Pro is highly recommended.

2. How much storage do I need for Procreate?

At least 256GB is recommended, but 512GB is ideal if you plan to work with large files or store a lot of brushes and resources.

3. Does Procreate come free with an iPad?

No, Procreate is a separate purchase from the App Store. It’s a one-time purchase, not a subscription.

4. Is the Apple Pencil necessary for Procreate?

While you can use your finger, the Apple Pencil is essential for precise drawing, pressure sensitivity, and tilt functionality. It unlocks the full potential of Procreate.

5. Which iPad Pro size is better for Procreate?

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro offers the most comfortable drawing experience due to its larger screen. However, the 11-inch iPad Pro is more portable and still provides ample space for most users.

6. Can I use Procreate on an iPad Mini?

Yes, you can use Procreate on an iPad Mini. However, the smaller screen size might feel restrictive for extended drawing sessions or detailed work.

7. What is the difference between the Apple Pencil 1st and 2nd generation?

The 2nd generation Apple Pencil offers wireless charging, magnetic attachment, double-tap functionality, and a more comfortable design. It’s a significant upgrade over the 1st generation.

8. Does the iPad Air have ProMotion?

No, the iPad Air does not have ProMotion. This feature is exclusive to the iPad Pro models.

9. Can I use a screen protector with my Apple Pencil?

Yes, you can. A matte screen protector can even enhance the drawing experience by providing a paper-like feel.

10. Are there any alternatives to the Apple Pencil for Procreate?

While there are third-party styluses available, the Apple Pencil offers the best compatibility and performance with Procreate.

11. How often does Apple release new iPads?

Apple typically releases new iPad models annually or bi-annually. Keep an eye out for new releases in the spring and fall.

12. Is it worth upgrading from an older iPad to a newer one for Procreate?

If you’re experiencing lag or performance issues with your current iPad, or if you want to take advantage of the latest features like ProMotion, upgrading to a newer model is definitely worth considering.

The Final Verdict: Choose Wisely, Create Boldly

The iPad Air is the best overall choice for most Procreate users, offering a fantastic balance of performance, features, and price. However, if you’re a professional artist or demand the absolute best performance, the iPad Pro remains the king of the hill. Ultimately, the best iPad for Procreate is the one that best fits your individual needs and budget. Choose wisely, embrace your creativity, and happy drawing!