Which iPad should I get for Procreate?
There are a dozen different kinds of iPads with a variety of features, from model to screen size and all the storage options. So how do you decide which one to get?
As long-time users (and teachers!) of Procreate, we know a thing or two about the different iPad models, which ones are compatible with the Procreate app, and which stylus works best.
Let us fill you in and give you our recommendations of the exact one to get depending on your goals.
After all, we don’t want you to spend money on an iPad you can’t use with Procreate or that doesn’t suit your needs and goals!
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You may also like: Procreate Calligraphy Ultimate Beginner Guide
Table of Contents
We’re Jordan (left) and Jillian (right), your new Procreate instructors. We’re SO glad that you’re here with us!
Overview of iPad Models
Currently, Apple sells four iPad models: iPad, iPad Air, iPad Mini, and iPad Pro. Here's a quick summary:
iPad is the most basic version. Nothing fancy, this model comes in at an affordable price point and just what you need.
iPad Air has a faster processor, better camera, and more storage than the iPad, but is a little more expensive.
iPad Mini is basically a smaller version of the iPad Air. If you want a compart, super portable device then look no further.
iPad Pro is the most powerful and most expensive with the largest storage and the biggest screen size (11” or 12.9”).
With this many iPad options, the perfect tablet for your digital art and calligraphy is out there!
Start learning Procreate calligraphy as soon as your iPad arrives with our free trainings!
Important iPad Features To Consider
Choosing the best iPad for Procreate is an important part of getting started with digital calligraphy. If you have no idea what to look for, then use the following list of iPad features as a starting point.
Battery life: How important is a long-lasting battery life to you?
Hardware and software compatibility: The cheapest iPad might be a nice budget option but consider if you're willing to forgo the latest shortcuts and features such as liquid retina display (as well as the newest Apple Pencil model)
Screen sizes: Do you prefer having a large larger screen or would you rather have a smaller iPad, like the iPad mini?
Storage options: Unlike a laptop, your iPad can't be expanded so make sure you get one with ample storage for what you need it to do
With these features in mind, let's look at which model is considered to be the best iPad for Procreate.
Example of digital lettering in the Procreate App
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Newest iPad Versions
When Apple releases a new version of each iPad model, the “Generation” number increases. For example, the very first iPad was called the first-generation iPad.
Here are the most recent models (last updated November 2023):
iPad (2022, 10th Generation)
iPad Air (2022, 5th Generation)
iPad Mini (2021, 6th Generation)
iPad Pro 11-inch (2022, 4th Generation)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2022, 6th Generation)
Our iPad Comparison Chart below has all the technical details.
Procreate/iPad Compatibility
Procreate App for iPad
Good news: all iPads released after 2015 are compatible with the latest version of the Procreate app! With its intuitive interface, Procreate is the best app for calligraphy that is being used by amateurs as well as creative professionals.
However, there are Procreate alternatives if you have another tablet that you'd like to use for digital art and lettering.
Once you get your iPad, you can start creating projects right away with our step-by-step tutorials:
A Quick Note On The Generations Of Apple Pencils
Before we get into all the pads and the different models, let's take a moment to very quickly go over the different pencils at your disposal.
The Apple pencil comes in two different generations of apple pencil; the first and second generation apple pencil. Both the first-generation Apple Pencil and its later second version are equally well-suited for calligraphy as both come with pressure sensitivity.
While both pencils might look the same, they come at different prices. This is because there are a few features that set them apart:
Shape: Although very much a matter of personal preference, the smaller and more ergonomic shape of the second-generation Apple Pencil makes it our preferred one
Double-tap function: Seamlessly switch between different functions such as writing and erasing by tapping the pencil itself. What's not to like?
Charging: The 1st generation Apple Pencil needs to be plugged into the iPad to charge whereas the 2nd gen connects magnetically
Many of these features are simply a matter of personal preference but for us, they're the reason we prefer the 2nd generation apple pencil over the first one.
Apple Pencil/iPad Compatibility
We strongly recommend using the Apple Pencil stylus with the Procreate App. Other styluses cannot use all the features of Procreate, such as Procreate brushes and pressure sensitivity that produces thick and thin strokes, which is a must-have for iPad calligraphy and other art.
Each iPad model only works with certain Apple Pencil generations. Here is the latest compatibility as listed on the Apple site as of November 2023:
(How to check which iPad model you have: Go to Settings > General > About > Model Name)
Second-Generation Apple Pencil/iPad Compatibility
You can use Apple Pencil (2nd gen) with these iPad models:
iPad mini (6th generation)
iPad Air (4th generation and later)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
First-Generation Apple Pencil/iPad Compatibility
You can use Apple Pencil (1st gen) with these iPad models:
iPad mini (5th generation)
iPad (6th generation and later)
iPad Air (3rd generation)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation)
iPad Pro 10.5-inch
iPad Pro 9.7-inch
Can I use the Apple Pencil USB-C for Procreate?
Apple released it in 2023 as a more affordable option, however we do NOT recommend using the Apple Pencil USB-C for Procreate.
The Apple Pencil USB-C is NOT pressure-sensitive which means you won’t be able to use the full capabilities of the Procreate App.
The pressure sensitivity is crucial when you’re using Procreate for digital calligraphy because varying the pressure allows you to get thick and thin strokes.
So if you’re doing calligraphy on your iPad, make sure to get the 1st Gen or 2nd Gen Apple Pencil depending on which one is compatible with your device.
Make sure you review the Apple Support site before purchasing to double-check compatibility with your iPad before making any purchases. Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.
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So...Which Is The Best iPad For Procreate?
With so many different Apple iPads, picking a new iPad can feel overwhelming!
Keep in mind that a very expensive iPad used by graphic designers might not necessarily be the best choice for you. Don't limit yourself to buying the best iPad that professional digital artists use. Sure it might have the best display quality and a very nice large screen but is it right for what you need?
The best iPad model for you depends on your individual goals and budget. Here are our recommendations:
For the budget-friendly option…
Get the regular iPad (base model). It's the cheapest option, starting at $349 with 64GB of storage for the current model, but has a large enough screen (10.2") for creating art. If your main reason for getting an iPad is to use for Procreate, 64GB of storage would be enough. Because it's not as fast as the more expensive models, you might notice a slight lag when writing with the Apple Pencil.
Get the iPad and the 1st Gen Apple Pencil (1st Gen).
For multitasking...
If you plan to use your iPad for many other applications in addition to Procreate, such as taking photos, editing videos, etc., consider the iPad Air. It has twice as much storage as the iPad (starts at 64GB for $599 for the current model) and runs much faster. So if you have a little extra room in your budget, the iPad Air gives you a better value for your money than the regular iPad.
Get the iPad Air and the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil.
For portability…
Go with the iPad Mini. It has the smallest screen size (8.3”) and is great for on-the-go use. It’s also cheaper than the iPad Air at $499, for the same processing power and storage. However, because the screen is so small, we don’t recommend this if the main purpose is to use for creating artwork.
Get the iPad Mini and the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil.
For the biggest screen...
The 12.9” iPad Pro is the largest option and the most powerful one you can get. We’ve used the 10.5” iPad and once we switched to 12.9” it made a big difference. However, it is quite big and bulky and doesn’t feel very portable.
Get the iPad Pro 12.9-inch and the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil. Or...
For the best of the best...
The iPad Pro is extremely fast and powerful, has an amazing liquid retina display, an incredible camera, and you can get up to 2TB of storage. It comes in two screen sizes: 11-inch or 12.9-inch. The newest iPad Pro is so high-tech that you could even use it as a laptop replacement!
Get the iPad Pro 11-inch or the iPad Pro 12.9-inch and 2nd Gen Apple Pencil on Amazon.
For the exact iPad we (Jillian & Jordan) use...
When we started out in 2017, we got the 10.5-inch iPad Pro, and it was perfect for our needs! The majority of our use is for Procreate, Dropbox, photo editing with the Snapseed app, and simple video editing in iMovie.
In 2020, we upgraded and purchased the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (4th gen) and have been using it since. This one works with the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil.
In conclusion...
The best iPad for you depends on your budget and what you plan to use it for. Are you just getting an iPad to use for creating Procreate artwork? or will you be replacing another device like a laptop? You’ll have to consider the storage requirements, screen size, performance, price and portability. Whatever iPad you decide, make sure to get the Apple Pencil that goes with it.
You may also like: Procreate Calligraphy Ultimate Beginner Guide
iPad Comparison Chart
All iPad versions in this chart are compatible with both the Procreate App and the Apple Pencil. The starting price is for the lowest amount of storage, but you can upgrade to get more storage and other features. Screen size is listed in inches. Updated April 2022.
*Refurbished
If you have an iPad that’s not listed in the chart, you can check Apple’s Website for more info.
You can always find the most updated list of Procreate App-compatible devices here.
How to check which iPad you have
If you already have an iPad, here’s how to find your model information:Open Settings > General > About > Model Name
Step 1: Open Settings, then choose General in the left column, and find About at the top right:
iPad Settings
Step 2: Find Model Name at the top right to see which version of the iPad you have:
iPad Model
Want to learn our top 18 Shortcuts for Procreate? Download the list now!
