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The Apple Pencil transforms your iPad into a powerful tool for creativity, productivity, and note-taking.
Whether you’re an artist, student, or professional, the right apps can take your Apple Pencil experience to the next level.
So, what are the best apps for the Apple Pencil?
There are plenty of apps out there, but some truly stand out in terms of functionality and ease of use.
Can the Apple Pencil work with any app?
Yes, the Apple Pencil works with many apps, but certain apps are specifically designed to take full advantage of its pressure sensitivity, tilt functionality, and precision.
Here are the best Apple Pencil apps you should check out:
1. Procreate
If you love drawing, painting, or digital art, Procreate is a must-have.
It offers a vast selection of brushes, layers, and tools designed for professional-grade artwork.
The Apple Pencil’s pressure sensitivity makes shading and detailing seamless.
2. Notability
Perfect for students and professionals, Notability allows you to take handwritten notes, annotate PDFs, and even record lectures while writing.
Its handwriting-to-text feature makes it even more useful.
3. GoodNotes 5
GoodNotes 5 is another excellent note-taking app that allows you to write, sketch, and organize digital notebooks.
It supports shape recognition, making it great for creating diagrams and charts.
4. Adobe Fresco
If you’re into digital painting, Adobe Fresco is an excellent choice.
It features live brushes that mimic real watercolor and oil painting techniques.
The Apple Pencil’s tilt and pressure sensitivity make the experience incredibly realistic.
5. Affinity Designer
For graphic designers, Affinity Designer is a fantastic vector design app that supports the Apple Pencil.
You can create detailed illustrations, UI designs, and logos with precision.
6. Concepts
Concepts is an advanced sketching and design app with an infinite canvas.
It’s great for architects, designers, and illustrators who need flexibility and control in their work.
7. Nebo
Nebo is a handwriting recognition app that converts your Apple Pencil notes into typed text.
It’s perfect for those who prefer writing by hand but want digital text for easy editing and searching.
8. Paper by WeTransfer
If you’re looking for a simple and intuitive drawing app, Paper by WeTransfer is a great option.
It’s perfect for quick sketches, doodles, and brainstorming sessions.
9. Flow by Moleskine
Flow provides a seamless digital notebook experience.
The Apple Pencil works beautifully with its smooth interface, making it ideal for journaling, sketching, and idea generation.
10. LiquidText
For those who read and annotate PDFs, LiquidText is an excellent app.
It lets you highlight, make connections between notes, and easily organize your thoughts while reading.
11. SketchBook
Autodesk SketchBook is a free yet powerful drawing app that artists love.
It offers a variety of brushes and tools that work perfectly with the Apple Pencil.
12. Noteshelf
A solid alternative to Notability and GoodNotes, Noteshelf allows you to take handwritten notes, annotate PDFs, and even record audio notes while writing.
13. Shapr3D
For 3D designers, Shapr3D is one of the best modeling apps optimized for the Apple Pencil.
It allows you to create precise 3D models directly on your iPad.
14. Pigment
If you enjoy coloring, Pigment is a relaxing app that lets you color intricate designs using the Apple Pencil’s pressure sensitivity for a realistic coloring experience.
15. ArtRage
A great option for painters, ArtRage simulates traditional painting techniques, allowing you to blend colors naturally using the Apple Pencil.
How to Choose the Right Apple Pencil App
- If you need a note-taking app, try Notability, GoodNotes 5, or Noteshelf.
- For artists and designers, Procreate, Affinity Designer, and Adobe Fresco are top choices.
- If you annotate PDFs, LiquidText and Nebo are perfect.
- For 3D modeling, Shapr3D is the best option.
Conclusion
The Apple Pencil is an incredible tool, but its full potential depends on the apps you use.
Whether you’re sketching, writing, designing, or annotating, these apps will help you get the most out of your Apple Pencil.
So, go ahead and explore these apps—your iPad experience is about to get even better!
Brianna is based in Minnesota in the US at the moment, and has been writing since 2017. She is currently a 3rd Year med student at the time of writing this.
