The Apple Pencil transforms your iPad into a powerful tool for drawing, note-taking, gaming, and much more.
Pairing your iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil unlocks new levels of creativity and productivity—especially with the latest Apple Pencil Pro, which introduces game-changing features like haptic feedback and enhanced precision.In this guide, we’ve tested a wide range of apps designed to make the most of your Apple Pencil. Whether you’re sketching, designing in 3D, taking notes, or marking up documents, these apps deliver a superior experience. We evaluated each one based on features, usability, Apple Pencil compatibility, and overall performance. For a deeper dive into some of these apps, check out the full reviews linked throughout.
Use the links below to jump to your category of interest, or scroll down to explore all our top picks.
All recommendations are compatible with the latest iPad Pro and Apple Pencil Pro, though many also work great with older iPad and Pencil models. System requirements are noted for each app.
Note-Taking Apps
01. Bear
- Requirements: iOS 15.6 or later
- Price: $2.99/month
- Get it on the App Store
Bear embodies Apple’s minimalist aesthetic. It’s a clean, intuitive note-taking app that supports text, images, sketches, and tags. Your notes sync seamlessly across Apple devices via iCloud. It also offers encryption and Touch ID/Face ID protection. While it’s intentionally simple—lacking advanced formatting—it’s perfect for users who prefer elegance over complexity.
02. Notes
- Requirements: iOS 10.0 or later
- Price: Free
- Get it on the App Store
Don’t overlook the built-in Notes app. It’s more powerful than it seems. With Apple Pencil, you can sketch, write, and type in the same note. Everything syncs instantly across your devices. Best of all, it’s pre-installed and completely free.
03. Nebo
- Requirements: iOS 16.0 or later
- Price: Free (in-app purchases)
- Get it on the App Store
Nebo stands out with best-in-class handwriting recognition that supports 66 languages. It converts handwritten notes into text and allows easy export to Word, PDF, or HTML. You can also draw diagrams, insert images, and annotate documents. A great choice for students and professionals.
04. GoodNotes 6
- Requirements: iOS 13.0 or later
- Price: Free limited version / $11.99 one-time purchase
- Get it on the App Store
GoodNotes turns your iPad into digital paper. It offers best-in-class handwriting search, PDF annotation, shape recognition, and syncing via iCloud. The free version is useful, but the full version is worth the price for serious note-takers.
05. Evernote
- Requirements: iOS 15.1 or later
- Price: Free (in-app purchases)
- Get it on the App Store
Evernote remains a popular—if sometimes polarizing—tool for organizing notes, sketches, and web clips. Its audio recording feature pairs well with live sketching. Palm rejection and pressure sensitivity make writing comfortable.
06. Flow
- Requirements: iOS 15.0 or later
- Price: $2.49/month
- Get it on the App Store
Flow combines a notebook and sketchbook in one elegant app. It offers various paper styles and ink types that mimic real-life writing instruments. Great for visual thinkers who like to keep everything in one place.
07. LiquidText
- Requirements: iOS 16.6 or later
- Price: Free (in-app purchases)
- Get it on the App Store
LiquidText excels at interactive reading and annotation. Highlight, collate, and connect ideas across PDFs, Word files, and web pages. Apple Pencil support makes navigating and marking up documents feel natural.
08. Microsoft OneNote
- Requirements: iOS 17.0 or later
- Price: Requires Microsoft 365 subscription
- Get it on the App Store
OneNote is a powerhouse for structured note-taking. Organize notes into notebooks and sections, and sketch or annotate with ease. Requires a Microsoft 365 subscription, but students and professionals will find it indispensable.
Digital Art & Drawing Apps
09. Photoshop for iPad
- Requirements: iOS 17.0 or later
- Price: Part of Adobe Creative Cloud
- Get it on the App Store
Photoshop for iPad is now a full-featured illustration tool. It supports Apple Pencil pressure sensitivity and tilt, and syncs seamlessly with Creative Cloud. Some desktop features are missing, but it’s excellent for painting and drawing.
10. Procreate
- Requirements: iOS 15.4.1 or later
- Price: $9.99
- Get it on the App Store
Procreate is the king of digital drawing on iPad. It offers a natural, responsive experience with the Apple Pencil and includes advanced features like 3D painting and animation support. A must-have for artists.
11. Astropad
- Requirements: iOS 9.1+ (iPad), macOS 10.11+ (Mac)
- Price: $79.99/year
- Get it on the App Store
Astropad turns your iPad into a graphics tablet for your Mac. Use Apple Pencil to draw directly into Photoshop, Illustrator, or any Mac app. A great alternative to dedicated pen displays.
12. Illustrator for iPad
- Requirements: iOS 14.0 or later
- Price: Part of Adobe Creative Cloud
- Get it on the App Store
Illustrator for iPad brings vector design on the go. It’s streamlined but powerful, with full support for Apple Pencil gestures, gradients, and live collaboration. Perfect for designers.
13. Paper by WeTransfer
- Requirements: iOS 13.0 or later
- Price: Free (in-app purchases)
- Get it on the App Store
Paper is a simple but powerful sketching and diagramming app. Its tools are easy to use but capable of producing detailed charts, sketches, and notes.
14. Affinity Designer 2
- Requirements: iOS 15.0 or later
- Price: $17.99
- Get it on the App Store
A professional vector design app that rivals Illustrator. One-time purchase, no subscription. Fully optimized for iPad and Apple Pencil.
15. Clip Studio Paint
- Requirements: iOS 17.0 or later
- Price: Free (in-app purchases)
- Get it on the App Store
The go-to app for comic and manga artists. Packed with specialized tools and fully compatible with Apple Pencil. Steep learning curve but incredibly powerful.
16. Adobe Fresco
- Requirements: iOS 17.0 or later
- Price: Free
- Get it on the App Store
Fresco is ideal for beginners and those who love natural media brushes. It’s free and integrates with Creative Cloud. Great for painting and sketching.
17. Graphic for iPad
- Requirements: iOS 11.0 or later
- Price: $8.99
- Get it on the App Store
A powerful vector design app with a customizable interface and great Apple Pencil support. A strong alternative to Illustrator.
18. Linea Sketch
- Requirements: iOS 14.0 or later
- Price: Free (in-app purchases)
- Get it on the App Store
Linea offers a balanced set of tools for sketching and note-taking. It’s lightweight, intuitive, and perfect for quick ideas or detailed drawings.
Design & CAD Apps
19. SketchBook
- Requirements: iOS 13.0 or later
- Price: $24.99
- Get it on the App Store
A professional-grade drawing app with over 170 brushes, layer support, and predictive stroke. Great for illustrators and designers.
20. Affinity Photo
- Requirements: iOS 12.0 or later
- Price: $17.99
- Get it on the App Store
A full-featured Photoshop alternative for iPad. Supports RAW files, PSDs, and professional photo editing. No subscription required.
21. Affinity Publisher 2
- Requirements: iOS 16.0 or later
- Price: $17.99
- Get it on the App Store
The best InDesign alternative on iPad. Layout text, images, and graphics with precision. Perfect for publishers and designers.
22. Prêt à Template
- Requirements: iOS 16.0 or later
- Price: Free / $9.99 monthly
- Get it on the App Store
A fashion design app with templates for clothing, accessories, and more. Draw directly on garment sketches—ideal for designers.
23. Concepts
- Requirements: iOS 15.0 or later
- Price: Free (in-app purchases)
- Get it on the App Store
An infinite canvas app with vector-based tools for architects, designers, and artists. Highly customizable and precise.
24. Morpholio Trace
- Requirements: iOS 15.6 or later
- Price: Free (in-app purchases)
- Get it on the App Store
Built for architects and interior designers. Sketch over 3D models, use scale rulers, and create professional plans.
25. Sketchar
- Requirements: iOS 16.0 or later
- Price: Free (in-app purchases)
- Get it on the App Store
An AR-based app that helps you learn drawing and create digital designs over real-world backgrounds. Great for beginners.
26. Procreate Dreams
- Requirements: iOS 16.3 or later
- Price: $19.99
- Get it on the App Store
The ultimate animation app for iPad. Bring your illustrations to life with powerful and intuitive tools.
27. uMake
- Requirements: iOS 15.6 or later
- Price: Free / $9.99 monthly
- Get it on the App Store
A 3D design app that lets you sketch in 2D and convert into 3D models. Great for prototyping and conceptual work.
28. Shapr3D
- Requirements: iOS 14.0 or later
- Price: Free (in-app purchases)
- Get it on the App Store
A professional CAD app optimized for iPad and Apple Pencil. Perfect for engineers and product designers.
29. Adobe Acrobat
- Requirements: iOS 17.0 or later
- Price: Free (in-app purchases)
- Get it on the App Store
Edit, sign, and annotate PDFs with ease using Apple Pencil. Syncs with Adobe Cloud. Essential for document workflows.
Games for Apple Pencil
30. Donut County
- Requirements: iPadOS 10.0+
- Price: $4.99
- Get it on the App Store
Control a hole and swallow everything in sight. Charming, funny, and perfect for pencil play.
31. Brain Dots
- Requirements: iPadOS 15.6+
- Price: Free (ad-free for $3.99)
- Get it on the App Store
A simple but addictive puzzle game where you draw lines to guide balls. Ideal for quick sessions.
32. Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp
- Requirements: iPadOS 14.0+
- Price: Free (in-app purchases)
- Get it on the App Store
Manage your campsite with style. The Apple Pencil makes decorating and designing more precise and fun.
Final Thoughts
The right app can unlock the full potential of your Apple Pencil. Whether you’re taking notes, creating art, designing in 3D, or just having fun, there’s an app here for you. Happy creating!
