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Want to transform your ideas into printable designs on the go? Find out how to turn your iPad into a design powerhouse with the eleven essentials for creators.

Photo by Cristofer Maximilian on Unsplash

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Do you ever find yourself inspired at the most unexpected moments and simply wish you could capture that burst of creativity right then and there?  Or, maybe wondering how convenient it would be to have a design studio right in your backpack.

Well, your wish is granted!

With the iPad in your hand, you can certainly turn this handy device into a powerful and portable design studio whenever you want to. 

So, are you ready to explore the world of printable design right now? 

Here is a list of the top eleven iPad essentials for creators to finally bring their creative designs to life, anytime and anywhere:

1. Procreate App

Image by Procreate

Having a canvas, studio, and a vibrant world of colors right at the fingertips is just like a dream for every artist out there. 

Well, that’s exactly what you will get using the Procreate app. And with the power of the iPad, they can instantly become one’s playground for creating their wildest artistic dreams. 

So, whether you are an aspiring artist, a professional, or just curious about digital design, this app is the ultimate platform for you. 

From offering an array of brushes to some incredible designs and user-friendly interfaces – you can easily sketch, paint, and even animate your ideas in the app. 

Photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash

And in case you need some inspiration or don’t know how to use procreate, no need to stress out. This app is pretty simple to use. Once you start using it, you will just fall in love. 

The best part? Well, be it a park or a restaurant, you can always let your imagination run wild and see your creative ideas come to life, all with a few taps and swipes. Because with Procreate on your iPad, your ideas don’t have to wait for the perfect moment. Instead, every moment is a perfect one!

2. Apple Pencil

Photo by Crystal Y on Unsplash

Apple Pencil is not just a stylus; it is a sleek and lightweight accessory that grants you the ultimate accuracy and polish of a true artist. In other words, it is a brush that helps to connect your digital planning on the iPad.

And with amazing pressure sensitivity, palm rejection technology, and pinpoint precision – it just feels supernatural. 

From fine lines to broad strokes, you can do everything effortlessly. No more worries about smudging or creating imperfect lines!

While for the most rewarding part, besides artists, it is perfect for note-takers, doodlers, and anyone wanting to bring a personal touch to their digital world.

3. Portable Stand

Photo by Sayan Majhi on Unsplash

Creating art or designing projects can sometimes turn into a back-breaking ordeal, especially if you are working on the iPad for hours without taking any sort of breaks. 

This is where the portable stand comes in handy: Always ready to offer you the right angle, saving you from the ultimate neck cramps and stained eyes. Also, the stands are foldable and extremely light in weight, so you can easily slip it in your backpack along with all the other essentials, 

Gone are those days when you need to search for the perfect spot to work on. 

Want to work on a coffee shop table, your kitchen counter, or in your lap – just set up the stand, open the iPad anytime, anywhere, and you are all good to go.

The freedom is all yours!

4. Screen Protector and Cleaning Kit

Photo by Maury Page on Unsplash

Screen protector? 

Is it even necessary? Of course it is!

After all, like any other artist, you certainly would want to keep your iPad super clean and spotless. 

Meanwhile, the screen protector also works like a shield in offering the protection it needs from any scratches or accidental spills. In addition, they are crystal clear so that all your vibrant designs can shine through without glitches. 

However, what is a canvas without a clean surface? This is where the cleaning kit swoops in. They are like the magic wand that just whips out all the fingerprints and other dirt lingering around. And with a few gentle swipes, it will become all clear as the day you unbox your brand-new iPad.

5. Good Lighting 

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

Does all your creativity and crazy drawing ideas tend to hit your brain at night, and you are all stuck with dim lighting?

Well, this is where the good lighting comes to the rescue!

After all, be it sketching, editing photos, or designing graphics, a well-lit environment is of utmost importance. 

Not only does it lessen the eye strain, it also ensures you can see each detail more precisely. They are also really helpful in setting the ambiance and making your creative process much smoother and enjoyable. Hence, invest in good-quality portable LED lights or find places with ample natural light. 

6. External Battery/ Power Bank

Suppose you are completely in your zone and drawing the best digital masterpiece on your iPad. What a scene to even imagine!
However, all of a sudden, the dreaded low-battery warning pops up. 

Talk about a creativity buzzkill!

Instead of focusing on your work, all your attention will be directed to panic attacks if you cannot charge it right on time.

That’s why having an external battery or power bank is vital. They are like the iPad lifeline, and whenever needed, you can plug it in and get back to your work without having to worry!

7. Wireless Keyboard

Photo by Daniel Korpai on Unsplash

Wireless keyboard?

Yes, they work like magical wonders, with the help of which you can immediately convert your iPad into a portable workstation. 

They are super efficient and portable. Also, you can connect them seamlessly to the iPad through Bluetooth.

No cramped touchscreen typing or having to carry around a bulky laptop!

Plus, the key’s tactile feedback is so natural and satisfying that you will feel at your best potential. 

Last but not least, they are incredibly simple to switch between the iPad and other equipment. And, of course, it’s easy to carry around in your bag/pocket.

8. Cloud Storage

A new idea happens to strike, and while opening your iPad, all you get is a huge surprise stating there is no space left for your next big idea!

Well, that’s where the cloud storage steps in, offering tons of space!

And for the best record, you can access it from anywhere in the world, and it will be safely stored in the virtual storage. So you don’t have to worry about losing your work in case of unexpected occurrences. 

Alongside, you can even sync all your latest designs, share your work with collaborators, and access the files from different devices. There are just no limitations to being tied up to a single device. 

There is also this automatic synchronization feature here that makes sure that every edit you make on your iPad is reflected on every other device, making the entire work a total breeze and stress-free!

9. Noise-Canceling Headphones

Photo by Karolina Grabowska

Is the surrounding noise creating an issue distracting you from your work? Time to put on your noise-canceling headphones!

Besides, one of the specialties of these devices is that they have the ultimate power to convert your chaotic environment into a peaceful one. 

They work like a total charm in keeping you aloof from all kinds of distractions and interruptions of the outside world. So, you can comfortably get in your work zone and create the masterpiece you are dreaming of!

10. High-Resolution Image Scanners

High-resolution image scanners are like a portal to another dimension that can bring your analog creations into the digital realm. In fact, with a simple scan, you can convert this tangible piece of art into a pixel-perfect image – preserving every tiny detail and variation!

Plus, it is also a great way to breathe new life into old images, giving them a fresh and digital lease on life. So, whether you are planning to archive a collection or create digital art, these scanners on the iPad will make the whole process a breeze. 

11. Color Palette Apps

Coolors.co

From evoking emotions to telling stories and captivating audiences – the color is undoubtedly the lifeblood of the design. And for artists, having the perfect color palette is like having all the powers at their fingertips.

For example, you are taking a stroll through a botanical garden, and suddenly, you are mesmerized by the vibrant colors of the flowers. And thus, you want to capture them. 

What to do?

This is where a color palette app steps up to the game!

After all, with a palette app, you can create, save, and experiment with color combinations. It makes sure each of the designs is visually appealing and to the point. 

These palette apps often come with features, such as color picking from photos, producing color schemes, and even stimulating how various colors look under different lighting conditions. In other words, these palette apps make sure you never miss out on any opportunities to catch a color that ignites your creativity.

However, the best part is certainly its user-friendliness, which makes the task much easier and faster for everyone. 

Examples: Coolors.co, Adobe Color, Khroma

Wrapping Up

Well, there you go, our top eleven picks for iPad essentials. You just need the right tools and knowledge to turn your device into your canvas whenever necessary.

And for the best part, the next time you are struck by a brilliant idea, you won’t have to wait until you are back at your desk. Instead, you can do it instantly, no matter where you are. 

Happy Creating!

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