The best iPad apps to unlock and test your skills

There are several iPad apps that can help you explore and showcase your art. Although the iPad started out as a simple device that could be used to browse content or browse the web on the go, Apple has transformed its iPads into powerful machines that can be used for things like creating digital art and editing videos.

Below is a list of the best iPad productivity apps available on the App Store.

Before we get into the list, it’s important to note that although Adobe’s creative apps are often the top choices for the iPad, this list won’t include them because they’re already popular. Instead, this list will focus on lesser-known programs.

Give it away

Give it away is one of the the most popular photo software for the iPad, and for good reason. This software allows you to create digital drawings, sketches, and photos using a variety of brushes. Procreate is easy to use and has standard controls, as well as a simple interface.

The app allows for high-resolution canvases up to 16K and 8K on compatible iPad models. It also allows you to create text, GIFs, animations, and simple videos. Additionally, you can import image files such as JPG, PNG, and TIFF. Procreate includes several features designed to help you create on your iPad, such as QuickShape, StreamLine, Drawing Assist, and ColorDrop.

Once you’ve finished creating your episode, you can relive your creative journey with the “Replay” feature and share a 30-second clip on social media.

You can get Procreate with a one-time payment of $12.99.

LumaFusion

LumaFusion is a great video editing program if you’re ready to graduate from iMovie. The software has many useful features that make it ideal for aspiring videographers or filmmakers on a budget.

With LumaFusion, you can create multiple edits with 4K ProRes and HDR media. You can add different effects, choose from many settings, and write voiceovers. The software allows you to create multi-faceted themes and insert text and images. Plus, you can fine-tune your audio with Graphic EQ, Parametric EQ, Voice isolation, and more.

The software allows you to create projects with different aspect ratios, including 16:9 aspect ratio, 9:16 aspect ratio, square, transparent film, anamorphic, and more.

LumaFusion is available for a one-time payment of $29.99. You can also purchase additional features, such as multi-camera editing and exporting your project to Final Cut Pro for Mac.

Canvas

Canvas he gives easy to use platform which allows anyone to create visuals, even without artwork. You can use it to create presentations, infographics, videos, websites, social media posts, and more with over 250,000 templates.

Canva has tools to edit images, edit content with logos and images, add audio, download and speed up video.

The platform also has a series of AI features designed to make the creative process easier. For example, you can add a picture using “Magic Switch” or convert ideas into pictures with “Magic Media.”

Canva is free but offers a monthly subscription for $12.99 if you want unlimited access to its AI features, advanced templates, and more.

Affinity Designer 2

Affinity Designer 2 is a drawing program that combines vector design, pixel art, and retouching into a single platform. It’s great for graphic designers, web developers, game developers, and other developers.

This software allows you to create graphics, branding, logos, graphics, UI/UX design, typography, posters, brochures, flyers, stickers, graphics, digital art, and more. It supports the Apple Pencil’s accuracy, sensitivity, and performance.

Affinity Designer 2 features manual controls to speed up your workflow, and lets you select keyboard shortcuts. You can also do things like create your own font and view in over 1,000,000% detail.

You can use the app for a one-time payment of $18.49.

Thoughts

Thoughts it’s a great app to visualize your ideas and test designs. You can use this program to draw plans, write notes and mind maps, and record notes and designs.

The app includes Nudge, Slice, and Select tools that allow you to change anything in your drawing without redrawing it. The app features realistic pens, pencils, and brushes that move quickly and tilt.

Concepts gives you access to measurement tools that calculate real-world dimensions, and has a tool wheel or toolbar that you can customize to your liking.

The app’s essential features are free. Concepts offers a $4.99 monthly subscription if you want access to additional features, such as the ability to create your own brushes and advanced editing tools.