Which iPad is Best for Digital Art and Design Projects?
Complete Guide
illustration of Interior Sketching
As a design visualization artist, I use my iPad to create sketches, 3D models, and final presentations for design projects. Here’s my guide to help you choose the right iPad for your creative work.

Any iPad compatible with Apple Pencil can be used for drawing, but when it comes to working on design projects—whether simple or complex—having the ability to create multiple layers in apps like Procreate is a game-changer.

The more layers your iPad allows, the easier it is to manage and refine different elements of your design, from basic sketches to more intricate details.

Best iPads for Design Visualization
  1. Latest iPad Pro (M4 chip)
  • Maximum layer support in Procreate
  • Perfect for 3D modeling in Live Home 3D Pro
  • 13-inch display ideal for detailed work

2.iPad Pro (M2/M1 chip)
  • Excellent for both 3D modeling and sketching
  • 12.9-inch display
  • Professional-grade performance

3.iPad Air
  • Great value option
  • Handles most design tasks well
  • Perfect for beginners


So, I suggest paying attention to the following characteristics:

✔️ How many layers can be made on iPad in the exact resolution

✔️ Storage
The more, the better. I recommend a minimum 256 Gb. One image usually takes 300 MB. of space, so memory fills up fast enough when you are drawing actively.
I have 1T on my iPad.

✔️ Apple pencil
I always recommend using only Apple Pencil as a stylus for iPad because the Apple pencil has pressure sensitivity, giving incredible drawing possibilities.

✔️ Size of the screen. I use the iPad in the biggest size - 12.9 or 13 for new iPad 2024 I like it. This size is very convenient; it's the same as A4 paper.

I have made a comparison table of different iPads to see how many layers can be in various models of iPads. See this table ibelow:

if you have any questions please feel free to ask me in DM or by email: kate@sketch1story.art

chart

To create My Illustration I use this Workflow

For creating hand-drawn renderings, I use two iPad apps: Live Home 3D Pro for building the 3D model and Procreate for the drawing process. All textures, fabrics, and details are accurately depicted to scale in the illustration, effectively showcasing the design concept.
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