Hey there! If you’re using the latest version of Procreate, it’s essential to choose a pencil that’s fully supported by Procreate. That means you’ll want to select one that provides pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and palm rejection.
The choices can be overwhelming, so I’ve created this guide to help you find the best pen for Procreate and your iPad. Let’s dive in!
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Overview: Compatible Pencils and Pens for Procreate 5.3+ and 5.4+
You might be surprised to learn that the options are actually quite limited.
Since version 5.3 of Procreate, the app doesn’t support any third-party pen that doesn’t use Apple Pencil technology.
This Procreate update removed the “Connect Third-Party Stylus” option from the app’s Preferences. In older versions, users could pair supported third-party pens via Connect Third-Party Stylus (for brands like Adonit or Wacom). After the Procreate 5.3 update, that menu is gone – a clear sign that Procreate no longer expects or supports non-Apple stylus input. Procreate 5.3 also eliminated the app’s built-in “Palm Support” setting (palm-rejection mechanism) because it was no longer needed once third-party stylus support was dropped.
In fact, the only four pen options that are fully supported by Procreate are all Apple Pencil variations:
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NEW
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My Pick
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1st Gen
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USB-C
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Alternative
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My rating:
5.0
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My rating:
5.0
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My rating:
4.5
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My rating:
3.5
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My rating:
3.0
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Procreate compatible:
✅ Yes
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Procreate compatible:
✅ Yes
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Procreate compatible:
✅ Yes
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Procreate compatible:
🟠 Yes but not recommended
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Procreate compatible:
🟠 Yes but not recommended
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Compatibility:
Compatible with iPad Pro M4/M5, iPad Air M2/M3/M4 and iPad Mini 7
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Compatibility:
Compatible with: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th, 5th, 4th and 3rd generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st generation), iPad Air (5th and 4th generation) and iPad mini (6th generation)
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Compatibility:
Compatible with: iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th (10.2″), 10th (10.9″), 11th generation (11″) iPad mini (5th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st, 2nd generation), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 9.7-inch
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Compatibility:
Compatible with iPad Pro M4/M5; iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation); iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation); iPad Air M2/M3/M4; iPad Air (4th and 5th generation); iPad mini (A17 Pro), iPad mini (6th generation); and iPad (10th and 11th generation)
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Compatibility:
Compatible with iPad Pro 12.9-Inch (6th, 5th, 4th & 3rd Gen), iPad Pro 11-Inch (4th, 3rd, 2nd & 1st Gen), iPad (10th Gen), iPad Air (5th & 4th Gen), iPad Mini (6th Gen)
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Special Features:
Pressure sensitivity
Tilt support Palm rejection Automatic pairing Magnetic charging Double-tap Hover Squeeze Barrel roll |
Special Features:
Pressure sensitivity
Tilt support Palm rejection Automatic pairing Magnetic charging Double-tap Hover |
Special Features:
Pressure sensitivity
Tilt support Palm rejection Automatic pairing Lightning charging |
Special Features:
Tilt support
Palm rejection Automatic pairing USB-C charging ❌ No Pressure sensitivity |
Special Features:
Tilt support
Palm rejection Automatic pairing USB-C charging ❌ No Pressure sensitivity |
Tilt support
Palm rejection
Automatic pairing
Magnetic charging
Double-tap
Hover
Squeeze
Barrel roll
Tilt support
Palm rejection
Automatic pairing
Magnetic charging
Double-tap
Hover
Tilt support
Palm rejection
Automatic pairing
Lightning charging
Palm rejection
Automatic pairing
USB-C charging
❌ No Pressure sensitivity
Palm rejection
Automatic pairing
USB-C charging
❌ No Pressure sensitivity
💡If you are wondering about the Apple Pencil USB-C, read here: Is the NEW Apple Pencil USB-C missing pressure sensitivity good for Procreate?
🤩 Join Art Club with Iva for access to popular PROCREATE classes, workshops, creative skills practice, my drawing process, references, Procreate brushes use inspiration, and more.
So, instead of getting lost in so many different pen “claiming” they support Procreate, I will help you check which iPad model you have and which Apple Pencil version (1 or 2) is compatible with it.
Which iPad Model Do You Have?
Let’s find out which iPad model you have so you can get the right Apple Pencil for Procreate.
BTW, if you want to learn which is the best iPad for Procreate, click here to read my guide about that.
If you’re using iPadOS or iOS 12.2 or later, go to Settings > General > About > Model Name, and you will see the model of your iPad. Similar to the photo of my iPad Pro below.
If you are using an older version of iOS, you can find the instructions on how to find your iPad model number on Apple’s website. It’s easy. Either look at the back of your iPad or go to Settings > General > About again and use the part number to get the model number.
OK, did you get it? Then find the table below where I listed which Apple Pencil is compatible with which iPad model.
Best Pen for Procreate?
🤩 Grab my popular FREE Procreate Brush pack, plus color palettes, prompt lists, and more creative goodies!
Apple Pencil has always worked best with Procreate, and since Procreate version 5.3, third-party styluses are no longer supported, so you will need to get Apple Pencil.
Which Apple Pencil should you get, then? Use the helpful table below to decide:
| Your iPad Model | Compatible Apple Pencil |
|---|---|
| NEW iPad Pro 13 and iPad Pro 11 M5 and iPad Pro 13 and iPad Pro 11 M4 | Apple Pencil Pro |
| NEW iPad Air 13 M4, iPad Air 11 M4 and iPad Air 13 M3, iPad Air 11 M3 | Apple Pencil Pro |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th, 4th and 3rd generation) | Apple Pencil 2 |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd, 2nd and 1st generation) | Apple Pencil 2 |
| iPad Air (5th and 4th generation) | Apple Pencil 2 |
| iPad Mini (7th generation) | Apple Pencil Pro |
| iPad Mini (6th generation) | Apple Pencil 2 |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st, 2nd generation) | Apple Pencil |
| iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th (10.2″), 10th (10.9″), 11th (11″) generation) | Apple Pencil |
| iPad mini (5th generation) | Apple Pencil |
| iPad Air (3rd generation) | Apple Pencil |
| iPad Pro 10.5-inch | Apple Pencil |
| iPad Pro 9.7-inch | Apple Pencil |
Join 1000s of artists and get my custom-made Procreate brushes - 🎨 Watercolor Brush Set, 🖌️ Gouache Brush Set, ✏️ Sketching Brush Set, and more ...
What is the Best Apple Pencil for Procreate?
The best Apple Pencil for Procreate is Apple Pencil Pro or Apple Pencil 2, also called Apple Pencil 2nd generation.
If you have iPad from before or the latest iPad 10.9″, you will need to get the original Apple Pencil, also called Apple Pencil 1st generation.
Apple Pencil Pro
Features: Hover, Double-tap, Squeeze, Barrel roll, Pixel-Perfect Precision, Tilt and Pressure Sensitivity, Low Latency for Note-Taking, Drawing, and Art. Attaches, Charges, and Pairs Magnetically
Compatible with iPad Pro M5/M4, iPad Air M2/M3/M4 and iPad Mini 7
Apple Pencil Pro Specs
- Pressure sensitivity
- Tilt support
- Palm rejection
- Automatic pairing
- Magnetic charging
- Double-tap shortcut – for switching tools and getting to your favorite Procreate tools
- Hover function – shows a preview of your selected brush before you use it (only available for iOS 16.1 and later on the 2022 iPad Pro 12.9, Pro 11, and 2025 Pro 13 M5, Pro 11 M5, 2024 Pro 13 M4, Pro 11 M4; 2026 Air 13 M4, Air 11 M4; 2025 Air 13 M3, Air 11 M3 and 2024 Air 13 M2, Air 11 M2)
- Squeeze feature – setup a shortcut in Procreate – my favorite is the color picker
- Barrel roll – change orientation of supporting Procreate brushes
- Haptic feedback – gentle vibration to confirm actions such as Procreate selection tool
- “Find My” support – setup your Apple Pencil in the “Find My” app so you never lose it
Apple Pencil 2
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My Pick
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Recommended
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Recommended
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Second Generation Apple Pencil :: Best Drawing and Painting Experience Compatible with:
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🌟 NEW Bubble-Free Butterfly Install System True Paper-Feel, Protects Pencil Tip |
I recommend you get them if you use a matte Paperlike screen protector |
Second Generation Apple Pencil :: Best Drawing and Painting Experience
Compatible with:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th, 5th, 4th and 3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st generation)
- iPad Air (5th and 4th generation)
- and iPad mini (6th generation)
🌟 NEW Bubble-Free Butterfly Install System
True Paper-Feel, Protects Pencil Tip
I recommend you get them if you use a matte Paperlike screen protector
Apple Pencil 2 Specs
- Pressure sensitivity
- Tilt support
- Palm rejection
- Automatic pairing
- Magnetic charging
- Double-tap shortcut – for switching tools and getting to your favorite Procreate tools
- Hover function – shows a preview of your selected brush before you use it (only available for iOS 16.1 and later on the 2022 iPad Pro 12.9, Pro 11, and 2025 Pro 13 M5, Pro 11 M5, 2024 Pro 13 M4, Pro 11 M4; 2026 Air 13 M4, Air 11 M4; 2025 Air 13 M3, Air 11 M3, Air 13 M2, Air 11 M2)
Apple Pencil 2, or 2nd generation, is the Apple Pencil I’ve been using for the past couple of years with my iPad Pro 12.9″. I upgraded from iPad Pro 10.5″ and the original Apple Pencil, which I had used for a few years before.
I must say that by upgrading to iPad Pro 12.9″ with Apple Pencil 2 from the original Apple Pencil and iPad Pro 10.5″ has been amazing.
Out of the box, Apple Pencil 2 was much easier to pair with my iPad Pro. And thanks to its ability to magnetically attach to the side of my iPad Pro, it charges automatically, and I never have to worry about running out of battery. (Well, of course, when I am out and about, drawing outside, I have to be careful my iPad Pro doesn’t run out of power :))
Apple Pencil 2 still provides the best drawing experience on iPad thanks to the pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and palm rejection. It also comes with new features, such as the double-tap shortcut and hover function.
Double-tap shortcut allows you to switch tools or create a selection of your favorite tools. And hover function, introduced with the 2022 iPad Pro 12.9″, shows a preview of your selected brush before you use it.
If you want to see me using Apple Pencil 2 on my iPad Pro 12.9″ I invite you to look at one of my Procreate classes:
Apple Pencil
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Previous Pick
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Recommended
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Recommended
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First Generation Apple Pencil Compatible with:
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🌟 NEW Bubble-Free Butterfly Install System True Paper-Feel, Protects Pencil Tip |
I recommend you get them if you use a matte Paperlike screen protector |
First Generation Apple Pencil
Compatible with:
- iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th (10.2″), 10th (10.9″) and 11th (11″) generation
- iPad mini (5th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st, 2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 9.7-inch
🌟 NEW Bubble-Free Butterfly Install System
True Paper-Feel, Protects Pencil Tip
I recommend you get them if you use a matte Paperlike screen protector
Apple Pencil Specs
- Pressure sensitivity
- Tilt support
- Palm rejection
I used the original Apple Pencil with Procreate on my first iPad Pro 10.5″, and I think it was the best introduction to Procreate I could wish for.
I remember the whole drawing experience was effortless. I just picked up the Apple Pencil, opened the Procreate App, and started doodling and exploring Procreate features.
The pressure sensitivity for drawing lighter and thicker lines, the tilt support for shading and the countless amount of Procreate brushes. I felt like a kid in a candy store 🙂
Once I became more proficient with Procreate and my design process became more efficient, there were a few things I started to notice with the original Apple Pencil. For example, using the lightning connector on my iPad Pro didn’t allow me to charge both at the same time. Or that after a while, the cap covering the connector became cracked, and I had to use washi tape to secure it.
These are, of course, minor issues and never took away from the amazing drawing experience Apple Pencil provided me on Procreate. But when I was in the flow, the charging was a tad bit annoying.
You can see me using the original Apple Pencil with my iPad Pro 10.5″ in one of my Procreate online classes:
Join 1000s of artists and get my custom-made Procreate brushes - 🎨 Watercolor Brush Set, 🖌️ Gouache Brush Set, ✏️ Sketching Brush Set, and more ...
What is the Difference Between Apple Pencil Pro, 1 and 2?
The main difference between Apple Pencil 1 and Pro & 2 is in their compatibility, charging method and supporting features.
Here are the main differences:
- Apple Pencil 2, Apple Pencil 1 and Apple Pencil Pro don’t work on the same iPad models
- Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro come with automatic pairing, magnetic charging, a double-tap shortcut, and a hover feature. On top of that Apple Pencil Pro comes with squeeze, barrel roll, haptic feedback and “Find My”
- Apple Pencil 1 has to be charged using a lightning cable or USB-C to a lightning adapter
- Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro have a design of a traditional pencil, and Apple Pencil 1 is round which can make it slippery
- Apple Pencil Pro is slightly more expensive than Apple Pencil 2, which is slightly more expensive than Apple Pencil 1
- Apple Pencil 1 has a magnetic cap covering the lightning connector
- Apple Pencil 1 has a small metallic strip under the cap
What are Some Alternatives to the Apple Pencil for Procreate?
There is only one alternative to the Apple Pencil for Procreate since Procreate version 5.3. It is Logitech Crayon digital pencil.
Logitech Crayon 2
Made with Apple Pencil® technology | Tilt sensitivity & Palm rejection | USB-C charging | 7h battery life
Compatible with iPad Pro 12.9-Inch (6th, 5th, 4th & 3rd Gen), iPad Pro 11-Inch (4th, 3rd, 2nd & 1st Gen), iPad (10th Gen), iPad Air (5th & 4th Gen), iPad Mini (6th Gen)
For older iPads, get Logitech Crayon Digital Pencil
Logitech Crayon
Made with Apple Pencil® technology | Tilt sensitivity & Palm rejection | Lightning charging | 7.5h battery life
Compatible with iPad Pro 12.9-Inch (5th, 4th & 3rd Gen), iPad Pro 11-Inch (3rd, 2nd & 1st Gen), iPad (9th, 8th, 7th & 6th Gen), iPad Air (5th, 4th & 3rd Gen), iPad Mini (6th & 5th Gen)
For the newest iPads, get Logitech Crayon 2 Digital Pencil
Unfortunately, Logitech Crayon doesn’t fully support pressure sensitivity.
If you plan to use Procreate only for drawing, Logitech Crayon may work for you. However, at a price, which is not significantly cheaper, I’d go directly for Apple Pencil.
The artist from seismic studios used the Logitec Crayon to create some Harry Potter inspired doodle art in the following video. You can see their experience with the stylus and how it is for drawing.
🤩 Join Art Club with Iva for access to popular PROCREATE classes, workshops, creative skills practice, my drawing process, references, Procreate brushes use inspiration, and more.
Summary
In this post, I provide a guide on the best stylus for Procreate, an app for digital art creation.
I highlight that since version 5.3 of Procreate, third-party styluses are no longer supported, and only Apple Pencil technology is supported.
I recommend these five styluses:
- Apple Pencil Pro
- Apple Pencil 2nd generation
- Apple Pencil 1st generation
- Logitech Crayon 2 Digital Pencil
Along with a Paperlike matte screen protector and original Apple Pencil Tips.
I hope my guide has helped you choose your new Apple Pencil for Procreate, and you will have a lot of fun drawing, painting, and illustrating in this amazing app.
Happy drawing!
Lire cet article en français 🇫🇷 : ✏️ Quel crayon pour Procreate
Lies diesen Artikel auf Deutsch 🇩🇪 : ✏️ Beste Stifte zum Zeichnen auf dem iPad mit Procreate
Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »
