These are the iPad accessories for artists that I actually use and trust in my own art studio, classroom, and travel kit. They make my drawing experience on my iPad smoother, more comfortable, and just better. Get inspired and build your own dream iPad drawing kit!
Quick jump:
- Must-have iPad accessories for artists
- Useful iPad accessories for artists
- Artist accessories by iPad model (iPad Pro, Air, A16, Mini)
- Artist accessories for iPad: desk, couch, and travel setups
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Must-have iPad accessories for artists
These three are my non-negotiables for iPad artist accessories: the right Apple Pencil, a protective hard case, and a paper-feel screen protector. Together, they solve 95% of the comfort and control challenges you’ll feel when drawing in Procreate.
Apple Pencil (choose the right one for your iPad)
If you draw, this is essential. Which Pencil you should buy depends on your iPad model:
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Newest
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2nd-gen
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1st-gen
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Compatible with: iPad Pro M4/M5; iPad Air M2/M3/M4 and iPad Mini 7 PRO Generation Apple Pencil :: Next Level Drawing and Painting Experience 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 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) Second Generation Apple Pencil :: Best Drawing and Painting Experience Features: Hover, Double-tap, Pixel-Perfect Precision, Tilt and Pressure Sensitivity, Low Latency for Note-Taking, Drawing, and Art. Attaches, Charges, and Pairs Magnetically |
Compatible with: iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th (10.2″); iPad 10 (10.9″) and iPad A16 (11″), iPad Mini (5th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st, 2nd generation) and iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 9.7-inch First Generation Apple Pencil Features: Pixel-Perfect Precision, Tilt and Pressure Sensitivity, Low Latency for Note-Taking, Drawing, and Art. |
Compatible with: iPad Pro M4/M5; iPad Air M2/M3/M4 and iPad Mini 7
PRO Generation Apple Pencil :: Next Level Drawing and Painting Experience
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 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)
Second Generation Apple Pencil :: Best Drawing and Painting Experience
Features: Hover, Double-tap, Pixel-Perfect Precision, Tilt and Pressure Sensitivity, Low Latency for Note-Taking, Drawing, and Art. Attaches, Charges, and Pairs Magnetically
Compatible with: iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th (10.2″); iPad 10 (10.9″) and iPad A16 (11″), iPad Mini (5th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st, 2nd generation) and iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 9.7-inch
First Generation Apple Pencil
Features: Pixel-Perfect Precision, Tilt and Pressure Sensitivity, Low Latency for Note-Taking, Drawing, and Art.
Protective hard case with Pencil holder
A rigid case protects the corners, improves grip, and (crucially) gives you comfortable viewing and drawing angles.
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Value Pick
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Premium
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Available for different iPad models and in different colors |
Available for different iPad models and in different colors |
Available for different iPad models and in different colors
Available for different iPad models and in different colors
Paperlike screen protector
🌟 NEW Bubble-Free Butterfly Install System
For iPad Air 13 (M2/M3 - 2024/25) & iPad Pro 13 (M4/M5 - 2024/25) - also available for other models
True Paper-Feel, Protects Pencil Tip
Glass is slippery. A paper-feel film adds controlled friction so strokes land where you intend, and it reduces smudges and glare under studio lights.
Paperlike 3 uses updated Nanodots texture that preserves clarity better than older matte films.
Useful iPad accessories for artists
🤩 Grab my popular FREE Procreate Brush pack, plus color palettes, prompt lists, and more creative goodies!
These aren’t mandatory on day one, but they quickly pay off in comfort, speed, and reliability as your sessions get longer or more mobile.
Apple Pencil grips
Compatible with Apple Pencil 1st & 2nd Generation, USB-C & Pro. Designed to reduce hand fatigue & cramping during long productivity sessions. Compatible with magnetic and manual charging without removal
A good grip reduces hand fatigue and improves control on long inking sessions. Paperlike Pencil Grips (two shapes in the pack) are my go-to; they fit Apple Pencil Pro/1/2.
Replacement Pencil tips (standard + textured)
Pencil tips wear, and even faster if you use paperlike feel screen protectors. Keep Apple’s official tip 4-pack handy. If you want a touch more bite on glass or Paperlike, Paperlike Pencil Tips are a nice textured alternative.
External Pencil pouch (if you don’t like case holder)
If your case is minimalist, use a zip pouch so your stylus isn’t rattling in your bag. I like the MoKo Pencil Case (slim, with elastic band), or adhesive elastic sleeves you stick on any folio.
In case you don't want a case with integrated pencil holder
Protective soft case
Even if I use the hard case, I like to use extra soft protective case made from felt to avoid any scratches when I carry my iPad in my backpack.
Drawing glove
A two-finger glove reduces palm friction/accidental touches, especially with sweaty hands or on textured films. The Paperlike Artist Glove and Huion gloves are both great and inexpensive. Many artists share that a glove can be a quiet an improvement for control. Find out more in my article on drawing gloves for iPads.
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Artist Glove for Drawing on Tablets (Right and Left Hand; 3 Sizes: S, M, L) |
One Size, Good for Right Hand or Left Hand |
Artist Glove for Drawing on Tablets (Right and Left Hand; 3 Sizes: S, M, L)
One Size, Good for Right Hand or Left Hand
Drawing stand and drawing board (portable)
Angle matters for posture and line quality. I recommend these dependable drawing stands and a drawing board …
If you like a lap-board or desk-board feel, the drawing board surrounds the iPad so your hand can rest on a flat surface which is great for long drawing sessions.
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Professional
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Value Pick
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Board
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Rock-Solid & Adjustable | Tablet Stand Holder Dock for Drawing | iPad, Pro, Air, Mini, Nexus, Kindle, Laptop Stand |
For Drawing Tablets, Monitors, Compatible with iPad, Microsoft Surface Pro Series, and Laptops from 10″ to 16″. The tilt angle can be easily adjusted from 15° to 90°. |
Portable & Adjustable 5 Angles | Compatible with all iPad models | Available in different colors |
Rock-Solid & Adjustable | Tablet Stand Holder Dock for Drawing | iPad, Pro, Air, Mini, Nexus, Kindle, Laptop Stand
For Drawing Tablets, Monitors, Compatible with iPad, Microsoft Surface Pro Series, and Laptops from 10″ to 16″. The tilt angle can be easily adjusted from 15° to 90°.
Portable & Adjustable 5 Angles | Compatible with all iPad models | Available in different colors
External storage (animation files & backups)
For backing up Procreate files and working on Procreate Dreams animations, storage space matters. I recommend the more expensive SSD for animation where reading/writing speeds matters more. Find out more in my post about external hard drive for Procreate.
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My Pick
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Portable
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For Creators
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I've been using WD (Western Digital) hard drivers since I remember, and I recently upgraded to the USB-C version, which is formatted for macOS and iPadOS. It connects to both my iPad Pro and my MacBook instantly, and I use it to back up my Procreate artworks. |
I think this SanDisk Extreme Portable hard drive is for Procreate artists who are on the move a lot and want a reliable hard drive that is super fast and withstands extreme handling. |
LaCie Mobile drive is an external hard drive used by many of my artist friends, and they praise its design, price, and storage options. Plus, you are getting a one month of Adobe CC subscription. |
I've been using WD (Western Digital) hard drivers since I remember, and I recently upgraded to the USB-C version, which is formatted for macOS and iPadOS. It connects to both my iPad Pro and my MacBook instantly, and I use it to back up my Procreate artworks.
I think this SanDisk Extreme Portable hard drive is for Procreate artists who are on the move a lot and want a reliable hard drive that is super fast and withstands extreme handling.
LaCie Mobile drive is an external hard drive used by many of my artist friends, and they praise its design, price, and storage options. Plus, you are getting a one month of Adobe CC subscription.
Portable projector (murals, workshops)
For tracing murals or projecting demos in class, compact projectors with USB-C/HDMI and screen-mirroring are perfect. Read more in my post about the best art projectors.
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Budget Pick
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Value Pick
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Professional
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Throw distance from 30″ (A3) to 100″ (3m) :: Throw ratio 3.3:1 :: Art software with art grids :: Portable :: HD resolution :: Auto Focus and Keystone Correction :: Remote Control :: Wi-Fi screen sharing |
Best value digital projector for artists, tracing, canvas painting, and murals Throw distance from 25″ (A2) to 110″ (3m) :: Throw ratio 1.5:1 :: 5 built-in art grids :: Portable :: HD resolution :: Manual Focus and Keystone Correction :: Touchpad and Remote Control :: Wi-Fi screen sharing :: Monopod Arm Clamp Stand |
Best portable projector for artists, tracing, canvas painting, and indoor murals Easy to carry, weights less than 1lb (~400g) || 2 hours rechargeable battery run time || Triple RGB LEDs with 30k hours lifespan || Max 4K resolution || Throw distance from 10″ (A4) to 150″ (4m) || Throw ratio 1.2:1 || 36 built-in grid patterns || Vertical keystone || Many connectivity options |
Throw distance from 30″ (A3) to 100″ (3m) :: Throw ratio 3.3:1 :: Art software with art grids :: Portable :: HD resolution :: Auto Focus and Keystone Correction :: Remote Control :: Wi-Fi screen sharing
Best value digital projector for artists, tracing, canvas painting, and murals
Throw distance from 25″ (A2) to 110″ (3m) :: Throw ratio 1.5:1 :: 5 built-in art grids :: Portable :: HD resolution :: Manual Focus and Keystone Correction :: Touchpad and Remote Control :: Wi-Fi screen sharing :: Monopod Arm Clamp Stand
Best portable projector for artists, tracing, canvas painting, and indoor murals
Easy to carry, weights less than 1lb (~400g) || 2 hours rechargeable battery run time || Triple RGB LEDs with 30k hours lifespan || Max 4K resolution || Throw distance from 10″ (A4) to 150″ (4m) || Throw ratio 1.2:1 || 36 built-in grid patterns || Vertical keystone || Many connectivity options
Power bank (travel kit)
Look for USB-C PD output ≥45–65W so you can top up an iPad fast. I carry:
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Higher capacity
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Compact
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Travel Essential Portable Charger for iPad with Built-in USB-C Cable, 3-Port 87W Max Fast Charging Battery Pack |
Compact Travel-Ready Battery Pack for iPad with PowerIQ Charging Technology, 5V/3A High-Speed Charging |
Travel Essential Portable Charger for iPad with Built-in USB-C Cable, 3-Port 87W Max Fast Charging Battery Pack
Compact Travel-Ready Battery Pack for iPad with PowerIQ Charging Technology, 5V/3A High-Speed Charging
Keyboard case (typing captions, emails, course notes)
When I’m lesson-planning or sending deliverables, a keyboard case keeps me in flow:
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Value Pick
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Premium
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With Trackpad and Smart Connector for iPad | Available for different iPad models |
Great Typing Experience, Built-in Trackpad, Function Row || Available for different iPad models |
With Trackpad and Smart Connector for iPad | Available for different iPad models
Great Typing Experience, Built-in Trackpad, Function Row || Available for different iPad models
Headphones (focus & video editing)
When you need to reach deep focus or you are editing your videos:
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Value Pick
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Earbuds
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Premium
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2X Stronger Voice Reduction, 40H ANC Playtime, App Control, LDAC Hi-Res Wireless Audio, Comfortable Fit, Clear Calls, Bluetooth 5.3 |
Active Noise Cancellation, Live Translation, Heart Rate Sensing, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, USB-C Charging |
Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Pro-Level Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone - Starlight |
2X Stronger Voice Reduction, 40H ANC Playtime, App Control, LDAC Hi-Res Wireless Audio, Comfortable Fit, Clear Calls, Bluetooth 5.3
Active Noise Cancellation, Live Translation, Heart Rate Sensing, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, USB-C Charging
Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Pro-Level Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone - Starlight
Artist accessories by iPad model
Different iPads pair best with different sizes of drawing accessories for artists. Use this quick map to avoid compatibility headaches.
Drawing accessories for iPad Pro M4/M5 (11″ or 13″)
Drawing accessories for iPad Air (M4/M3/M2)
Drawing accessories for iPad 11th-gen (A16, 2025)
Drawing accessories for iPad 10th-gen (10.9″)
Drawing accessories for iPad Mini 7th and 6th-gen (8.3″)
Artist accessories for iPad: desk, couch, and travel setups
iPad kit for drawing at a desk (my everyday)
Based on your iPad, get Appel Pencil 2 or Apple Pencil 1
Artist Glove for Drawing on Tablets (Right and Left Hand; 3 Sizes: S, M, L)
iPad kit for drawing on a couch (or bed)
Based on your iPad, get Appel Pencil 2 or Apple Pencil 1
iPad drawing kit for travel and drawing on the go
Based on your iPad, get Appel Pencil 2 or Apple Pencil 1
Why these iPad accessories work for artists (quick rationale)
- Control & precision: Pencil + Paperlike 3 + grips/tips measurably improve line placement, especially for inking. (You’ll see this echoed across artist communities, too.)
- Comfort: A stand or board changes your wrist angle and reduces shoulder/neck tension.
- Reliability: SSDs prevent time-sink crashes during exports; a quality case saves you from “one-drop” disasters.
- Compatibility clarity: In 2026, Pencil Pro is for the newest Pro/Air/Mini, while iPad 11th-gen (A16) is Apple Pencil 1 only, that’s the single biggest point people get wrong.
Final notes from my studio
- Start with the three must-haves. If budget is tight, get Apple Pencil + Paperlike 3 + a sturdy case. You can add grips, a glove, and a stand later as your sessions get longer.
- Prioritize screen feel and ergonomics over flashy gadgets because those two things show up in your drawing experience the fastest.
- When buying cases/keyboard cases, triple-check the model (M4/M5 vs M2/M3 vs A16) in the listing title to avoid returns.
Hope this guide has helped you get inspiration for your drawing accessories and you will have a lot of fun with your artworks!
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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 »
