Hey there, I’ve been animating in Procreate Dreams since it was released back in November 2023, and I think it’s really an exciting way to breathe life into my illustrations.
In my previous post, I answered what iPad I recommend for Procreate Dreams, and in this post, I will be sharing my recommendation for the best stylus artists should use with Procreate Dreams. Let’s have a look!
Pen Compatibility with Procreate Dreams
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There are only six (6) pens compatible with Procreate Dreams, and they are all made using the Apple Pencil technology.
Which one you should get depends on 1/ your iPad model and 2/ whether you want pressure sensitivity (e.g., if you work with textures and painterly strokes). Find the overview of styluses compatible with Procreate Dreams below:
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
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
Main Criteria for Choosing the Best Pen for Procreate Dreams
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Get a Pen that Uses Apple Pencil Technology
Since Procreate 5.3, the Procreate app supports only styluses made using Apple Pencil. Procreate Dreams has the same requirement.
There are only six styluses made using the Apple Pencil technology – Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil 2, Apple Pencil 1, Apple Pencil USB-C, Logitech Crayon, or Logitech Crayon 2.
Which one you should get depends on your iPad model and whether you need the pressure sensitivity.
Choose a Pen Based on Your iPad Model
Because of the compatibility, your iPad model decides which stylus you should get. Find the supported stylus compatibility overview in the table below:
| Stylus | iPad Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Apple Pencil Pro | iPad Pro 13-inch M4, iPad Pro 11-inch M4, iPad Air 13-inch M2, iPad Air 11-inch M2, iPad Air 13-inch M3, iPad Air 11-inch M3 |
| Apple Pencil 2 | 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) |
| Apple Pencil 1 | iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th (10.2″), 10th (10.9″ 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 |
| Apple Pencil USB-C | iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th generation); iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th generation), iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (4th, and 5th generation), iPad mini (6th generation) |
| Logitech Crayon 2 | 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) |
| Logitech Crayon | 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) |
Do you need a Pen with Pressure Sensitivity?
Pressure sensitivity in a stylus allows you to vary the thickness and intensity of your lines and textures just by changing how hard you press.
This feature adds depth and realism to your digital artwork, making it feel more like drawing with traditional tools.
Only Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil 1 and Apple Pencil 2 come with pressure sensitivity sensors, so if you want to use this feature, choose one of these based on your iPad.
FAQs – What Stylus works with Procreate Dreams
No, Procreate Dreams doesn’t work with any stylus. You will need a stylus made using Apple Pencil technology. I recommend Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil 1 or Apple Pencil 2, depending on your iPad model.
If your pen is lagging when using Procreate Dreams, upgrade the app to version 1.0.4+ because this bug was fixed with that version.
Five pens work with Procreate Dreams: Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil 2, Apple Pencil 1, Apple Pencil USB-C, Logitech Crayon, or Logitech Crayon 2.
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 »
