Top iPad Accessories for Procreate

An iPad is a huge investment, so the thought of adding even more accessories to your cart can make you wonder if they’re really worth it.

We consider an accessory to be an add-on that’s non-essential but useful.

Since the Apple Pencil is necessary to make the most of Procreate, we don’t consider it to be an accessory--it's more of a necessity.

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We use three kinds of iPad accessories: Apple Pencil Grips, iPad Case, and iPad Screen Protectors.

Table of Contents

    Apple Pencil Grip

    The Apple Pencil is the best stylus to use on the iPad, especially with the Procreate app. If you’re used to writing with brush pens, oblique holders, or even a regular pen, it’ll feel a little strange when you start writing with the Apple Pencil because of how sleek and thin it is. Adding a pencil grip can help you hold onto it better so it’s not slipping between your fingers. (It’s an expensive pencil to accidentally drop!)

    Another benefit is that it can loosen up your grip and prevent possible pain in the thumb and fingers, which we both experienced during the first few months of using the Apple Pencil daily. After getting a grip, the pain went away.

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    Doing calligraphy with an Apple Pencil with a grip

    Apple Pencil Grip Pros

    • Easier to hold the stylus because it makes it less slippery

    • Prevents cap from getting lost while charging (if it has a cap attachment)

    • Some grips are anti-roll

    • Cushion helps to avoid possible pain in your thumb or fingers

    Apple Pencil Grip Cons

    • The Apple Pencil won’t fit in iPad cases that have pencil slots

    • If you have a Second Generation Apple Pencil, you’d need to remove the grip every time it needs to charge since it’s magnetic to the side of the iPad

    Our Apple Pencil Grip Picks

    iPad Case

    The main function of a case is to protect your iPad protected against scratches, but there are a variety of styles and features that can help personalize your iPad for what you intend to use it for. For example, if you often watch videos or read ebooks on your iPad, you may want a case that has a built-in stand. Or if you intend to use it for typing, you could get a bluetooth or magnetic keyboard. Some of the more expensive cases even offer protection against screen cracks if you drop the iPad.

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    iPad Case Pros

    • Protects the body of your iPad against scratches

    • Many have a slot for keeping the Apple Pencil

    • Some cases have a built-in stand to prop up the iPad like a laptop

    • You can add-on a bluetooth keyboard for easier typing

    • iPads only come in a few colors, but cases come in a whole rainbow of colors and patterns! Express yourself or add stickers without ruining your iPad

    iPad Case Cons

    • A case can make the iPad buttons more difficult to press

    • It’s harder to take photos because you have to hold the cover out of the way

    • From personal experience, the flap part can easily rip off

    • Certain cases with features on the back (like a hand grip) make it so the iPad doesn’t lay completely flat

    Our iPad Case Pick

    iPad Screen Protector

    We used our iPads for over two years without a screen protector, so we’re comfortable writing directly on the glass. But if you’re brand new or transitioning from paper, writing on glass can be hard at first.It may feel like your Apple Pencil is sliding around and your hand may stick to the screen as you move in large strokes. That’s one reason why matte screen protectors have become popular. Matte means a dull finish, which is great because it reduces the amount of glare on your screen, but also allows your hand to glide more smoothly. In general, having a screen protector is also a good idea to protect your screen from being scratched, especially if you don’t use an iPad case.

    iPad Screen Protector Pros:

    • Hand glides across screen more smoothly and doesn’t “stick”

    • Apple Pencil doesn’t feel like it’s slipping on glass; more resistance and control

    • Satisfying noise

    • Anti-glare

    • Protect iPad screen from scratches

    • Fingerprint resistant

    iPad Screen Protector Con

    • Can wear down tip of stylus

    • At first, the screen look a little more grainy/distorted, but we've gotten used to it

    • Less sensitive to touch gestures

    • Matte protectors may not work for you if you need pixel-perfect, precise art or if you don’t want to sacrifice the quality of the retina display on an iPad Pro

    iPad Screen Protectors we’ve tried

    Our iPad Screen Protector pick

    Tech Armor HD Clear. It’s matte and anti-glare without being too rough. It provides just enough friction and resistance without a noticeable difference in sensitivity. At first, the image quality did seem a little grainy (as it would with any textured cover) but hasn’t affected my work. I personally use smooth paper for traditional art like marker paper but if you’re used to more texture then the paperlike would be best--just consider buying a pack of Apple Pencil tip replacements.

    Note: The Tech Armor kind we used is the HD Clear version, not the Glass kind. Make sure you look for the words HD Clear.

    Watch: Screen Protector Comparison Video

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