How To Choose The Best iPad For Your Drawing Needs Without Spending A Cent More Than Necessary
To make this happen, you have to analyze the key 4 iPad characteristics that make a difference for architects and interior designers and see which option for each of them fits your needs best.
Let me quickly walk you through the process and help you make the decision by the end of this page:
Key iPad Characteristic 1: SIZE
You need to decide what’s most suitable for your daily needs:
An 11 or 13-inch iPad. I wouldn’t recommend the “mini” version to anyone because there’s just not enough real estate to do anything productive.
But if you’re used to sketching in a notebook, the 11-inch closely resembles that feeling. It’s a nice size for casually sketching and fleshing out ideas.
On the other hand, the 13-inch will fit your needs much better if you plan to spend extended time tracing, drawing, and illustrating on your iPad.
IMO, 13 inches is just the right size for comfortably drawing over a long period of time.
Key iPad Characteristic 2: SPEED
Here, only one thing matters regardless of your needs:
Get an Apple silicon chip. Anything from M1 to M4 will have more than enough power to cover your everyday needs as an architect or interior designer.
Plus, an Apple silicon chip is likely to last you for many years, which is great for future-proofing.
Credit: Apple
Key iPad Characteristic 3: STORAGE
In my experience, everything over 128 GB is sufficient. Just don’t go with less.
For example, the 128 GB iPad I’ve been using since 2020 is only about ¾ full. But I do supplement that storage with 2 terabytes on the iCloud.
This is something I highly recommend you to do too, for 2 reasons:
Extra storage and the ability to back up your iPad and ensure you can continue working as usual even if it gets lost or stolen.
My own iPad is 67% full with 128GB since 2017
Key iPad Characteristic 4: LIDAR
Lidar is actually that little extra camera on the back of your iPad Pro iPhone Pro that allows you to scan the room and build a 3D model around it.
You can see why that can be really useful and apps like Morpholio Trace already have a feature for it. And it will get better and better.
IMO, this is the only feature that separates the iPad Pro and iPad Air as far as architects are concerned, especially if you don’t want to be spending lots of time scanning rooms.
Yet, there’s a way to use Lidar even without an iPad Pro:
If you have the iPhone 12 Pro (or newer versions), you can do the same thing with its camera. And then easily export the scan to your iPad.
Credit: Morpholio Trace
10 must-have accessories that turn a decent sketching experience into a great one.
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Sketch Board Pro V2
This changed how I work at my desk. It props the iPad up at a better angle so I’m not slouching the whole time. It’s built like a tank, which is great for stability—but it’s definitely meant to stay put, not travel with you.
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Moft Origami iPad Case
This is my favorite on-the-go case. Moft says it has 23 positions—I mostly use four, and they’re all great. It’s lightweight, well-built, and ideal if I’m not typing. I’d recommend picking up the Modular Pencil Holder ($9.90) too, to keep the pencil in place.
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Ink'n Paper
What makes this screen protector stand out is how easily you can remove and reapply it. That means I can take it off anytime and enjoy the full clarity of the iPad’s screen when I’m not sketching. The metal tip is designed to work together. I couldn’t tell you the science behind it, but it just feels better than the standard Apple tip.
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Apple Pencil (OEM)
This is one of those tools worth paying for. Skip the third-party versions and go with the original. I’ve been using the Apple Pencil since 2017 and it’s been solid—only lost it once. Just double-check that you’re getting the version that works with your iPad. The one I’ve linked works with my iPad Air M3 13”.
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Pencil Grips (Set of 2)
Adding a silicone grip makes a big difference when you’re drawing for long periods. It keeps the pencil from slipping and feels much better in your hand. I use the slimmer grip myself so I can still charge the Apple Pencil wirelessly, even with the Sketchboard Pro.
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Procreate Penpad
This one’s for those who spend serious time in Procreate. When I’m working on long renderings, having physical shortcut buttons saves time and keeps me in the flow without needing to tap through menus. It’s light, rechargeable, and easy to bring with you—unlike the Sketchboard Pro, which stays at home.
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Paperlike Cleaning Kit
It’s a refillable screen spray that helps keep your iPad clean and clear of smudges. I’ve had mine for over 3 years and haven’t run out yet—but how often you clean your screen may vary (honestly, I could be better about it myself).
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Apple iPad Keyboard
If you only need a keyboard now and then—for emails, messages, or light writing—Apple’s is still the one I keep coming back to. I’ve tried Logitech and other options, but this one just types better. Plus, it detaches easily, so I can go from working at home on the Sketchboard Pro to traveling light with the Moft Origami case.
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Battery Bank
This compact battery gives my iPhone a full charge and adds 3–4 extra hours to my iPad Air 13” when it’s running low. It’s often just the boost I need to finish a session without having to carry a big, heavy battery around.