But you can seamlessly transfer your work to and from your desktop app to your iPad app, which is a big positive. Unfortunately, the app is only available on a subscription model and it's not compatible below iOS 14. We've found that when you combine the Illustrator app with the new iPad Pro (M1, 2021) and the Apple Pencil 2, then you get a sleek, controlled and enhanced digital art experience (make sure you check out the iPad Pro deals and the Apple Pencil deals if you haven't got the devices already). And if you're still not convinced, then why not read more about it over on our Illustrator for iPad review? The app takes the best features from the desktop app and pops it into this handy portable version of the app.

While the app is free, it does require some in-app purchases, but with features like radial, grid and mirror repeat, its worth the money. Just like Procreate, Adobe Illustrator is incredibly popular in the digital art community.

Download Illustrator for iPad, free, with in-app purchases (opens in new tab).

Illustrator on the iPad has plenty to offer artists (Image credit: Ben Brady) (opens in new tab) The app as a whole package is sleek and smooth sailing, plus it's only a one-time purchase of £8.99/$9.99 in the Apple App Store meaning that it's kind on the bank account, too. The downside is it's only available for iPad. We love the new 3D painting features, which mean you can now create pretty much anything you like on the app. Plus, Procreate's colour library is like no other with its ability to create your own palettes, colour options and even colour recommendations. From the colour picker to the brush size, there are so many options to help improve your workflow. Our testing asserted that Procreate's biggest selling point is its flexible and customisable interface. However, if you're wanting to know more about this brilliant app then have a read through our Procreate 5.2 review. The app has taken the digital art world by storm with its many different functions, versatile interface and 3D painting abilities (it's actually compatible with Zbrush, Blendr and others). The likelihood is that you've already heard about Procreate.

Download Procreate from the App Store for $9.99/£8.99 (opens in new tab).

Procreate is great for drawing, and has new 3D tools (Image credit: Glen Southern) (opens in new tab)

Drawing on procreate for beginners