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These iPad apps will make you wish you had more free time

Source: TechCrunchView Original
technologyMarch 28, 2026

If you’re looking to explore your creativity, there are a number of iPad apps that can help you get started. Although the iPad started off as a simple device that could be used to stream content or browse the web on the go, Apple has essentially turned its iPads into powerful machines that can be used to do things like create digital art and edit videos.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best iPad apps for creativity that are available on the App Store.

Before we delve in, it’s worth noting that although Adobe’s creative apps are often top choices for creativity on the iPad, this list won’t include them because they are already well-known. We’re focusing instead on somewhat lesser-known apps that you’ll want to know about and try.

Lake

Image Credits:Lake

Not every creative app has to involve a blank page staring back at you. Lake takes a more relaxed approach, letting you digitally color hand-drawn illustrations by independent artists using more than 700 colors and a selection of brushes.

If you want to let your imagination run wild, you can also color and draw on a blank canvas. You can also jot down your thoughts in a coloring journal.

The app is great for people who are just getting started with exploring their creativity or for those who just want a moment to de-stress. You don’t have to be artistic to use it, either; there’s no penalty here for drawing outside the lines.

Lake offers free access to a limited number of illustrations. To unlock the full catalogue of illustrations and features, you’ll need to pay a $9.99 monthly subscription fee.

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Procreate

Image Credits:Procreate

Procreate is one of the most popular drawing apps for the iPad, and for good reason. The app lets you create digital paintings, sketches, and illustrations using dozens of different types of brushes. Procreate is easy to use and features built-in gesture controls, along with a simple interface.

The app allows for high-resolution canvases up to 16K by 8K on compatible iPad Pros. It also lets you create storyboards, GIFs, animatics, and simple animations. Plus, you can import image files such as JPG, PNG, and TIFF. Procreate includes several features that are designed to help you during the creative process on your iPad, such as QuickShape, StreamLine, Drawing Assist, and ColorDrop — tools that handle the technical heavy lifting so you can focus on the fun part.

Once you’re finished creating your piece, you can relive your creative journey with the app’s time-lapse “Replay” feature — a surprisingly satisfying way to watch your work come together — and share a 30-second clip on social media.

You can access Procreate with a one-time payment of $12.99.

LumaFusion

Image Credits:LumaFusion

LumaFusion is a great app for editing videos if you’re ready to graduate from iMovie. The app features numerous user-friendly features that make it perfect for aspiring videographers or indie filmmakers on a budget.

With LumaFusion, you can create multiple layer edits with 4K ProRes and HDR media. You can add different effects, choose from dozens of transitions, and record voice-overs. The app lets you create multilayer titles and import fonts and graphics. Plus, you can fine-tune audio with Graphic EQ, Parametric EQ, Voice isolation, and more.

The app lets you create projects with a variety of aspect ratios, including 16:9 landscape, 9:16 portrait, square, widescreen film, anamorphic, and more.

LumaFusion is available for a one-time payment of $29.99. You can also purchase additional features, such as multicam editing and the ability to send your project to Final Cut Pro for Mac.

Canva

Image Credits:Canva

Canva offers a user-friendly platform that allows anyone to create visual content, even without graphic design experience. You can use it to create presentations, infographics, videos, websites, social media posts, and more with over 250,000 templates.

Canva features tools for editing photos, personalizing content with logos and images, adding audio, and cropping and speeding up video.

The platform also has a series of AI features that are designed to make the creation pro

These iPad apps will make you wish you had more free time | TrendPulse