Best SellersDigital coloring on an iPad is one of the easiest, cleanest, and most portable ways to enjoy your coloring pages. Whether you’re unwinding after work or creating art on the go, the iPad offers a clutter-free experience that’s ideal for hobbyists, educators, and digital artists alike.
This guide walks you through the full process—from choosing the right app to importing your files and getting started with your first digital coloring session.
What You’ll Need
- An iPad (any recent model, though the iPad Pro or iPad Air is ideal for Apple Pencil support)
- A stylus or Apple Pencil (optional but recommended)
- Your digital coloring pages (PDF or PNG)
- A coloring app that supports layer-based editing or annotation
Best Apps for Coloring on iPad
Free Options
1. Apple Books (PDF only)
Simple, built-in app that allows basic annotation with the Markup tool.
2. Adobe Acrobat Reader
Great for opening and marking up PDFs. Limited in brush variety but good for beginners.
3. ibisPaint X
Highly versatile and free to use with ads. Supports layers, blending modes, and brushes.
Paid Options
1. Procreate
Industry-standard app for digital artists. One-time cost, supports full control of brushes, layers, and custom textures.
2. Affinity Designer / Photo
Professional tools for detailed, high-resolution editing and coloring.
3. GoodNotes / Notability
While not intended for artwork, these can be used for quick coloring with the Apple Pencil and PDF import.
Step 1: Download Your Files
Save your coloring pages to your iPad from email, cloud storage, or direct download. Use the Files app to organize them into folders (for example: “Floral Coloring Pages”).
Step 2: Import into Your App
Open your coloring app of choice, then:
- In Procreate, tap the “+” and select “Import.”
- In Adobe Acrobat, open your PDF and tap the pencil icon for markup tools.
- In ibisPaint X, open a new canvas and import your file as a layer.
If your file is a multi-page PDF, some apps (like Procreate) require each page to be imported separately. Others (like Adobe) allow navigation within the document.
Step 3: Create a New Layer for Coloring
If your app supports layers (Procreate, ibisPaint X, Affinity), add a new layer beneath the outline.
This allows you to color freely without affecting the original line art. You can also adjust the opacity of the outline or lock it in place to avoid accidental changes.
Step 4: Choose Your Brushes and Colors
Most apps come with default brush sets:
- Hard round or technical pen for clean coloring.
- Soft airbrush for shading.
- Textured brushes for special effects.
Pick your color palette manually, or use a color dropper to match tones across your artwork.
Step 5: Start Coloring
Zoom in for detail work and use two fingers to undo mistakes. You can switch brush sizes, create gradients, and even add patterns using stamp brushes or textures.
Take advantage of features like:
- Tap-to-fill (color drop)
- QuickLine or shape assist (for clean edges)
- Alpha lock (to shade only within colored areas)
Step 6: Save or Export
When finished, export your artwork in your desired format:
- PNG or JPG for sharing on social media
- PDF for printing
- PSD if you want to continue editing later
Coloring on an iPad gives you more control, zero mess, and endless creative options.
Whether you’re using free tools or professional apps, the ability to layer, shade, and blend makes digital coloring feel just as meditative as using traditional supplies—with the bonus of undo and redo.