Coloring on an iPad can be a fun and creative way to pass the time. With the right apps and tools, your iPad can become a portable art studio. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about coloring digitally on an iPad, from choosing the right app to working with different tools and features. Whether you’re a casual colorer or a pro digital artist, coloring on the iPad can open up new possibilities for art and creativity.
Choosing a Coloring App
The first step is choosing a good coloring app for your needs. Here are some top options to consider:
Adult Coloring Book App
This popular app offers a wide variety of intricate adult coloring pages and books to choose from. You can color mandalas, animals, patterns, landscapes, and more. It has helpful features like zoom, color blending, and color-by-number. The basic app is free, with in-app purchases to unlock more books.
Pigment Adult Coloring Book App
Pigment offers adult coloring books with geometric art, animals, flowers, and more. It has layers so you can go back and adjust your work. Other handy features include a color wheel, color blending, and the ability to import your own drawings or photos to color. The basic version is free.
Colorfly Coloring Book App
With over 2,000 free coloring pages, this app is great for kids and adults. Pages range from animals and flowers to cars, food, and mandalas. Convenient features include layers, undo/redo, and a zoom slider. The app is free with optional in-app purchases.
Recolor Coloring Book App
This award-winning app transforms photos into digital coloring pages. Choose from celebrity photos, landscapes, animals, and other images to make unique artwork. Helpful editing tools are included. A basic package is free, with premium image packs available as in-app purchases.
Choosing Tools and Brushes
Once you’ve picked a coloring app, the next step is exploring the available tools and brushes. Here are some of the main options:
Crayons
Apps will offer a range of digital crayon tips, from blunt to sharp, to replicate coloring with real crayons. These have a matte, waxy finish.
Colored Pencils
For sharper, more precise strokes, try colored pencils. Many apps let you adjust opacity and hardness.
Pens or Markers
Markers give you vivid, opaque color with thicker lines. Felt tip pens offer thinner, more delicate lines.
Airbrushing
Airbrushing applies soft color gradations to blend and shade. This tool is great for backgrounds.
Paint Brush
For freehand painting, select wider paintbrush tips. Apps may offer wet, dry, or textured paint effects.
Glitter, Glow, and Textures
Many apps provide exciting specialty options like glitter pens, neon colors, or textures like watercolor and chalk.
Palette and Color Wheel
Use the built-in palette or color wheel to select your desired colors before applying them with your chosen tools.
Helpful Features to Use
Take advantage of these useful features as you’re coloring on your iPad:
Layers
Layers allow you to color different elements on separate levels, so you can easily go back and make changes without altering other parts.
Zoom
Magnify sections you want to color intricately by zooming in. Most apps let you adjust zoom level with a slider.
Undo/Redo
If you make a mistake, simply tap Undo and try again. Redo reverses your last Undo so you can get work back.
Color Blending
Many apps let you mix custom colors on the page by overlaying strokes. This helps you achieve subtle shade gradations.
Stencils or Patterns
Some apps provide stencils like mandalas or repeating patterns. Trace these with color for easy designs.
Symmetry Drawing
Duplicate your coloring across a central axis to easily create symmetrical designs.
Tips for Coloring
Follow these tips to get the best results as you learn to color on your iPad:
Use Layers
Take advantage of layering to color backgrounds first, then foreground elements after. This prevents accidentally overlapping.
Zoom In
Don’t be afraid to zoom way in when coloring tiny details or edges. Get right up close for precision.
Lock Transparency
Locking transparency of the color palette prevents accidentally coloring outside the lines and maintains shadows.
Color Dark to Light
Typically, it’s best to start coloring dark shades first, then adding lighter colors on top to blend.
Blend Colors
Use gradual, overlapping strokes to blend colors smoothly. Mix colors right on the page.
Vary Pressure
With a stylus, vary pressure to create color gradations. Light pressure produces faint color.
Use Reference Photos
Look up real-life reference photos so you can accurately color subjects like animals or plants.
Save Progress
Frequently save your coloring page so you don’t lose work. Apps generally have auto-save as well.
Share Creations
When finished, proudly share your artwork on social media or printable coloring websites and apps!
Recommended Accessories
Certain accessories can really enhance your iPad coloring experience:
Stylus Pens
A good stylus allows greater precision and pressure sensitivity compared to just using your finger. Popular options include the Apple Pencil, Adonit Mark, and Wacom Bamboo.
Matte Screen Protectors
Matte or paper-like screen protectors give the iPad display more friction, mimicking the feel of real paper as you color. Brands like Paperlike and iCarez make good quality ones.
Grips or Cases
For comfort while holding your iPad to color for long periods, try grips that attach to the back or cases with built-in stands.
Bluetooth Keyboard
A keyboard allows you to use shortcut keys to quickly access features in your coloring app. Apple, Logitech, and Amazon make nice options.
Conclusion
Coloring on an iPad opens up exciting new avenues for creativity and art. With the right app, tools, and accessories, you can make beautiful digital masterpieces. Remember to use helpful features like layers and blending modes to take your work to the next level. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors and textures. Most importantly, relax and have fun making art on your iPad! Coloring is a great way to reduce stress and express your creativity.
