Best Apps for iPad Pro: Top Picks for Productivity & Creativity

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The iPad Pro isn’t merely a tablet—it’s a digital juggernaut engineered for professionals, creatives, students, and casual users alike. With its breathtaking display, a lightning-fast processor, and seamless Apple Pencil integration, it doesn’t just support productivity and creativity; it redefines them.

Yet, raw power alone isn’t enough. To fully harness the iPad Pro’s capabilities, you need the right apps that amplify efficiency, ignite artistic potential, and turn an already impressive device into an indispensable tool. But with the App Store overflowing with choices, how do you separate the truly transformative from the merely decent?

Fear not. This guide cuts through the noise, spotlighting the best iPad Pro apps to supercharge productivity, unleash creativity, and elevate your experience to unparalleled heights.

Contents hide

1) Top-Tier Productivity Apps for iPad Pro

2) GoodNotes 5 – The Gold Standard for Digital Planning

3) Microsoft Office The Ultimate Document Powerhouse

4) Notability vs. GoodNotes vs. Microsoft Office

5) LumaFusion – The Ultimate Mobile Editing Suite

6) Procreate vs. Affinity Designer vs. LumaFusion

7) Best Utility & Organization Apps for iPad Pro

8) Conclusion

9) FAQs

Top-Tier Productivity Apps for iPad Pro

For students scribbling lecture notes, professionals drafting big ideas, or anyone obsessed with organization, Notability is a game-changer. This isn’t just another note-taking app—it’s an all-in-one workspace that blends handwriting, audio recording, and document markup into a seamless experience.

Why Notability Stands Out:

Handwritten Notes That Feel Natural – Jot down ideas effortlessly with Apple Pencil, just like pen on paper—only smarter.
Audio-Linked Note Syncing – Record lectures or meetings, and tap on any word later to jump straight to that moment in the audio.
Flawless Organization – Keep chaos at bay with folders, subject tabs, and an intuitive search function.
Handwriting to Text Conversion – Instantly transform handwritten notes into editable text for effortless sharing.
Versatile Export Options – Save and share notes in PDF, PNG, or even audio-linked Notability format.

GoodNotes 5 – The Gold Standard for Digital Planning

For those who crave the structure of traditional notebooks but refuse to be shackled by paper, GoodNotes 5 delivers a next-level digital planning experience. Whether you’re crafting meticulous notes, sketching out big ideas, or marking up PDFs with precision, this app transforms your iPad Pro into an organizational command center.

Why GoodNotes 5 is a Must-Have:

Aesthetic & Functional Digital Notebooks – Create stunning, well-organized notebooks that feel as personal as a Moleskine but infinitely more powerful.
Handwriting to Searchable Text – Your scrawled notes aren’t just readable—they’re fully searchable, making lost ideas a thing of the past.
Seamless Cross-Device Syncing – Start on your iPad, refine on your Mac, and review on your iPhone—your notes follow you everywhere.
Effortless PDF Import & Annotation – Mark up documents, highlight key details, and make annotations with pinpoint accuracy.
Custom Templates & Organizational Bliss – From planners to study guides, tailor your workspace to fit your workflow perfectly.

Microsoft Office The Ultimate Document Powerhouse

In a world where productivity demands flexibility, Microsoft Office ensures that your work isn’t tethered to a desk. With full-fledged versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, your iPad Pro transforms into a mobile workstation, allowing you to draft reports, crunch numbers, and craft presentations with desktop-level precision—wherever you are.

Why Microsoft Office is Essential:

Desktop-Grade Editing, Minus the Desk – Create, edit, and format documents with the same power you’d expect from a computer.
Seamless Cloud Integration – Instantly access and sync files across devices using OneDrive, Dropbox, or SharePoint.
Real-Time Collaboration – Work on documents simultaneously with colleagues, track edits, and leave comments on the fly.
Apple Pencil Compatibility – Mark up documents, annotate slides, or jot down notes directly within Office apps.
Effortless Sharing & Exporting – Send files in multiple formats, print with ease, and keep workflow disruptions to a minimum. For professionals who demand versatility, Microsoft Office isn’t just an app—it’s the backbone of modern work, optimized for your iPad Pro.

Notability vs. GoodNotes vs. Microsoft Office

Feature	Notability	GoodNotes 5	Microsoft Office
Handwriting Support	✅	✅	❌
Audio Recording	✅	❌	❌
PDF Annotation	✅	✅	✅
Cloud Sync	✅	✅	✅
Collaboration	❌	❌	✅

Best Creative Apps for iPad Pro

For artists who crave limitless creativity without the constraints of traditional media, Procreate is nothing short of revolutionary. Whether sketching, painting, or animating, this app fuses raw artistic freedom with professional-grade tools, all wrapped in an intuitive interface that feels like second nature.

Why Procreate Reigns Supreme:

Endless Customization – With thousands of brushes, textures, and tools, every stroke is uniquely yours. Create or import brushes to match your artistic vision.
Insanely High-Resolution Canvases – Craft museum-quality artwork with up to 16K by 4K resolution, perfect for both digital and print media.
Seamless Animation Capabilities – Bring your drawings to life with frame-by-frame animation tools, making motion graphics a breeze.
Flawless Apple Pencil Integration – Experience precision, pressure sensitivity, and tilt control for hyper-realistic strokes.
No Subscriptions, Just Pure Creativity – Pay once, own it forever—no hidden fees, no recurring charges. From concept sketches to breathtaking digital masterpieces, Procreate turns your iPad Pro into an artist’s dream studio.

Next-Level Creative Apps for iPad Pro

If Adobe Illustrator feels like an expensive ball-and-chain, Affinity Designer delivers a liberating, high-performance alternative without the subscription drain. Precision-crafted for graphic designers, illustrators, and UI/UX creators, this app seamlessly blends vector and raster workflows, giving you complete artistic control.

Why Affinity Designer Stands Out:

Dual-Powered Creativity – Effortlessly switch between vector and pixel design modes for ultimate flexibility.
Professional-Grade Toolkit – Advanced pen tools, shape manipulation, gradients, and typography controls rival desktop software.
Silky-Smooth Performance – Optimized for the iPad Pro, with buttery 60fps rendering and real-time effects.
No Subscriptions—Ever – One-time purchase, lifetime access. No strings attached.
Layer-Based Editing Mastery – Organize, blend, and manipulate layers like a pro, with support for PSD, AI, PDF, SVG, and EPS formats. For serious designers who demand power, precision, and freedom, Affinity Designer turns your iPad Pro into a professional-grade creative workstation.

LumaFusion – The Ultimate Mobile Editing Suite

When it comes to video editing on the go, LumaFusion is in a league of its own. Offering a desktop-class editing experience without the clutter, it empowers filmmakers, content creators, and mobile storytellers to craft cinematic masterpieces—right from their iPad Pro.

What Makes LumaFusion a Game-Changer?

For creators who refuse to compromise on quality, LumaFusion delivers the power of a full-fledged editing suite—without being tethered to a desktop.

Multi-Track Video Editing – Work with up to six video and six audio tracks, layering footage like a pro.
Pro-Level Color Grading – Fine-tune exposure, contrast, LUTs, and keyframe animations with pinpoint accuracy.
Advanced Audio Control – Mix and master sound with keyframe-based volume control, effects, and ducking.
Flexible Export Options – Render in 4K, H.265, and ProRes, with customizable frame rates and aspect ratios.
Apple Pencil Precision – Edit with laser-sharp accuracy using intuitive touch and stylus controls.

Procreate vs. Affinity Designer vs. LumaFusion

Feature	Procreate	Affinity Designer	LumaFusion
Best For	Drawing/Painting	Graphic Design	Video Editing
Apple Pencil Support	✅	✅	✅
One-Time Purchase	✅	✅	✅
Animation Features	✅	❌	✅
Professional Tools	✅	✅	✅

Best Utility & Organization Apps for iPad Pro

For those drowning in notes, tasks, and scattered ideas, Evernote is the ultimate all-in-one organization hub. Whether you’re jotting down thoughts, managing projects, or archiving important documents, this powerhouse ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

Why Evernote is a Game-Changer:

Seamless Multi-Device Syncing – Your notes follow you everywhere, whether on iPad, iPhone, Mac, or web.
Web Clipping & Document Scanning – Save articles, PDFs, and handwritten notes in seconds.
Advanced Search & OCR – Find text within images and scanned documents, even in handwritten notes.
Apple Pencil Support – Sketch, annotate, and write naturally with pressure-sensitive precision.
Deep App Integration – Works flawlessly with apps like Slack, Google Drive, and Outlook for a connected workflow. For meticulous planners, researchers, and productivity nerds, Evernote is more than an app—it’s an external memory bank designed for peak efficiency.

Things 3 – The Gold Standard of Task Management

Minimalist in design yet powerful under the hood, Things 3 makes tackling to-dos and projects feel effortless. With an intuitive interface and fluid workflow, it transforms productivity from a chore into a seamless habit.

Why Things 3 Stands Above the Rest:

Gorgeously Simple Interface – A clean, distraction-free design that makes productivity feel… peaceful.
Task Scheduling & Smart Reminders – Set deadlines, recurring tasks, and reminders that keep you on track.
Effortless Syncing Across Apple Devices – Your tasks stay updated on iPhone, iPad, and Mac without a hitch.
Drag-and-Drop Task Management – Reorganize lists, prioritize tasks and create project timelines in seconds.
Tags & Categories for Ultimate Organization – Filter tasks by context, project, or urgency with powerful tagging. For anyone looking to streamline their workflow, Things 3 doesn’t just help you get things done—it makes the process elegant and enjoyable.

Conclusion

The iPad Pro isn’t just a tablet—it’s a digital powerhouse that’s reshaping the way professionals, creatives, and students work, create, and thrive. Armed with the right apps, it evolves into a tool of infinite potential, unlocking endless possibilities for productivity, design, video editing, and beyond. Whether you’re scribbling notes, orchestrating complex projects, or crafting breathtaking digital art, the App Store is bursting with options tailored to every need.

Choosing the best apps for your iPad Pro is like giving your workflow a turbo boost—efficiency skyrockets, creativity flourishes, and your productivity game reaches new heights. From the artistic freedom of Procreate to the organizational prowess of Notability, these apps aren’t just tools—they’re extensions of your iPad Pro’s full potential. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the App Store, download your favorites, and let the iPad Pro take your experience to the next level.

FAQs

What are the best apps for students using an iPad Pro?

If you’re a student juggling lectures, assignments, and organization, Notability, GoodNotes 5, and Evernote are top-tier choices. Notability excels in audio-synced note-taking, GoodNotes 5 is perfect for handwritten notes and digital planning, and Evernote keeps everything neatly organized with powerful search and cloud sync.

Is Procreate free on the iPad Pro?

Nope! Procreate requires a one-time purchase, but the good news? No annoying subscriptions—just unlimited creative freedom after you buy it.

Can I use Microsoft Office on iPad Pro without a subscription?

You can view documents for free, but if you want to edit, create, or unlock premium features, you’ll need an Office 365 subscription.

Which is better for note-taking, Notability or GoodNotes 5?

It depends on your style! Notability is king for audio recording + notes, making it ideal for lectures and meetings. GoodNotes 5, on the other hand, shines when it comes to structured digital planning and handwritten notes with a paper-like feel.

What’s the best video editing app for iPad Pro?

LumaFusion is hands-down the most powerful video editing app, offering multi-track editing, advanced color grading, and pro-level export options—all without being chained to a desktop.

Can I use an iPad Pro for professional graphic design?

Absolutely! Affinity Designer is a vector design powerhouse, while Procreate gives digital painters and illustrators all the tools they need. Both are serious alternatives to desktop software.

What’s the best task management app for iPad Pro?

Things 3 takes the crown with its minimalist design, intuitive drag-and-drop system, and powerful scheduling features—perfect for keeping life (and work) effortlessly organized.