screen protector for drawing ipad

You're going to need the best iPad Pro screen protector for drawing to keep your investment safe and secure. Here's our curated list of the top iPad Pro drawing screen guards that don't hinder the artistic appeal of the tablet.

Those who've been around since the early days of mobile phones, remember the tiny, dotted screen that barely showed colors? Ever since the need for texting, entertainment, media consumption, and social media needs kept growing, so did the screen size. Soon enough, we reached a point where the keypad real estate was taken over by the screen as well, and mobiles became slabs of glass, metal, and plastic. But the demand for larger touch-based smart devices continued, which led to tablets, and eventually, the Apple iPad was unveiled.

The popular series of tablets from Apple has become an iconic household piece of technology over the years. Despite the significant drop in demand for tablet devices, Apple has managed to keep the love for the Apple iPad alive by diversifying. While the original iPad and iPad Air continue to dominate the budget consumers, the iPad Pro series is redefining the tablet computer genre for designers and artists alike. With the screen size stretched all the way to 11-inch and 12.9-inch variants, you're going to need an iPad Pro screen protector for sketching.

10 Best iPad Pro Screen Protector for Drawing

Let's face it – the Apple iPad Pro is an expensive gadget and while the jury is out on whether or not it is justified, it surely needs added protection. The aluminum chassis can be protected by slapping on a case, but it won't necessarily protect the display, which is undoubtedly the most vulnerable part of the tablet. Drawing with the Apple Pencil or a third-party stylus exposes the large screen to all sorts of dust, debris, and particles that could scratch the surface. Using a screen protector when drawing on the iPad Pro is the easiest and most affordable way of ensuring that the True Tone Retina HD display stays spotless.

SwitchEasy Paperfeel Screen Protector for iPad 12.9inch (2018-2020)

Some artists prefer the touch and feel of drawing on a paper but want to use their iPad's for creativity. The SwitchEasy Paperfeel screen protector for iPad Pro (2018-2020) is one of the best options for someone looking to have a paper-like feel for digital artworks for a glass slab. The SwitchEasy Paperfeel screen protector has a matte paper-like finish, which reduces the surface glare, makes screen content clearly visible, and does not let fingerprints settle on the screen.

Some screen protectors for the iPad Pro do not work correctly with a regular screen protector. Still, the SwitchEasy Paperfeel is made explicitly in mind of the 120hz low latency screen with the Apple Pencil Gen 2. The matte screen protector has edge-to-edge screen coverage and has a slot cut out for the Face-id and camera. The screen protector provides good protection from scratches and smooth pen experience. Paperfeel protector is easy to install on an iPad Pro.

ZAGG InvisibleShield Tempered Glass Screen Protector for iPad Pro 11 inch

If you prefer drawing on a smooth surface and need good protection for your iPad Pro screen, going with a glass screen protector is the best way to go. ZAGG creates some of the best phone accessories on the market to protect your devices, and the ZAGG InvicibleShiled Glass Plus tempered glass screen protector is one of the best options out there. The InvisibleShield uses tempered glass protection, and it is scratch resistant to most daily objects such as coins and keys.

One of the key advantages of a glass protector over a matte screen protector is that the colors will be true to display and not fade away. The glass surface has good shatter protection, smudge resistance, and prevents fingerprints. Slit cutouts ensure you can use your Face-id and camera using the glass screen protector and the glass protector covers edge-to-edge to the iPad.

The glass protector offers good sensitivity for the Apple Pencil for drawing and creativity and also note-taking. ZAGG provides a limited lifetime warranty. Easy apply tabs make installation easy and accurate for everyone.

JETech Screen Protector for iPad Pro 12.9inch (2018-2020)

The JETech tempered glass screen protector will give your iPad Pro the needed screen protection and allow you to use your Apple Pencil for the creativity you need to draw on the iPad Pro's vivid and low latency screen. The tempered glass gives a smooth experience and surface for artists to draw on. The JETech screen protector is made out of 0.3mm thick tempered glass, and it gives scratch resistance to most daily objects and even knives. A smooth surface does not allow dust and fingerprints to settle on the screen.

JETech tempered glass screen protector covers edge-to-edge and has a cutout for the Face-id and front-facing camera. It is compatible and works flawlessly with the Apple Pencil Gen 2. JETech tempered screen protector kit comes with easy installation sticker tabs, wet wipes, and a dry wipe to clean the screen before the easy installation. One-touch installation ensures there are no air bubbles trapped underneath.

Paperfeel screen protector for iPad Pro 11inch (2018-2020)

The 11inch iPad Pro is one of the best selling iPad Pro versions for artists on a budget. And if someone prefers a paper-like feel for drawing rather than a smooth glass surface, the Paperfeel matte screen protector is one of the options out there, and it is very intuitive to use with the Apple Pencil Gen 2. The Paperfeel matte screen protector is made out of high-quality PET material and protects the screen from scratches, prevents fingerprints and glare on the surface.

The smooth matte surface provides excellent paper-like feedback while drawing on the iPad Pro, and it is anti-slip. With the edge-to-edge coverage and a cut out for the Face ID and front-facing cameras, you can ensure your tablet is protected and functional as well. Paperfeel matte screen protector kit comes with all the necessary tools for an easy installation.

XIRON Paperfeel screen protector for iPad Pro 12.9inch (2018-2020)

The Paperfeel matte screen protector for the iPad Pro 12.9inch is among the best screen protectors for a paper-like feel for drawing on a tablet with the Apple Pencil Gen 2 and enjoy the 9ms low latency experience. Paperfeel matte screen protector is made out of high-quality PET material, and protects the huge tablet screen from scratches, prevents fingerprint smudges and glare on the surface even in the bright doors.

The smooth matte surface provides excellent paper-like feedback while drawing on the iPad Pro, and it is anti-slip. The matte surface will also make sure your Pencil tips don't wear off. With the edge-to-edge protection screen coverage and a cut out for the Face-id and front-facing cameras, you can ensure your tablet is protected and functional as well. Paperfeel matte screen protector kit comes with all the necessary tools for easy installation and no air bubbles.

Like Paper screen protector for iPad Pro 12.9inch (2018-2020)

The Like Paper matte screen protector is another paper textured matte screen protector for the iPad Pro 12.9inch (2018-2020). But, for folks looking out for a good deal to protect their screens, the Like Paper screen protectors comes with two sets of screen protectors for just thirteen dollars. The ZOEGAA Like Paper Smatte screen protector is made out of good quality PET film material. The matte surface provides scratch resistance, glare reduction in bright outdoors prevents fingerprint smudges, and is anti-slip.

The matte surface gives good paper like feedback with the Apple Pencil Gen 2 while drawing and protecting the tip from wearing. The edge-to-edge coverage and cutout for the Face ID and front-facing cameras ensure you get the screen protection as well as the functionality. The ZOEGAA paper-like screen protector comes with all the tools and instructions for an easy installation.

Mothca Matte Screen Protector for iPad Pro 11inch (2018-2020)

If you are looking out for a paper-like screen protector with the protection of tempered glass for the screen, the Mothca matte tempered glass screen protector is the best option. The Mothca screen protector provides good glass protection and a drawing surface for the Apple Pencil Gen 2 for the iPad Pro 11inh. The Mothca matte tempered glass screen protector is high quality and provides good protection and a flat surface.

The matte surface provides a smooth drawing surface, prevents glare and fingerprint smudges, and water-repellant from settling on the screen. The colors are genuinely displayed with the Mothca screen protector and do not fade away. The matte surface does not allow the Pencil tip to fade wear. The glass edge-to-edge with a cutout for the Face-id and front-facing cameras provides good protection and functionality. The kit comes with a cleaning set and a dust remover for an easy installation process.

ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Screen Drawing Protector for iPad Pro 12.9inch (2018-2020)

The ZAGG invisible shield we covered for the iPad Pro 11inch also comes for the larger iPad Pro 12.9inch (2018-2020). It is compatible and works well with the Apple Pencil Gen 2 and provides adequate protection and smooth drawing surface for the screen being a tempered glass protector. The InvisibleShield uses tempered glass protection, and it is scratch resistant to most daily objects such as coins, knives, and keys. The screen's content is accurate to the display and does not fade away using this screen protector for drawing. The glass surface has good shatter protection, smudge resistance, and prevents fingerprints.

Slit cutouts ensure you can use your Face ID and camera using the glass screen protector and the glass protector covers edge-to-edge to the iPad. The glass protector offers good sensitivity for the Apple Pencil for drawing and creativity and also note-taking. ZAGG provides a limited lifetime warranty. Easy apply tabs make installation easy and accurate for everyone. The installation process is easy and bubble-free.

Supershieldz screen protector for iPad Pro 11inch and iPad Air Gen 4 (10.9inch)

The Supershields screen protector is compatible with both the iPad Pro 11inch and the newly released iPad Air Gen 4 (10.9inches). If you are looking for a screen protector for both of them, this pack comes with three screen protector films and are easy to install on both the tablets and has a matte surface for drawing with the Apple Pencil Gen 2.

The Supershieldz screen protector is made from PET matte material and is highly durable and scratch-resistant. The matte surface is water-repellant, prevents glare and fingerprint smudges on the screen. Being a matte screen, it provides an excellent paper-like feel texture for drawing on the tablets. The protector covers the screen edge-to-edge and has a cutout for the Face-id and front-facing camera. The Supershields matte screen protector is easy to install.

amFilm Glass Screen Protector for iPad Pro 11inch and iPad Air Gen 4 (10.9inch)

Looking for a tempered screen glass protector for the iPad Pro 11inch and the iPad Air Gen 4? The amFilm is one of the best options out there. The amFilm supports both the 11inch iPad Pro and the Ipad Air Gen 4 with an edge-to-edge screen protector because both tablets have the same screen footprint. The amFilm uses tempered glass technology and provides good protection for the screen from daily objects such as keys and coins.

The glass protector prevents fingerprint smudges and is water repellant with an oleophobic coating. The smooth glass surface is susceptible to touch, and it is compatible with the Apple Pencil Gen 2 for the iPad Pro and iPad Air Gen 4. The glass protector provides edge-to-edge protection for both the tablets and has a cutout for the Face-id and front-facing camera. The smooth surface does not wear out the tip on the stylus. amFilm is easy to install with the guided tabs and comes with all tools necessary for a perfect installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does iPad Pro need a screen protector?

Just like every quality product that comes out of the Apple camp, the iPad Pro comes with tempered, shatter-resistant glass at the front. Using a decent protective case that covers up the front might save you from those unfortunate drops, but what about the fine scratches? Something as small as a grain of sand, or a shard of glass can leave a sizable scratch on the iPad screen when it's left without any added protection. For artists and graphic designers who plan to use not just a stylus, but their hands on the iPad screen frequently, it is always a safe bet to invest in a good screen protector.

Is PaperLike iPad Pro screen protector for drawing good?

In recent times, the PaperLike drawing screen protectors for iPad Pro have become popular due to the feel they provide while sketching. PaperLike V2 offers a matte finish display, which adds some much-needed paper style friction between the stylus and the iPad screen, but this also comes at the slight cost of a lower clarity from the True Tone display. Users on the Apple Discussions webpage do mention that using a thick screen protector on the iPad Pro will affect the sensitivity of the iPad Pro, and the performance of the Apple Pencil.

How do I put on a screen protector on iPad Pro?

Depending on the iPad Pro drawing screen protector you pick from the list above, installing it might become simpler if the guiding tool is given along with it. However, here's how you can install a screen protector on the iPad Pro even without it:

Make sure you wash your hands and wipe them dry before handling the screen protector to avoid smudges and fingerprints.
Wipe clean the iPad Pro screen with a microfiber cloth, and blow away any dirt or dust that might be on it.
Peel off the inner film of the iPad Pro and without peeling it entirely, start applying it to the iPad screen.
Align the cutouts to the iPad Pro front camera and gently press it on the screen until it sticks.
Keep peeling the inner film as you slowly apply the screen protector, as to avoid forming bubbles beneath it.
Using an applicator or something stiff such as a credit card and push out any of the bubbles that appear beneath the surface.

Final Words

In the early days of touch input devices, the screen quality, along with the sensors, just wasn't good enough for effortless use. Over the years, capacitive touch screens, along with improved glass panels, have made it possible for designs and artists alike, to use the tablet devices are their digital canvas and bring to life some of the most iconic pieces of artwork. The iPad Pro, in combination with the Apple Pencil, has become the industry standard in graphic design, and it certainly doesn't come cheap. Protecting the most important aspect of the iPad Pro, that gorgeous True Tone Retina HD display should be your number one priority.

With the best drawing screen protectors for iPad Pro listed above, you can safeguard the device while improving the ability to draw on it with ease. Be sure to share your thoughts on which screen protector would you get your hands on for the iPad Pro.