Illustrator on the iPad: Pros and Cons Compared to the Desktop Version

Haru

I’ve been using both the desktop and iPad versions since the iPad version was released in 2020, so let me share the pros and cons based on my experience.

Pros of the iPad Version

Beginner-friendly

Compared to the desktop version, the iPad version has fewer features and a simpler interface, which lowers the “too many features to figure out” barrier that beginners often face.

Easy to use on the go

Since it’s an iPad app, you can easily work from anywhere.

Lower price

It’s more affordable compared to the desktop version.

Haru

It’s perfectly usable for creating illustrations, and it works well for simple logo design too. However, it falls short of the desktop version when it comes to detailed features like complex gradients, brush effects, and blur effects, so your range of expression is somewhat limited.

Cons of the iPad Version

Limited features

The simpler design means many useful features from the desktop version aren’t available.
Future updates may improve this, but given the price difference, it’s unlikely to match the desktop version. The iPad version is essentially a simplified edition.

Haru

It’s not ideal for creating flyers or posters. If you’re used to the desktop version, you’ll frequently run into limitations with the iPad version’s smaller feature set. Instead of going out of your way to use the iPad version, you’d be better off with Canva or Adobe Express for those tasks.