You do need scissors or blades for shaping your art. A Cricut machine makes any DIY project easy and less time-consuming. Some people even use a Cricut machine for professional purposes since it can cut papers and vinyl, fabrics, leather, etc. But do you ever think of using your iPad with Cricut?
You can use the iPad to work with a Cricut machine. It can be the best device to use with Cricut because of its advanced features. However, you have to look for the features you need most while buying an iPad for Cricut.
After long research, we finally came up with the seven best tablets for Cricut. Among these seven iPads, we consider the Apple iPad 10.2 inches as the best iPad for Cricut. It includes all the advanced features that are perfect for Cricut.
Now, let’s check the article on the Apple iPad 10.2 inch and the other six iPads.
Our Favorite Best iPad for Cricut
7 Best iPad for Cricut: Our Top Picks
1. Apple iPad 10.2-inch
The 10.2-inch Apple iPad comes with a beautiful retina display. Besides, the 8 MP back camera serves you the best quality pictures and videos. This best iPad for Cricut makes your work faster and smoother.
The feature we love about it most is that it can work with both an intelligent Apple pencil and keyboard, and they are easy to use. It provides 256 GB storage and an A13 Bionic chip. So, if you want to get the least expensive iPhone, then this new Apple iPad is the best option for you.
Features:
Excellent front camera: The new version of the Apple iPad comes with a 12 MP front camera in the center stage over the retina display. This camera serves you with more realistic and more precise pictures.
Powerful battery: It provides a built-in lithium-polymer battery. The battery can work almost 10 hours while using the web or scrolling on YouTube, a powerful battery with a low price among the iPhones you ever have.
Fingerprint sensors: Auto-touch fingerprint sensor is available for iPad ID authentication. In addition, you can unlock your iPad display’s secure personal apps and items with an auto-touch lock system.
A specific device: All the instructions are simple. You can use any of them whatever you find easy to use. Besides, the Apple iPad provides a pencil and intelligent keyboard.
Specifications:
- Brand: Apple
- Series: Apple iPad
- Batteries: 1 Lithium Polymer battery
- Battery Life: 10 Hours
- Color: Space Gray
- Display size: 10 Inches
- Processor: 2.48 GHz
- RAM: 3 GB
- Hard Drive: 32 GB
Pros:
- 12 MP front camera for video calls.
- 10 hours battery life.
- Huge memory storage.
- Faster is speed.
Cons:
- Not any face identification.
2. Apple iPad Pro 11 Inch
An 11-inch Apple iPad pro is enough alone to make your day with its full-day battery life. The liquid retina display is very stylish and portable.
This high-performance iPad brings your digital experience to a whole new level. Like its name, the iPad Pro provides an outstanding pro camera with a LiDAR scanner for breathtaking photos and videos. Besides, the internet speed is even faster than you can imagine.
Features:
Stunning camera: The Apple iPad Pro provides an ultra-wide front camera perfect for video calling. Besides, a 12 MP wide camera and a 10MP ultra-wide help you capture the actual pictures. It also comes with a LiDAR scanner to provide immersive AR.
XDR display: This Pro pad contains a liquid retina XDR display that provides true tone, 264PPI resolution, and 120Hz ProMotion support- enough to blow your mind.
5G internet support: An 11 inch Apple iPad Pro includes the latest 5G support that makes your work smoother. However, this support may vary by location.
Advanced M1 chip: The iPad Pro comes with an M1 core processor. That serves high performance and makes the storage access quicker.
Specifications:
- Display: 11‑inch Liquid Retina display
- Capacity: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Camera and Video: 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide cameras
- Front Camera: 12MP Ultra Wide TrueDepth front camera
- Connector: USB-C
- Size: 9.74 inches x 7.02 inches x 0.23 inch
- Weight: 1.03 pounds
Pros:
- True depth font camera.
- Liquid Retina display.
- 5G support.
- Portable.
Cons:
- Comparatively Expensive.
3. Apple iPad Pro 10.5 Inch
The Apple iPad Pro Rose Gold model comes with a 10.5-inch retina display. It is versatile and capable of high performance.
This iPad also provides a facetime HD quality camera. Moreover, it will show you fabulous performance while running any pro app. You will find millions of apps on the Apple store.
Features:
Beautiful display: The 10.5 inch Apple Pro iPad has a beautiful retina display. It provides a wide color, accurate tone, and ProMotion.
HD camera: It has a 12 MP back camera with HD resolution and another 7MP front video calling camera. Both of the cameras can create incredible pictures, selfies, and videos.
Powerful battery: This device comes with a built-in lithium-ion battery, and it is non-removable. The average battery life is approximately 10 hours- long enough to serve your needs.
Sensor: You can unlock the crisp and smooth screen with its auto-touch fingerprint sensor. That makes your privacy stronger. The other sensors are compass, gyro, accelerometer, and barometer.
Specifications:
- Brand: Apple
- Series: IPad Pro
- Display size: 10.5 inch
- Color: Rose Gold
- Weight: 1.03 pounds
- Power Source: Battery
- Batteries: 1 Lithium ion built-in battery
- Screen Resolution: 2224 x 1668
- RAM: 4 GB
- Hard Drive: 64 GB
Pros:
- Retina display.
- Powerful device.
- Durable battery.
- High audio quality.
- HD camera.
Cons:
- Not a laptop replacement.
4. Apple iPad Air 10.9 Inch
The outstanding liquid retina display makes the Apple iPad Air one of the most incredible multi-purpose iPad ever. Besides, the 10.9-inch displays give you a real-life experience.
This iPad Air is manufactured with all the latest features. You can easily create a 3D model or edit a 4K video, whatever you want. Moreover, its long-lasting battery makes your day easier.
Features:
Robust and vibrant: The Apple iPad Air is straightforward to use. However, it works more than a regular computer. It contains an A14 Botanic chip that makes the iPad more powerful. Moreover, you can transfer all the documents and files via USB-C cable.
As for the colors, it gives you a lot more options. Specifically, the iPad air is available in sky blue, green, silver, space gray, and rose gold colors.
Crystal clear picture: The front and back cameras provide HD quality crystal clear pictures. The front camera comes with a 7MP FaceTime HD resolution. On the other hand, the back camera provides a 12MP resolution.
Flawless display: Like the previous iPads, this iPad air also provides a liquid retina display that is solid and smooth. The retina display contains P3 wide color and true tone.
Support and connectivity: This iPad Air is compatible with the USB-C cable. You can charge your iPad or transfer something with this cable.
The iPad Air supports Apple pencil, and you can sketch or make portraits smoothly with it. In addition, it also works with an intelligent keyboard.
Specifications:
- Display: 10.9‑inch Liquid Retina display
- Capacity: 64GB, 256GB
- Camera and Video: 12MP Wide camera
- Front Camera: 7MP True Depth
- Front camera Chip: A14 Bionic chip
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Connector: USB-C
Pros:
- Lightweight and elegant design.
- Smooth retina display.
- An A14 Bionic chip.
- Several color options.
Cons:
- No headphone jack.
5. Apple iPad Air 2
Although the Apple iPad Air 2 does not come with original packaging, it still includes UL approved power adapter and a certified cable.
We choose this iPad because it has a 9.7 retina display that is smooth and powerful. In addition, it also includes an 8MP rear camera. The battery life is also long-lasting, up to 10 hours.
Features:
Brighter screen: The Apple iPad Air 2 provides a retina display with better resolution. Less air can pass between the internal layers of the screen as they are laminated together. The display resolution is 1536 x 2048, suitable for outdoor performance.
Best camera tablet: This Air iPad version serves the best quality camera. It comes with an 8MP rear camera to capture real-life quality pictures.
A8X chip: It includes an A8X chip that is powerful and faster. This iPad Air is especially suitable for gaming because of its chip. Moreover, you can also create a slow-motion video because of it.
Touch ID: The auto-touch ID verification system is another excellent feature of the Apple iPad Air 2. This system allows you to unlock the tablet without any hazard and pay the bills without any credit card.
Specifications:
- Brand: Apple
- Series: iPad Air
- Display size: 9.7 Inches
- Screen Resolution: 2048 x 1536
- RAM: 2 GB
- Hard Drive: 16 GB
- Battery Life: 10 Hours
Pros:
- A8X chip.
- Retina display.
- Touch ID.
- Compatible with WiFi.
Cons:
- Not compatible with the cellular network.
- No built-in SIM card.
6. Apple iPad 9.7 Inch
The Apple 9.7 inch iPad provides only 32GB of storage. However, it includes the fingerprint system. It also supports Windows 10. So, it works like a mini-computer.
The feature we like about it is that it supports multi-language like English and Spanish. It also provides a memory card reader and USB cable.
Features:
Camera quality: This Apple iPad, the best cheap tablet for Cricut makers, comes with an excellent rear camera. The 8MP resolution is enough to capture clear pictures and 4K videos.
Better screen: You can rely on the display without any doubt. The screen includes a 9.7-inch Retina Display, and the resolution is 2048 x 1536.
Compatibility: This iPad version supports WiFi connections. Besides, you can transfer stuff with the USB cable.
Connectors: The Apple iPad connects with-
- USB/eSATA combo;
- stereo headphone;
- memory card;
- HDMI;
- VGA.
Specifications:
- Display size: 9.7 Inches
- Screen Resolution: 2048 x 1536
- Rear camera resolution: 8MP
- Processor: 2.4 GHz
- RAM: 32 GB
- Power source: wired electric
- Graphics Coprocessor: 1
- Average Battery Life: 1 week
Pros:
- Auto-touch fingerprint.
- Multi-language function.
- Bright display.
- Fast processor.
- A smart keyboard
- Pencil accessories.
- Better camera.
- Clear and loud audio quality.
Cons:
- Limited storage.
7. Apple iPad Pro 12.9 Inch
The Apple 12.9 inch iPad Pro is perfect for taking HDR-quality photos and videos. It provides a 12MP wide camera and 10MP ultra-wide camera with a LiDAR scanner like an 11 inch Pro iPad.
Moreover, this iPad includes the most powerful M1 chip for advanced performance. The center staged front camera is perfect for selfies and video calling.
Features:
Simple yet powerful screen: The liquid retina display provides the most powerful screen. It is also smooth and suitable for outdoor performance as it comes with a better screen resolution. However, working on the screen is even more straightforward than you imagine. The easy-touch fingerprint system makes your work smooth.
Powerful chip: The Apple 12.9 inch iPad Pro contains a powerful M1 chip. So, whether you operate some apps or transfer something on another device, it always works faster.
Portability: This iPad comes with all the powerful features. But it is portable and extremely lightweight. You can easily carry it everywhere.
Wired and wireless connections: This iPad provides both wired and wireless connections. You can connect it with WiFi which provides 5G speed internet. On the other hand, it provides a thunderbolt connection with the wired device if a WiFi connection is impossible.
Specifications:
- Brand: Apple
- Series: iPad Pro
- Display size: 12.9 Inches
- Screen Resolution: 2732×2048 Pixels
- Average Battery Life: 10 Hours
- Graphics Coprocessor: Apple A12X Bionic
- Hard Drive: 256 GB
- Card Description: Integrated
Pros:
- Liquid Retina display.
- Ultra-wide rear camera.
- LiDAR scanner.
- M1 cheap.
- Portable and lightweight.
Cons:
- Super expensive.
Best iPad for Cricut Buying Guide
We have already given the article of the seven best tablets for Cricut. But besides these iPads, you will find many options from the Apple Store. However, you have to find out which option suits you the best before buying it.
If you decide to purchase the best iPad for Cricut, then check the general features below that will help you find the best iPad for you-
Screen Size
The screen size matters a lot as different people use iPad for different purposes. For example, a 10 inch or even 9.7 inch iPad screen is enough for capturing pictures and phone calls. However, if you want to look for a tablet for Cricut, then a minimum of 11-inch screen size is suitable for that.
Camera Resolution
Although many people do not care about the camera resolution, we still find it essential. After all, it is an Apple device! Sometimes you need to capture photos and videos for the Cricut project on paper.
Look for the camera quality, which will be the best option for your project. Different kinds of iPads come with various types of resolution. Typically, an 8MP camera resolution is quite enough for a common purpose. However, if you want a tablet for Cricut, then go for at least a 10MP wide rear camera.
Storage
The storage capacity is one of the essential features to consider while buying an iPad. The more stage it has, the more files it can store. So, make sure that it has a good storage capacity for storing all your essential documents.
Some iPad tablets come with built-in memory card readers. You can add a high space memory card if your tablet does not have enough space. However, an Apple iPad with ample storage is always the best since you do not require any memory card in this case.
Portability
Many people now demand lightweight tablets. So, if you need to carry your iPad outside with you and use it now and then, look for a lightweight tablet.
Usually, small screens and thin display tablets are portable and easy to carry. This iPad is readily available in Apple stores and any trusted shop.
Battery Life
You have to consider how much time you need to use the iPad daily. If you need to use it for an extended time, ensure that the iPad has at least 10 hours of battery life.
You can choose from the seven iPads mentioned above. They all provide durable lithium-ion batteries with up to 10 hours of battery life. Some tablets even can go for the whole day.
Connectivity
First of all, make sure what kind of connection is available for you. The iPads provide wired and wireless connections. However, some iPads like iPad Air 2 do not have a cellular data option. So, look for the connectivity support system while buying an iPad.
How to Connect iPad to Cricut
You can connect your Cricut maker with an iPad or laptop for Cricut. If you are not planning to use your laptop, you can use your iPad.
However, a big screen is suitable for Cricut. Although connecting the iPad with Cricut sounds challenging, it is accessible in reality. But different tablets come with different kinds of connection systems. It is the same for the Cricut maker too.
Moreover, most people find it easy to connect the iPad with the Cricut maker via Bluetooth. We will show how you can connect the Cricut maker with the Cricut compatible tablets through Bluetooth.
Set Up the Cricut Design Space App
To connect your iPad with the Cricut machine, you have to install the Cricut Design Space app on your iPad. Follow the steps below-
- Go to the app store.
- Download the Cricut Design Space app.
- Open the app after downloading it.
- Click on ‘Allow’ when it sends your notification.
- Then select the ‘Machine Setup.’
- Create an ID with email and password if you do not have any.
- Pair with Bluetooth and enter pin 0000.
- Finally, return to the app.
Setup on the iPad settings
You have to connect the iPad with the Maker now with Bluetooth. For this purpose, go to the iPad settings and select Bluetooth. Then, click on the Maker and type the pin 0000 for the pair. After that, go back to the Cricut app and update the machine. It will take 40-50 seconds for the machine to update.
Final Setup
When the update is finished, you have to click on ‘Continue’ on the Cricut app. Then select the ‘Cricut access.’ Now your Cricut machine is ready to work with your iPad.
How to Add Fonts on iPad for Cricut
One problem you may face with your iPad is limited font addition. As a result, you may get bored with your tablet for Cricut.
But it is possible to use any design for Cricut by adding fonts on your iPad. You will successfully add different fonts to your tablet with a few steps.
Look for a Font App and Download it
You will find tons of font apps on the iPad app store. Paid and free- both apps are available. If you want to give it a simple try, you can install any free font app first. But if you are already an expert and want a font app for professional use, then paid versions are better. Just go to the app store and download whatever you prefer.
Install the App
After downloading the font app, your browsing list will add the app. Select the app icon, and it is ready to install. However, it may require several installations.
Final Step
When the installation is done, go to the Cricut Design Space app. After that, add the text and select the system fonts. You will see your installed font there. If you cannot see it, log out of the Cricut app and log in again.
You can easily add any font on your iPad or laptop for Cricut with the three simple steps.
FAQs
Does Cricut Work Well With the iPad?
A Cricut machine or Cricut explorer works best with a computer and iPad. So, Cricut works with an iPad perfectly. Besides, the large screen makes it work better too. You can connect your iPad with a Cricut machine with Bluetooth, cables, WiFi, and so many devices. The setup is also super easy.
Does Cricut Work with Procreate?
Procreate is a digital app where you can digitize all your creativity. On the other hand, a Cricut machine can give you the proper shape of your art. So, Cricut works well with Procreate. You can easily find this app on your iPad app store. Download the app, make your design and connect it with the Cricut with simple initials.
Can You Use a Drawing Tablet With Cricut?
A Cricut machine can work with different types of digital devices. It can also work with a drawing tablet. However, a high-speed and high-quality internet connection is required to connect a drawing tablet with Cricut.
Can You Use a Chromebook With a Cricut?
Yes, you can use a Chromebook with a Cricut machine. You can connect the Cricut with the Chromebook by downloading The Cricut Design Space app. The process is also easy.
Can You Use iPad Pro for Cricut?
An iPad Pro is one of the best tablets for the Cricut project. This tablet works well with any Cricut machine. You only have to set up your iPad settings and the Cricut Design Space app. In addition, you do not need any additional items for that.
Do I Need a Printer to Use a Cricut?
You do not always need a printer while cutting or drawing something with a Cricut machine. But you may require a printer if you want to print your design first and then cut the shape with a Cricut Maker.
Conclusion
We all love to do different experiments with our Apple tablets. Most of the iPads are remarkably compatible with Cricut makers or Cricut machines. With this in mind, a Cricut project can be a grand experiment.
On the other hand, some people do Cricut professionally. An advanced featured iPad can serve them better in this case. Most iPads are portable and come with a medium-sized screen, perfect for any DIY project. It is also easy to connect with Cricut.
The seven best iPads we mentioned before will help you find the best iPad for Cricut. However, choosing the right iPad for Cricut is not simply what you think. You need to focus on particular features to select the best device to use with Cricut.