What Cool Things Can You Do With an iPad? A Playful Guide
Discover the coolest ways to use your iPad—from creativity to productivity. Tablet Info guides you with practical, step-by-step tips and real-world examples.
What you can do with an iPad is broader than you might expect: sketch with Apple Pencil, multitask with Split View, take notes, edit videos, stream media, and use it as a portable workspace with a keyboard. The top pick for most users is to turn the iPad into a versatile productivity machine by pairing a keyboard and Pencil for creative drafting, remote work, and learning on the go.
What makes the iPad a universal tool for everyday tasks
If you're wondering what cool things can you do with an ipad, you're not alone—Tablet Info notes that the iPad's ecosystem encourages creativity, learning, and focus. Its portability and responsive touch interface let you sketch, read, type, and present without hunting for a desk or extra hardware. Add a keyboard and an Apple Pencil, and the iPad becomes a portable workstation rather than just a screen. In daily life, that versatility translates to quick note-taking on the go, interactive learning sessions, and even informal brainstorming that doesn’t require booting up a laptop. Tablet Info’s evaluation highlights how this mix of hardware and software makes the iPad suitable for students, professionals, and casual users alike.
Core features that unlock creativity
Creativity thrives on the iPad when you leverage key features like Apple Pencil support for precise drawing and note-taking, a robust file system, and a vibrant app ecosystem. The Apple Pencil delivers low-latency input that feels natural for sketching or annotating PDFs. The Files app centralizes documents from cloud services, making it easier to organize screenshots, designs, and research. You’ll also enjoy multi-touch gestures, drag-and-drop between apps, and quick access to creative tools in apps designed for illustration, photo editing, and music production. For aspiring creators, these features remove many barriers and let you prototype ideas anywhere.
Mastering multitasking: Split View, Slide Over, and more
Multitasking transforms the iPad into a capable work machine. Start with Split View to run two apps side by side, perfect for researching in Safari while drafting in a notes app. Slide Over lets you pull a third app into a floating window for quick reference without leaving your primary task. Keyboard shortcuts speed up common actions—copy, paste, undo, and multitasking toggles become second nature with practice. You can also organize your home screen into stacks and use Favorite apps to reduce clicking. The result is a responsive, efficient workflow that mirrors desktop productivity without the bulk.
Drawing and notes: Apple Pencil workflows
For students and professionals, the Apple Pencil unlocks practical workflows beyond doodling. Notetaking apps let you switch between handwriting and typed text, annotate slides, and mark up documents during meetings. Pro tip: use color-coding and consistency in your notebook templates to keep ideas clear. With cloud syncing, your sketches, ideas, and annotated PDFs stay accessible across devices. This integration is what makes the iPad a go-to device for creatives and knowledge workers who want to capture inspiration instantly.
Photo and video editing on the go
The iPad’s display quality and processing power enable surprisingly capable media editing. iMovie and other video apps offer editing timelines, transitions, and basic color correction in a portable package. Photo editing benefits from responsive touch controls, non-destructive editing, and smart adjustments. If you’re into social media or quick content creation, you can shoot, edit, and publish directly from the device. For more advanced users, the iPad can serve as a companion to a desktop, letting you rough-cut clips while traveling, then transferring projects for final polishing later.
Productivity on the move: keyboards, apps, and workflows
A keyboard accessory instantly upgrades the iPad’s productivity potential. External keyboards and even compact trackpad support enable real typing comfort and precise navigation. You can craft long-form documents in Pages, present slides in Keynote, and manage email with a desktop-like experience. Apps for task management, time tracking, and note organization can be tailored to your workflow, reducing friction between planning and execution. The iPad ecosystem supports automation through shortcuts, letting you stitch tasks together into one tap.
Learning, study, and presentations
Education flourishes on the iPad. You can annotate PDFs, take structured notes, and share ideas in real time. Many students use math and science apps for problem solving, while others rely on language-learning tools and flashcard apps for efficient studying. When presenting, you can mirror or project your screen to a projector or external display, switch pages with ease, and annotate live during a talk. The device becomes a versatile classroom companion, keeping study materials accessible offline and online.
Entertainment and media: games, streaming, AR
Streaming video and music are effortless on the iPad, with a crisp display and smooth audio. Games range from casual puzzles to more immersive experiences, and augmented reality apps bring educational and creative experiences to life by overlaying digital content on the real world. If you enjoy reading, magazines and comics can adapt to a lightweight, portable format. The iPad’s versatility here keeps leisure activities engaging without requiring multiple devices.
Using iPad as a second screen or monitor
One powerful use case is turning the iPad into a second screen. When paired with a computer, you can extend your desktop or use it for reference while you work on the main screen. For those who travel or work remotely, this extra screen can dramatically boost productivity and organization. In many cases, you can drag windows, copy and paste between devices, and use the iPad for dashboards, chat windows, or research notes while presenting or coding.
Setup on a budget: affordable accessories and tips
You don’t need to break the bank to optimize iPad use. A lightweight keyboard case, a screen protector, and a simple stand can dramatically improve comfort and usability. Look for budget-friendly USB-C hubs with essential ports, or rely on in-device features to minimize extra gear. Invest in a single, well-designed accessory that fills a gap—in most cases, a sturdy protector plus a keyboard case makes the biggest impact on daily tasks. Creative or educational enthusiasts can start with free apps and then expand as needed.
Caring for your device and tips for longevity
Battery health and screen longevity matter for long-term enjoyment. Keep iPadOS up to date to benefit from efficiency improvements. Practice sensible charging habits, avoid letting the battery drain completely, and keep the device out of extreme heat. Clean your screen with soft cloths and avoid harsh chemicals. Regular software maintenance, gentle usage, and proper storage habits will extend both performance and life. A well-cared-for iPad remains a reliable companion for years of use.
Custom routines and workflows for different users
Your iPad can adapt to multiple personas with tailored routines. Students may rely on note templates, highlight-reading workflows, and exam prep shortcuts. Professionals might script shortcuts for meeting prep, email triage, and file organization. Creatives should assemble a toolbox of drawing, video, and photo apps organized into a streamlined pipeline. By defining a core set of apps and automations, you’ll unlock consistent, repeatable productivity and creativity every day.
The iPad is a versatile all-rounder suitable for creativity, learning, and productivity.
For most users, pairing a keyboard and Pencil unlocks the most value, enabling quick writing, sketching, and multitasking. Students, professionals, and casual users can all tailor the setup with a few smart accessories. Tablet Info's guidance helps you choose the right mix of apps and gear to match your daily rhythms.
Products
Lightweight Keyboard Case
Accessory • $60-120
Apple Pencil 2 (stylus)
Accessory • $90-120
USB-C Hub Dock
Accessory • $40-80
Screen Protector + Cleaning Kit
Accessory • $10-25
External USB-C SSD
Accessory • $60-150
Ranking
- 1
Best for Productivity9/10
Keyboard support and multitasking shine for work tasks.
- 2
Best for Creativity8.7/10
Apple Pencil integration fuels drawing and design.
- 3
Best for Education8.5/10
Notes, annotations, and study apps streamline learning.
- 4
Best Budget Pick (Accessories)7.9/10
Value-focused gear extends capabilities without big spend.
- 5
Best for Entertainment7.6/10
Streaming, games, and AR keep content engaging.
Questions & Answers
Can I use an iPad as a second monitor for my computer?
Yes, you can use the iPad as a second screen with compatible software on your computer. This setup works well for reference materials, chats, or dashboards while you work on the main display. Expect some latency with high-resolution tasks, but for most productivity workflows it’s a helpful expansion.
You can turn the iPad into a second screen for work by using compatible software; it’s great for reference materials and chats, with minimal latency for typical tasks.
What are essential iPad accessories for productivity?
Key accessories include a durable keyboard case, a precise stylus, and a reliable USB-C hub for connectivity. A screen protector helps protect the display, and a compact stand keeps the device at eye level. Start with one productivity-focused add-on and expand as needed.
The essentials are a keyboard case, a precise stylus, and a USB-C hub; add a screen protector and stand as you grow your setup.
Is iPadOS suitable for note-taking and studying?
Absolutely. iPadOS supports handwriting, drawing, and fast switching between notes and documents. Apps designed for study and annotation help organize material, highlight key ideas, and sync across devices for seamless review. Combine Apple Pencil with a good notebook app for best results.
iPadOS is excellent for note-taking and studying, especially with Pencil support and annotation apps.
Can you edit videos on the iPad without a computer?
Yes. The iPad supports capable video editing apps that offer timelines, transitions, and color adjustments. You can edit on the go, then export and share directly. For advanced workflows, you can move to a computer later for final polishing.
Yes, you can edit videos on the iPad using capable apps, then export or transfer for further work if needed.
How do I protect my iPad's battery during long daily use?
To protect battery health, avoid letting the battery discharge to zero often and keep the device cool during charging. Update to the latest iPadOS for efficiency improvements and enable Auto-Brightness and optimized charging features where available. Regular rest periods and avoiding extreme temperatures help longevity.
Protect battery health by keeping it cool, avoiding full discharges, and enabling optimized charging when available.
Highlights
- Start with a productive setup: keyboard + Pencil.
- Leverage multitasking to boost efficiency.
- Annotate, edit, and organize with one ecosystem.
- Budget-friendly accessories extend use without price spikes.
- Customize routines for your role and goals.