iPad Drawing and Writing with Paperlike

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to:

1. Install your Paperlike screen protector correctly without bubbles or dust
2. Control line thickness and apply pressure sensitivity for varied strokes
3. Use basic shading techniques to add depth to your digital artwork
4. Set up your drawing app to work effectively with Paperlike's texture

Introduction

Drawing and writing on an iPad can feel slippery and imprecise compared to traditional paper. That's where Paperlike comes in. This matte screen protector gives your iPad's glass surface a paper-like texture, making it easier to control your Apple Pencil and create more natural-feeling strokes.

This chapter covers the practical techniques you need to get the most from your Paperlike setup. You'll learn proper installation, how to adapt your drawing style to the textured surface, and ways to use the enhanced grip for better line control and shading.

Lessons

Lesson 1: Installing Your Paperlike Screen Protector

Getting your Paperlike installed properly makes all the difference to your drawing experience. Here's how to do it right.

What you'll need:

• Paperlike screen protector
• Cleaning cloth (included)
• Squeegee or credit card
• Dust removal stickers

Step-by-step installation:

1. Choose your location carefully. Work in a dust-free environment. A bathroom after running a hot shower works well because the steam settles airborne dust.

2. Clean your iPad screen. Use the included cleaning cloth to remove all fingerprints, dust, and smudges. Check the screen under bright light to spot any remaining particles.

3. Align before you stick. Hold the Paperlike above your iPad without removing the backing. Line up the home button area and camera cutout. Use the alignment stickers if provided.

4. Remove the backing gradually. Peel back just a small section of the protective backing and position that edge on your iPad. Press down gently.

5. Work across the screen. Slowly remove more backing while smoothing the protector down with your squeegee or card. Work from the centre outwards to push air bubbles towards the edges.

6. Remove any bubbles. Small bubbles often disappear within 24 hours. For stubborn ones, lift the nearest edge slightly and smooth the bubble out.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Rushing the alignment step
• Trying to reposition after the adhesive has made contact
• Pressing too hard with the squeegee and creating scratches

Lesson 2: Adapting Your Drawing Style

Paperlike changes how your Apple Pencil feels and responds. Here's how to adapt your technique.

Understanding the texture difference:

The matte surface creates more friction than bare glass. This means:

• Your pencil will feel more controlled but may drag slightly
• You'll have better grip for detailed work
• The surface may feel rougher at first

Adjusting your pressure:

1. Start with light pressure. Open your preferred drawing app and create a new canvas. Try drawing lines with very light pressure first.

2. Gradually increase pressure. Draw a series of parallel lines, pressing slightly harder with each one. Notice how the line weight changes.

3. Find your sweet spot. Most users find they need less pressure with Paperlike than on glass. The increased friction gives you more control with lighter strokes.

Speed and control practice:

• Draw slow, controlled lines for precision work
• Use quick, confident strokes for loose sketching
• Try circular motions to get used to the surface texture

Lesson 3: Line Control Techniques

Good line control is fundamental to digital drawing. Paperlike's texture helps you achieve more varied and expressive lines.

Basic line exercises:

1. Straight lines. Draw horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines. Focus on keeping them smooth and consistent.

2. Curved lines. Practice drawing smooth curves and circles. The paper-like texture should help you maintain steady curves.

3. Varying line weights. In one continuous stroke, start light, press harder in the middle, then lighten up again. This creates dynamic, expressive lines.

Brush settings that work well with Paperlike:

• Reduce brush smoothing settings for more responsive lines
• Increase pressure sensitivity if your lines feel too uniform
• Try pencil or charcoal brushes that respond well to the textured surface

Lesson 4: Shading and Texture Techniques

Paperlike's surface texture makes it particularly good for shading and creating natural-looking textures.

Basic shading approach:

1. Choose the right brush. Soft brushes work well for smooth shading, while textured brushes can create interesting effects on the matte surface.

2. Use light, overlapping strokes. Build up shading gradually with multiple light passes rather than trying to create dark areas immediately.

3. Vary your angle. Tilt your Apple Pencil to use the side for broader shading strokes.

Texture techniques:

• Cross-hatching: Draw overlapping lines at different angles to create shadow and texture
• Stippling: Use small dots or marks to build up tone gradually
• Scumbling: Make small, circular motions to create soft, organic textures

The key is to work with the surface texture rather than against it. The slight resistance helps you create more controlled, deliberate marks.

Practice

Exercise 1: Line Control Practice

Create a new canvas in your drawing app. Spend 10 minutes drawing:

• 20 straight lines of varying thickness
• 10 smooth curves
• 5 continuous lines that vary from thin to thick and back to thin

Exercise 2: Simple Object Study

Choose a simple object like an apple, cup, or sphere. Using only lines and basic shading:

1. Draw the outline using controlled, confident strokes
2. Add basic shading to show the light source
3. Use different line weights to show depth and form

Focus on how the Paperlike surface affects your control and the marks you can make.

FAQs

How long does a Paperlike screen protector last?
Typically 3-6 months with regular use. You'll notice the texture wearing smooth in areas where you draw most frequently.

Can I clean my Paperlike screen protector?
Yes, use a slightly damp microfibre cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or excessive moisture.

Why do my lines look different than on glass?
The matte surface scatters light differently, which can make colours appear less vibrant. Your drawing app's display settings might need adjusting.

Should I change my app settings for Paperlike?
You might want to reduce brush smoothing and increase pressure sensitivity to take advantage of the improved control.

Can I use Paperlike with any stylus?
Paperlike works with any stylus, but it's designed to work best with Apple Pencil's pressure sensitivity features.

Jargon Buster

Pressure sensitivity: How your stylus responds to different amounts of force, creating thicker or thinner lines

Line weight: The thickness or thinness of drawn lines, used to create depth and emphasis

Cross-hatching: A shading technique using overlapping lines at different angles

Matte surface: A non-glossy surface that reduces reflections and provides texture

Brush smoothing: A software feature that makes your drawn lines smoother by reducing small wobbles

Wrap-up

You now have the foundation skills to make the most of drawing and writing with Paperlike. The key points to remember:

• Take time with installation to avoid problems later
• Adapt your pressure and speed to work with the textured surface
• Use the improved control for better line variation and shading
• Practice regularly to develop muscle memory for the new surface feel

Your next step is to experiment with different drawing apps and brush settings to find what works best for your style. The more you practice with these techniques, the more natural the Paperlike surface will feel.

Ready to take your digital art skills further? Join our community of creators at https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership