iPad Uses: 20+ Creative Things to Do With Your Apple Tablet!

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Do you have an iPad that’s sitting around, and you’ve no idea what to use it for? Or do you feel like you’re missing out on all the amazing possibilities your iPad has to offer?

There’s no doubt that iPads have become an integral part of our lives, but have you ever stopped to think about the many ways your Apple device can be used?

From productivity to leisure, here are 20+ creative, interesting, and innovative iPad uses that will revolutionize how you use your tablet!

Read on for a full list of these ideas!

Best Uses for iPad

1. A Second Display

If you like working with multiple monitors, you can also turn your iPad into a second display.

With the help of Sidecar on Mac, you can easily mirror and extend your main screen to the iPad.

If you’re planning to use both the functions of the iPad and your Mac, you can also use Universal Control. It allows you to drag and drop files between the two devices.

2. As a Photo Frame

Turn your iPad into a digital photo frame that displays all your best memories!

All you need to do is download apps that help you turn your iPad into a digital photo frame, and you’ll be able to easily scroll through all of your photos on the iPad’s display.

3. Learning

iPads can also be used for educational purposes too!

For example, students can take down notes using an Apple Pencil on their iPads using the built-in Notes app.

Additionally, iPads can be used to record lectures and take notes in class.

Here are some common apps used by students for taking notes:

Apple Notes
Notability
GoodNotes
Notion

4. Gaming

iPads can be used for gaming, whether you’re an avid gamer or just looking to have some fun. There are tons of games available on the App Store, and many of them are free to download.

Plus, most iPads have powerful hardware that can make playing games a great experience.

5. Entertainment

The iPad is also a great way to stay entertained while on the go!

Whether watching movies or streaming music, your iPad can be a fully-fledged entertainment device.

Listen to podcasts and audiobooks, catch up on the latest episodes of your favorite TV shows, and watch movies wherever you are.

Plus, with the help of AirPlay or Chromecast, you can cast what’s playing on your iPad to another screen.

6. Video Calling a Loved One

We all have called our loved ones before, and we tend to do it on our phones for convenience. However, have you considered using the iPad for video calls instead?

This is especially useful when having video calls with a group of people. iPads have larger displays, making it easier to see and talk with multiple people at the same time.

Also, you’ll be able to use the iPad’s built-in camera and microphone for high-quality video calls.

To start using these calls, you can simply start with the built-in FaceTime app or download third-party apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.

Just make sure you have a good internet connection for video calls with no lag or disruption!

FaceTime calls have been the best call quality for me when calling my loved ones so far, so if you’re calling an Apple device, you should consider that.

iPad Uses for Work

For those who are wondering if your iPad can also be put to good use for work, here are some ideas:

1. Video Editing

If you’re a professional video editor, the iPad is your perfect companion for editing while you’re away from your main Mac or PC workstation.

Thanks to its powerful hardware and apps likeLumaFusion, you can do some serious work on the go. For more casual video editing, you can try out iMovie for a decent video editing experience.

You can edit videos and even add effects with ease using the touchscreen on an iPad.

However, one of the limitations you’ll encounter is the lack of ports for drives to handle all your large videos.

Not to worry, though! Just make sure you get a USB hub and a reliable solid-state drive to ensure you have enough space for editing, and you’ll do fine!

2. Project Management

With project management apps like Trello and Asana, you can easily manage your team’s tasks from anywhere.

You can create boards and assign tasks to your team members, add comments, and keep track of progress with just a few taps on the iPad.

What I like about these apps is that you’ll get timely notifications for deadlines or changes made to the project.

This makes your iPad a very good dashboard to have to monitor work progress. I’d place my iPad next to my desktop to the side and use it to track how work is going along.

Since the iPad is also very portable, you can easily pick it up and take it with you to meetings without having to lug around your laptop.

3. Taking Minutes

Talking about meetings the iPad is also a handy tool to have for meetings as well. You can use it to take notes and record what’s said in the meeting.

Evernote is a great app you can use to easily take down notes while in meetings, and you can also record audio or video of the meeting as well.

This makes taking meeting minutes much easier than taking down manual notes on a notepad.

If you’re looking for a simpler app, just use the record function within the Apple Notes app to record any discussions.

I’m pretty sure you’ll thank me for speeding up your minute-taking workflow for this!

iPad Uses for Students

And, of course, I won’t be leaving out the students who want to use iPads to help them too.

The iPad has become an essential tool for student learning for its portability.

1. Note Taking

As mentioned earlier, there are several apps you can use for note-taking on an iPad.

Whether you prefer handwritten notes, typed notes, or even audio and video recordings of lectures, the iPad has something that you’ll be able to use for studying.

Additionally, with a keyboard case, magic keyboard, or Apple Pencil, the iPad can be used to replace a laptop entirely! The addition of a keyboard can also help you type essays quickly.

2. Working on Math Calculations

As a math, science, or engineering student, you’ll most likely require some practice in solving problems.

Thanks to the iPad, you can now use note-taking apps to write down and practice working on the problem questions. This makes things much easier, since you won’t require so much physical paper just to work out a question.

Moreover, since they are taken down digitally, you’ll be able to refer to them quickly.

3. Art and Design Projects

For art and design students, the iPad is a great tool to have for sketching ideas down quickly and for serious project work.

With apps like ProCreate and Photoshop Sketch, you can easily draw illustrations or sketches with your Apple Pencil.

The app also offers several features, like a wide variety of brushes and mediums that let you easily create stunning digital artwork.

Not only that, but it’s also great for sharing your artwork with friends or classmates.

To get the best drawing experience, you’ll need a screen cover that can provide more friction to simulate actual drawing. The Paperlike iPad Screen Protector is a good option I recommend.

Best Uses for iPad Pro

The iPad Pro really packs a punch, with the latest models equipped with the latest M2 chip. To make the best use of your iPad pro, I’ve listed some great ideas below.

1. Photo Editing

With the iPad Pro, you have the largest iPad screen size in the whole lineup. This can be useful for editing photos.

With a powerful processor and beautiful display, you can bring out the best of your images with apps like Lightroom or Photoshop Express.

The bright display also lets you edit photos with ease, even when you’re outside working in a dark space.

2. Video Editing

As for video editing, you can use apps like iMovie or LumaFusion to edit videos quickly and easily.

You’ll be able to work on multiple layers of video, add music and effects, and even export it in 4K resolution.

3. AR/VR Experiences

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) experiences can be used for educational or entertainment purposes.

The iPad Pro has a powerful processor and graphics card that will make these types of experiences run smoother than ever before.

Plus, with the new LiDAR scanner Apple introduced on the 2020 models of iPad Pro, you can experience AR/VR content in a whole new way.

You can even use the iPad as a measurement tool using AR through the Measure app.

4. Drawing and Animation

Most people know that the iPad Pro is a great tool for note-taking, but they don’t realize that drawing on the iPad Pro is amazing too.

With apps like Adobe Fresco, you can create digital art easily with your Apple Pencil. It also features animation tools so you can animate your artwork as well.

5. Data Analysis

One lesser-known use for the iPad Pro is for data analysis.

With a powerful processor and graphics, you can use the iPad Pro to analyze data quickly. With apps like MATLAB or Microsoft Excel, you’ll be able to work on complex calculations and analytics while on the move.

6. Gaming

Making full use of the ProMotion (high-frequency refresh rate) in an iPad Pro, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite games at a much smoother experience!

The iPad Pro can support the latest graphics-heavy game titles that offer great visuals and performance.

Moreover, you can even pair an Xbox or PS4 controller with it for a console-like gaming experience.

Best Uses for iPad Air

Some of the best uses for iPad Air include:

1. Reading & Writing

The iPad Air’s bright, vibrant display makes it great for reading and writing. You can use apps like Kindle or even comics to read books.

You can also write essays or take down notes with the help of a keyboard attachment.

2. Social Media

The iPad Air is also great for social media because of its decently sized screen.

Enjoying your favorite TikToks on your iPad Air’s 10.9″ display will be incredibly immersive, and you can even comment or like videos with ease.

Plus, the iPad Air has great battery life, so you won’t have to worry about your device dying on you during a long scrolling session!

3. Streaming & Media Consumption

If you want to watch movies and shows with the best picture quality, an iPad Air is perfect for you.

With the latest models of the iPad Air, you can even stream in 2K resolution.

Best Uses for iPad Mini

The iPad Mini is one of Apple’s unique products, having an 8.3″ screen size that’s perfect for one-handed use.

Here are some of the best uses for it:

1. Consuming Social Media

The iPad mini is great for consuming social media, especially if you have small hands.

Thanks to its compact size, it can fit perfectly in your hand without feeling too big or heavy. Plus, it has a beautiful display that will make looking at pictures and videos more enjoyable.

2. Reading & Writing

The iPad Mini is also great for reading books or writing essays.

With its small size and lightweight, it can easily fit into your pocket or bag, allowing you to take it with you wherever you go.

Uses for an Old iPad

If you have an old iPad just lying around with no use, here are some ways to make the most out of it:

1. A Secondary Device

The old iPad can be used as a secondary device for when you’re on the go. You can use it to check emails, browse the web, or even watch movies.

2. Digital Picture Frame

You can also turn your old iPad into a digital picture frame!

I’d recommend creating a slideshow of your favorite pictures taken during your last vacation and having them displayed on your iPad.

3. Gaming Console

If you still want to play games on an old iPad, you can use it as a gaming console. You can download classic titles or retro games onto the device and enjoy some nostalgic gaming.

How to Use An iPad in Everyday Life

Here’s a simple guide I made to help you understand how to use an iPad in everyday life:

Start by including your iPad in your workflow by using it to take notes while you take calls at work. You can also jot down a quick daily to-do list.

If you’re a student, consider using it for studying and recording notes in lectures.

Another way to include the iPad in your life is to start journaling on your iPad. This can be done when you pen down your reflections in a journaling app on your tablet at the end of the day.

These steps should be a good way to get you started in being a power iPad user.

Final Thoughts

The iPad is a versatile tool that can be used for many different tasks. Whether you use it as a notebook, gaming console, or digital picture frame, you’ll find that this device can make your life more productive and enjoyable.

I hope I was able to help you understand how to use an iPad in everyday life and make good use of that iPad that’s just doing nothing but collecting dust in your home.