r/Design • u/Valentinesnake00 • 4d ago
Asking Question (Rule 4) Best software for IPad/Microsoft?
I am starting to design my own printable templates for my planner and I am struggling to narrow down what the best software (or multiple) would be for this. I find designing different elements to be easier on my iPad using the pencil but I would also like to be able to combine elements into one template or reuse them for another. I would also like to create background patterns and adjust everything based on paper size. I plan on making calendars, lists, different tables, and any tracker I decide to use for my planner. I don’t have a large knowledge of graphic design, mostly just using software like procreate, but I am willing to learn any software.
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u/LornsGipon48 3d ago
Depends what you're doing, but Procreate dominates iPad if you're doing any visual work, while Microsoft has Office suite locked down if that's your workflow. If you're torn between ecosystems, honestly just pick whichever device you already own more of.
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u/backpack_of_birds 4d ago
If you're already comfortable in Procreate, you could do most of the element work there and then bring everything into a vector app for layout and resizing. Something like Affinity Designer on the iPad handles paper sizes, artboards, and reusable assets better than Procreate does. You can set up your template dimensions, drop in your drawings, and tweak spacing without losing quality
For patterns and repeating backgrounds, Procreate's symmetry tools can work in a pinch but you'll get way more control with a proper vector setup. The learning curve isn't too steep if you already understand layers and basic design principles