Apple’s iPad and Pencil combination makes for an excellent note-taking or digital drawing solution. But even though writing notes or creating art on the iPad has a lot of advantages over using analog pen and paper, the actual feel of writing with a plastic-tipped stylus on the iPad’s smooth glass isn’t great. The hard plastic of the stylus hitting the hard glass of the iPad can be noisy, slippery, and just unpleasant to use if you’re used to writing on paper.
Yet it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way. There is a small cottage industry of paper-feel (or paperlike or paper-type) screen protectors for the iPad that address this issue directly. And as someone who takes handwritten notes on the iPad every single day, I now swear by them.
These kinds of screen protectors have a different purpose than the typical clear plastic screen protector designed to prevent scratches on the screen. They have matte finishes that both diffuse the light coming out of the screen and provide a rougher texture for writing. This has the effect of providing resistance to the tip of the Apple Pencil, which makes writing on the glass feel more like writing on paper and provides more control over your strokes. They also reduce the tapping-on-glass noise you get with the Pencil on the iPad. Writing through the screen protector is no less responsive than without it, and you can still navigate the iPad easily with standard finger taps and swipes.
Yes, as expected, it makes the iPad feel more like paper, though I’m not going to tell you it’s exactly the same.
Common brands of paper-type screen protectors include Paperlike, Moshi (this is what I use on an iPad Mini and an iPad Pro), and PenTips, though there are many off-brand options on Amazon for lower costs. You can find options for every iPad on the market, from the base 9.7-inch model released a couple of years ago to the latest and greatest iPad Pro models. A matte screen protector will typically cost more than a basic clear one, with the name-brand versions running anywhere from $30 to $45 each.
There are some downsides to be aware of when using a matte screen protector. Because these screen protectors diffuse the light coming out of the screen, there is an impact to the brightness and color saturation of the screen. If you use your iPad outdoors or you primarily use it for watching movies, this might be an issue for you. PenTips’ PenMat offers a clever solution for this: it magnetically attaches to the iPad, so you can easily put it on when you want to write or draw and take it off when you want to watch a movie or get the full brightness of the iPad’s screen. I haven’t used this one myself, but YouTuber Brad Colbow, who creates videos about making art on digital devices, recently tested it and came away impressed.
Those who write with a heavy hand or do a lot of drawing on their iPads might wear out the tip of the Apple Pencil faster with a matte screen protector due to its rougher texture. (This seems to be worst when tilting the Pencil for shading effects.) Replacing the Pencil’s tip is easy, and you can get four replacements for less than $20, but it is something to be aware of.
The matte screen protector almost makes my handwriting legible
I personally have never had an issue with the reduced brightness and contrast caused by the matte screen protector, so it’s something I leave on my iPad 100 percent of the time. And when I’m writing notes, it’s more comfortable to use, I have greater control, and you can almost read my chicken-scratch handwriting. It also eliminates glare when I’m reading or watching video. One last benefit is the matte screen protector seems to repel fingerprints and other grossness better than the bare glass screen.
If all you use your iPad for is watching video and entertaining young kids, then you probably don’t need to spend the money for a good matte screen protector. But if you’ve had ideas to use it for note-taking or digital art, then it’s one of the best accessories you can purchase — once you have a Pencil already, of course. And an iPad with a matte screen protector goes a long way toward providing a similar writing experience to something like a Remarkable while still being capable of all the other things an iPad is great for.
FAQs
I personally have never had an issue with the reduced brightness and contrast caused by the matte screen protector, so it's something I leave on my iPad 100 percent of the time. And when I'm writing notes, it's more comfortable to use, I have greater control, and you can almost read my chicken-scratch handwriting.
Is there a screen protector that feels like paper on iPad? ›
Paperlike uses unique technology to help your Apple Pencil grip the surface of your iPad with the perfect amount of resistance. You'll enjoy reduced hand fatigue and better precision with every stroke. In fact, it feels just like writing on paper.
How long do paper feel screen protectors last? ›
We recommend you adjust the iPad sensitivity so you don't have to press too hard, and that you clean the Paperlike often with a damp cloth and a drop of soap. Some customers replace it every 6 months, some use it for over a year!
Does paperfeel work? ›
Straight to the point, the answer is YES! The paper feel screen protector is good. Indeed the combination of Apple's iPad and Pencil offers an excellent solution for note-taking and digital drawing.
What type of screen protector is best for an iPad? ›
What is the best iPad screen protector?
| Best iPad screen protector | Cost | Protector material |
|---|
| ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Elite | $50 | Tempered Glass |
| Esr | $11 | Tempered Glass |
| Spigen Tempered Glas.tR EZ Fit | $19 | Tempered Glass |
| Paperlike 2.1 | $45 | Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) |
2 more rowsInvest in a High-Quality Screen Protector: A screen protector is the first line of defense for your iPad screen. It acts as a barrier against scratches, smudges, and even minor impact. Look for a tempered glass or film protector specifically designed for your iPad model.
Does Paperlike screen protector ruin screen quality? ›
If it is an original PaperLike 2, it does not affect the quality of the iPad screen, but if it is a cheap protective matte film, then yes, it can greatly distort the quality of the iPad screen.
Does Paperlike wear down? ›
Minimally, yes. Here's what we mean: The added resistance that Paperlike creates will generate a small amount of friction between your Apple Pencil tip and your screen. This will result in minor wear over time and use.
Does Paperlike protect the screen from cracking? ›
The Paperlike will protect your iPad screen from scratches, just like any other screen protector. However, it's important to keep in mind that it's not as thick as a tempered glass screen protector, so it won't protect your iPad screen from falls like a glass screen protector would.
Does Paperlike scratch the iPad? ›
It get's scratched really easily. Mine lasted about 6 months before I felt I was sacrificing screen quality. Yeah that's kinda what I was thinking. Thanks!
Updated 10 months ago. A low battery is the primary factor that can cause a paired Apple Pencil to stop working. If the charge level drops below 2%, the pencil will stop functioning, and it is necessary to charge it as soon as possible.
Can we use an iPad without a screen protector? ›
No screen protector for any device is “necessary”. For an iPad, as an alternative, a Smart Cover isn't a bad idea, because it a) protects the screen when not in use, b) folds into a stand when needed, and c) doesn't cover the screen with any plastic or glass when in use, and d) wakes/locks the display automatically.
Is Paperlike glass or plastic? ›
Paperlike is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is 100% recyclable and won't harm the environment. The envelopes and shipping materials are also recyclable, including the container envelopes and the protective plastics designed to protect the screen protector during transit.
Can Paperlike go over a screen protector? ›
By placing your Paperlike on top of another screen protector, you may see reduced responsiveness when touching your screen or working with your Apple Pencil.
Is Paperlike free? ›
Stay organized and plan for success with the Paperlike Free Digital Planner. Our annual planner helps you to manage time efficiently, turning your goals and dreams into a dynamic roadmap. Get a big-picture view with monthly and weekly planners, and dive into daily tasks to make your dreams a reality.
Does a Paperlike screen protector wear down an Apple Pencil? ›
Yes, the Apple Pencil tips wear out much faster on the PaperLike protective film.
Is it better to use paper or iPad? ›
al., show that writing leads to higher rates of retention. Another 2021 study from the University of Tokyo suggested that even writing on a tablet is less effective than paper and pen. Paper is thus a traditional, yet still popular and reliable, method of note-taking.
Is it better to write on iPad without screen protector? ›
The iPad's glass surface offers a smoother experience, allowing the Pencil to glide more effortlessly. This experience is the hallmark of using a digital medium. A screen protector may alter this experience changing it for the worst.
