# Simulated Sketchbook Apps iPad Paper Turns Any Tablet into a Virtual Drawing Board By Sarah Moore | Published 2012-04-04 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ipad-paper References: [holykaw.alltop](http://holykaw.alltop.com/paper-the-beautiful-free-app-that-turns-your) & [theweek](http://theweek.com/article/index/226300/the-amazing-paper-app-creating-notebooks-on-the-ipad) The [iPad](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-notetaking-app) Paper app is catered towards the artsy tablet user who yearns for the simplicity and organic nature of drawing by hand while still wanting to have the conveniences of digital technology. Created by a team of former [Microsoft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/postit-note-app) employees, the virtual sketchbook is a clean, simple interface that focuses on the act of drawing and the creative process. Rather than cluttering up the screen with features and settings, the app is simple and intuitive, allowing users to sketch freely without being distracted by unnecessary bells and whistles. As with other [Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freeform-app) products, the Paper app is visually appealing and user-friendly. Drawing and erasing functions as they would with traditional pen and paper; with the speed and intensity of the stroke deciding the thickness of the lines drawn, and a back and forth motion of the fingertips acting like a physical eraser on the screen. The virtual notepad could stand to add a little bit more in terms of what it can do, but for some, less really is more. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Multimedia](https://www.trendhunter.com/multimedia) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Simplified Sketching:** Opportunity for creating simple and intuitive sketching apps that focus on the act of drawing and the creative process, without unnecessary features and settings. - **Tablet-based Artistry:** Potential for developing apps that provide a digital canvas for artists to sketch and draw with the convenience of tablets, while still preserving the organic nature of hand-drawing. - **Virtual Erasing Experience:** Disruptive innovation opportunity to enhance the erasing function in digital sketching apps, allowing for more realistic and responsive erasing experiences similar to physical erasers. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Digital Art Software:** Opportunity for companies to develop simplified sketching applications for digital artists, offering a focused and distraction-free drawing experience. - **Tablet Technology:** Potential for tablet manufacturers to optimize their devices to cater specifically to artists, providing features and interfaces that enhance the drawing and sketching experience. - **Virtual Eraser Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for companies to create improved digital erasing capabilities, simulating the feel and responsiveness of physical erasers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Paper-Inspired Drawing Tablets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xencelabs-pen-tablet.md) - [Creative Infinite Whiteboard Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freeform-app.md) - [Minimalist Paper-Like Tablets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remarkable-paper-pro.md) - [Paper-Like Drawing Tablets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-drawing-tablet.md) - [Paper-Like Design Tablets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tcl-nxtpaper-12-pro.md) - [Portable Digital Drawing Pads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-digital-drawing.md) - [Elevating Notepad Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-notetaking-app.md) - [AI-Fueled Digital Art Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drawww.md) - [Digital Handwriting Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kindly-ink.md)