Darkboard makes drawing on an iPad more comfortable

News

The iPad's slender bezels won't make drawing a challenge any more with Darkboard.
Photo: Astropad

The Astropad Darkboard is a new lightweight, ergonomic drawing surface for iPad. It gives artists a place to rest their arm while drawing without covering the screen.

There are versions for the three largest Apple tablets.

Astropad Darkboard is for professional artists

“After years of working with digital artists, we wanted to design an accessory that makes drawing on the iPad more comfortable,” said Matt Ronge, Astropad CEO. “Darkboard is designed for all of the non-traditional ways that artists like to work, like on the couch and in bed.”

It offers a hard enclosure to securely hold the tablet, and a slot for Apple Pencil, too. Molded EVA provides a rigid and durable working surface.

Astropad built in openings for the USB-C port and the rear cameras, so Darkboard doesn’t interfere with charging the iPad, or taking pictures with it.

There are two versions. The D1 fits the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation and newer), while the D2 fits the 11-inch iPad Pro or the 10.9-inch iPad Air.

The D1 is 18.1 inches by 14.2 in. x 1.3 in. It weighs 1.4 pounds.

Preorder now

Astropad Darkboard just launched on Kickstarter. The Super Early Bird price is $79, which is 20% off the retail cost.

Saving money is a benefit of supporting crowdfunded projects, but the downside of is wait times. The iPad drawing surface is expected to launch in March 2023.

If crowdfunded projects make you nervous, consider that Astropad has been in business for nine years making reliable products like Luna Display.

Darkboard makes drawing on an iPad more comfortable