Create Game-Ready Assets Without Code Using hyperPad + These Creative Apps
Creating stunning game art doesn’t require expensive software or a high-end PC. If you’re developing games on your iPad using a no-code engine like hyperPad, you already have a powerful game studio in your hands.
Here’s your ultimate list of the best art tools—including free and freemium apps—to create high-quality 2D game assets. Whether you're designing pixel art, hand-drawn illustrations, or UI elements, these tools integrate beautifully with hyperPad’s visual game engine.
hyperPad is focused on 2D game development, so your art should be optimized for that. These tools allow you to export files in formats like PNG, JPG, and GIF—making it easy to drag and drop your assets straight into your hyperPad project.
Best for: Hand-drawn characters, environments, UI elements
Why it’s great:
Procreate is the go-to app for artists on iPad—and it’s a powerhouse for game developers, too. With pressure-sensitive brushes, advanced layering, animation support, and intuitive controls, Procreate gives you everything you need to design professional-grade game art.
✅ Fully compatible with hyperPad
✅ Export layers or flattened images as PNG
✅ Ideal for animation frames, UI assets, and scene art
✅ Works offline—no subscriptions required
Pro tip: Use Procreate’s Animation Assist to create frame-by-frame sprite animations, then export them as GIFs for use in hyperPad.
Best for: Retro sprites, tilesets, and animations
Why it’s great:
Piskel is a free, browser-based tool that runs smoothly on iPad Safari. It’s ideal for beginners and pros looking to create detailed pixel art and animated sprites for their games.
✅ Exports as PNG and GIF
✅ Runs in your browser—no installation needed
✅ Great for hyperPad’s sprite animation system
Best for: Concept art, backgrounds, and sketching ideas
Why it’s great:
Sketchbook is a highly capable drawing app with a clean interface and great tools. It's free on the App Store and perfect for visualizing your game world before importing assets into hyperPad.
✅ Optimized for iPad touch controls
✅ Offers layering, symmetry tools, and guides
✅ Export as high-res PNGs for easy use in-game
Best for: Menus, buttons, social media banners
Why it’s great:
Canva isn’t designed for game development, but it’s an excellent drag-and-drop tool for creating promotional assets, title screens, and clean UI components.
✅ Free templates and fonts
✅ Great for designing start screens or app icons
✅ Exports PNGs for use in hyperPad
Best for: Texture editing, mockups, UI details
Why it’s great:
While GIMP doesn’t run directly on iPad, Photopea is a browser-based alternative that mimics its power. Use it to edit layers, design HUDs, or polish assets made in other tools.
✅ Runs in-browser on iPad
✅ Layer-based editing and export options
✅ Excellent for final asset prep before importing to hyperPad
While hyperPad is strictly 2D, knowing what’s possible with 3D tools can help expand your creative thinking or support hybrid workflows. These tools aren’t compatible with hyperPad but are worth exploring for future game development.
Use these tools to create reference art or pre-rendered 2D graphics that you can then bring into hyperPad as sprites or backgrounds.
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Q: Can I use these tools directly with hyperPad?
Yes! All listed 2D tools export in PNG, JPG, or GIF formats, which can be imported into hyperPad without any extra steps.
Q: What’s the best tool for a complete beginner?
Start with Piskel for sprite work or Canva for UI design. If you enjoy drawing, Procreate offers the best long-term value for game creators.
Q: Why include 3D tools if hyperPad is 2D only?
Understanding 3D workflows can help you create assets with depth, lighting, or perspective—even in a 2D game. You can also pre-render 3D models into flat images for use in hyperPad.
You don’t need a desktop or expensive software to start your game development journey. With apps like Procreate, Piskel, and Sketchbook, paired with hyperPad’s visual game engine, you can create, test, and launch your game—all on iPad.
No code. No compromises. Just creativity.
👉 Ready to build your first game? Learn more about hyperPad when you try our behaviour system for free with hyperPad Starter.
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