The best adult coloring book apps for iPhone and iPad

Coloring books apps - Pigment

Coloring isn’t just for children and these days it’s been said to help adults reduce stress. While games are fun and books are entertaining, sitting down with a coloring book at the end of your day is great for relaxation as well as a way to unleash some creativity.

Whether you want a new way to unwind or just express yourself, here are the best adult coloring books apps for iPhone and iPad.

Coloring books for adults

While we’re terming these “adult” coloring books, they all have pictures that everyone in your family can enjoy! Plus, they each work well with either your finger or Apple Pencil.

Recolor

Recolor on iPad

Recolor gives you a terrific selection of pictures to choose from. From animals and Barbie for your kids to romance and sea life for you. The app offers a good number of free pictures, a special spot for all of your works, and simple sharing options.

Recolor notable features:

  • Pick from unique color palettes like live colors and gradients in addition to solids and crayons.
  • Enjoy different modes like tap to fill or swipe to color.
  • Use pinch to zoom into detailed pictures and back out for the full effect.

What really makes Recolor stand out are those color palettes. The live colors bring your pictures to life and the gradients give your creativity a nice boost.

  • Availability: iPhone, iPad, and Android
  • Cost: Free with a subscription option to unlock all pictures, colors, and palettes

Pigment

Pigment on iPad

Another terrific coloring book app for iOS is Pigment. You can select from categories like animals, elements, and foods or try something new with Jim Henson Company, featured artists, or Disney.

Pigment notable features:

  • Import a photo or capture one with your camera to color it your way.
  • Download a free picture each day for something new.
  • Pick from a variety of palettes based on mood, choose your coloring mode, and share your creations.

If you want the feel of a physical coloring book, then Pigment is the app for you. You can pick a brush or pencil style and color by hand or switch over to the tap to fill mode. The import feature is also a notable highlight of Pigment.

  • Availability: iPhone, iPad, and Android
  • Cost: Free with a subscription option to unlock all pictures, colors, and palettes

Colorfy

Colorfy on iPad

One more adult coloring book to add to your collection is Colorfy. Watch a short video for a free picture each day or choose from a selection of florals, animals, mandalas, or landscapes. You can also check out the Get Inspired section to see how others colored their pictures.

Colorfy notable features:

  • Pick from thematic color palettes or solid colors with arrays of shades.
  • Choose coloring modes and brush types depending on the amount of detail.
  • Pinch to zoom in and take your time with those tiny spots.

Colorfy may not have the number of color palettes that the other apps on our list do, but it does have some wonderful free picture options that are interesting and unique.

  • Availability: iPhone, iPad, iMessage, and Android
  • Cost: Free with a subscription option to unlock different pictures, colors, and palettes

Wrapping it up

These are three of the best adult coloring book apps for iPhone and iPad and my personal favorites. So I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

If you have another that you’d like to recommend, please do comment below and let us know why you love it so everyone can check it out!

For some of our other app lists, take a look at our Best Apps section or apps specifically for iPhone or for iPad.