FlipPad is the iPad version of the DigiCel FlipBook. It’s still fairly new and some of FlipBook’s features aren’t there yet but it’s getting better with every update and it’s priced accordingly. In fact, the basic version is free. The in-app upgrade to FlipPad Pro gets you support for the Apple Pencil, more colors, more layers, more frames and more resolution, all for only 2 bucks.

Here’s what you need to know about how FlipPad works.

1. The XSHEET is the animator’s timeline. It’s vertical because that’s the way animators work. Every row is a frame and every column is a layer. The background (BG) is on the right. The layers to the left are in front. Images continue to display until they are replaced by another image or you touch and hold an empty cel and select Stop Hold.
2. The lines are called “ink” and the ink and paint are stored in separate files and edited with separate tools. The eraser works together with whichever edit tool is currently selected. Turn the eraser OFF to stop erasing.
3. The LIGHTBOX can show drawings before, after and beside the drawing your are working on. Touch and hold the icon for settings.
4. Touch and hold the tool icons for more options.
5. Touch and hold in the xsheet to drag and drop cels or hold a moment longer for context sensitive menu.

The SHARE icon is in the PLAY toolbar and will let you export individual images, frames or movies.

Getting Started – Super Easy Quick Start Tutorial 

Select the Pencil. 

Tap in a cel in the xsheet and then draw in the image window. 

Tap in the next cel in the xsheet and then draw some more. 

Turn the lightbox on to the see previous images while drawing. 

Tap on the PLAY icon to play the scene. 

Tap on the Pencil to go back to editing.