Wish your iPad screen felt more like real paper?

There's nothing quite like the feeling of writing on paper.

The slight resistance, the subtle texture — it's natural, precise, and satisfying. There’s a reason people still reach for a pen and notebook, even with all the digital tools available today.

Digital devices and apps can help you be more creative, productive, and efficient than ever before. It's what makes the iPad and Apple Pencil so great for artists, students, and professionals alike.

So, why does using them for writing and drawing feel so awkward?

The problem is the glass screen.

It’s too smooth, too slippery, too artificial. Your Apple Pencil glides across the surface with no friction, no control, and no feedback.

❌ Handwriting looks messy and imprecise.
❌ Sketches lose precision because there’s no tactical resistance.
❌ Your hand gets tired from trying to overcorrect for slippage.

The worst part?

Even if you buckled down and learned to live with these problems, writing and drawing on a naked iPad screen will never be as comfortable as working with a traditional pen and paper setup.

But what if your iPad screen could feel like real paper?

Imagine putting your Apple Pencil to your screen and feeling just the right amount of friction.

Not too much. Not too little. Just enough. You could sketch with full control or write in a way that looks natural — just like putting a pen to paper in your favorite notebook.

The digital experience would be that much better — in a way that’s precise, comfortable, and satisfying. You’d get all the benefits of modern technology without sacrificing the familiar, tactile feel of real paper.

Pretty cool idea, right?

That’s exactly why we created Rock Paper Pencil.

With Rock Paper Pencil, we set out to replicate an authentic pen-on-paper experience — right on your iPad! It's a removable screen protector that adds just the right amount of resistance and texture to make working on your digital canvas feel as natural as working in a traditional medium.

But we didn’t stop at the screen protector. We also created specialized, ballpoint Apple Pencil tips for added durability and control.

It’s a two-part solution built to make writing and drawing feel as realistic as possible.

Originally, we launched Rock paper Pencil with artists in mind, but we quickly realized that we were onto something bigger. Students, professionals, and everyday note-takers started reaching out to let us know that it was the upgrade they didn’t even know they needed.

Rock Paper Pencil has been a big hit with artists and note-takers everywhere — and we’re pretty sure that you’ll love it, too.

“A must have for any iPad user who draws or writes freehand!”

What is Rock Paper Pencil?

While most traditional, matte screen protectors claim to improve the writing experience, they don’t feel like real paper. They’re too tough, too smooth, or wear down too quickly.

Rock Paper Pencil is a two-component solution built around creating the most natural experience while writing and drawing on your iPad.

✅ NanoCling screen protector. Our ultra-thin screen protector is infused with microscopic texture that mimics the friction of paper for the ideal balance of control and resistance. It’s also reusable.

✅ Precision-engineered ballpoint tip. Our 0.7mm ballpoint Apple Pencil tips enhance control, accuracy, and comfort, so every stroke is smoother and more precise.

Together, they create the most realistic pen-on-paper feeling for iPad.

Not all screen protectors are created equal.

If you’ve looked at other paper-feel screen protectors, you’ve probably heard a lot of this before. Realistic, papery feel. Natural writing experience. Better control.

So, what makes Rock Paper Pencil different from all the rest?

Most matte screen protectors try to mimic a paper-feel texture by adding a rough coating to the surface.

Here’s where other solutions get it wrong:

Unbalanced friction. Some screen protectors add too much resistance, so writing feels sluggish and forced. Others add too little, leaving the Apple Pencil slipping on the screen. Neither outcome feels like real paper.

Awful screen clarity. Bad texture coating can cause diffraction, refraction, and blurring as light passes through the plastic, giving your display a hazy or grainy effect.

Inconsistent wear over time. Some protectors wear down unevenly, leading to patchy, unpredictable resistance that ruins the writing and drawing experience.

Excessive Apple Pencil wear. High-friction protectors grind down Apple Pencil tips faster, forcing you to replace them more often.

❌ Single-use application. Most protectors can only be used once, and a mistake during installation can ruin the product (bubbles, misalignment, etc.) before you even get to use it.

That’s a long list of issues that most brands don’t even try to solve, and they make “paper-feel” screen protectors frustrating to use in the long run.

Rather than enhancing the iPad experience, they introduce new problems that get in the way of creativity and productivity.

Rock Paper Pencil was designed from the ground up to feel like real paper — without the downsides.

We developed a precision-engineered nano-texture that mimics the subtle grain of paper. It’s never too rough, and never too slick. The feel is just right, and the texture doesn’t degrade over time.

Our screen protector is also completely removable. It attaches to your iPad using static electricity (not glue or some other adhesive), so you can peel it off and reapply as often as you like.

But writing and drawing isn’t all about the paper. While most protectors focus only on the screen, a true pen-on-paper experience requires the right pen, too.

That’s why we designed our own Apple Pencil tip to pair with our textured surface.

The standard Apple Pencil tips are made to work with a friction-free glass iPad screen. It’s why they wear down when used with matte screen protectors.

To fix this, we created custom Apple Pencil tips with a ballpoint-style design that enhances control, accuracy, and comfort. Together, the screen protector and tip create the most realistic, fluid experience possible on an iPad.

Other paper-feel screen protectors promise a better writing experience. Rock Paper Pencil actually delivers it.

Take better notes

Digital notes can be a game-changer for learning and recordkeeping.

Most note-taking apps have advanced organization and search features that you just can’t get in an analog format. Notes are easier to organize and are automatically backed up, and you’ll have access to a variety of pen types and highlighter styles.

But none of that matters if your handwriting isn't legible.

A slick, glass screen makes handwriting messy, inconsistent, and difficult to read. It’s also tiresome, because your wrist and hand are constantly overcorrecting to compensate for the lack of friction.

Rock Paper Pencil fixes this by providing just the right level of resistance and control so that every stroke of the pen feels more natural and precise. Handwriting becomes smoother, clearer, and easier to read, so that your notes finally work the way they should.

Make incredible art

 

Art is a personal journey, and digital is a wildly popular medium. It’s why iPad is the go-to solution for digital artists — especially for users who want to get away from desktop drawing environments and specialized drawing tablets.

Real talk: You can create stunning artwork on your iPad.

The ability to switch between brushes, mediums, and colors gives unparalleled flexibility when working on projects. Version history and layering means that you’ll never have to worry about mistakes or lines that you don’t like.

But drawing on smooth glass just doesn’t feel right.

It’s too easy to lose control. Lines don’t go where you want them. Strokes become too imprecise. Suddenly, the creative flow is gone and you’re busy fixing mistakes.

Matte screen protectors (not just Rock Paper Pencil) try to offset this by adding texture and resistance to the drawing process. Results vary with the thickness and “roughness” of the protector.

What you might not know is that most matte screen protectors will wear down your Apple Pencil tips. Heavy stroke, shading and hashing, and other artistic techniques can cause wear and tear that force you to replace your tips.

Rock Paper Pencil includes ballpoint pencil tips to give you a safer and more durable experience. They’re built to last, even with daily use.

Stay more productive

As a productivity tool, the iPad is hard to beat.

Digital planners, calendars, and productivity apps can streamline your workflow and help you stay on track throughout the day. Tools for review, annotation, and markup can help you provide feedback for important documents, catalog meetings, and so much more.

But when simple actions like checking off tasks or jotting notes in your calendar feel awkward and unnatural, productivity takes a hit.

Your workflow should be seamless.

Rock Paper Pencil bridges that gap by providing the subtle, tactile feel that makes every tap, swipe, and stroke feel like it was meant to happen. Building new workflows and navigating through productivity apps feels seamless. Your iPad becomes an extension of your productivity — without the usual frustrations or distractions.

Rather than fighting with your tools, use them to stay organized, productive, and focused throughout your day.

What if...

... I don't want Rock Paper Pencil on my screen all the time?

That’s easy! You just take it off. (Seriously.)

The screen protector uses a NanoCling applicator to adhere along the bezel of your iPad (the frame around the screen) using static electricity. It’s stronger than magnets, and it doesn’t leave residue when removed.

All you have to do is break the seal, and the screen protector will peel off. When you’re ready to use it again, just reapply it.

The ballpoint Apple Pencil tips also screw on and off of your stylus, so they can be swapped for the Apple originals at any time.

... I mainly use my iPad for productivity, not art?

You’re in good company.

Nearly half of Rock Paper Pencil fans use the product for productivity tasks like note-taking, organizing schedules, and annotating documents.

The subtle, paper-feel texture improves handwriting clarity, making notes and to-do lists easier to read and manage. Even simple tasks, like checking off items or marking up PDFs, feels precise and effortless.

Rock Paper Pencil can make your everyday workflow smoother — no artistic skills required.

... I’ve tried other screen protectors and didn’t like them?

Many Rock Paper Pencil users previously tried other paper-feel screen protectors before making the switch.

Users have told us that they stuck with us because Rock Paper Pencil offers easy application, a realistic paper feel, and includes heavy-duty ballpoint tips for the Apple Pencil.

It’s not just any other screen protector; it’s a completely different experience!

If other screen protectors have fallen short, Rock Paper Pencil might just be the upgrade you’ve been looking for.

... I have other accessories on my iPad?

Rock Paper Pencil works with almost all iPad accessories.

Because it adheres directly to the bezel using static electricity (our NanoCling technology), it won’t interfere with your favorite cases, keyboard covers, or stands.

Of course, if you’re using a third party stylus rather than the Apple Pencil, you can still use the screen protector ... but you won’t be able to use the pencil tips.

... I just don't like it?

We totally get it. Trying out new accessories can feel risky. That’s why we offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

If Rock Paper Pencil just isn’t the right fit, you can return it with no questions asked.

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FAQ

Will Rock Paper Pencil work with my iPad?

If your iPad is newer, it’s probably compatible. To be sure, take a look at our compatibility guide.

The screen protector won’t interfere with most cases, and the Apple Pencil tips work with all Apple Pencil models.

How does Rock Paper Pencil attach to the iPad?

Static electricity! Seriously.

Our NanoCling technology doesn’t use glue or any other kind of adhesive. Instead, it uses a static charge that is stronger than magnets and doesn’t leave residue behind when you remove it.

It’s also reusable, so you can peel off the screen protector when you don’t need it and reapply it when you do. No mess, and no fuss.

Do the Apple Pencil tips wear down quickly?

Nope. We designed our ballpoint tips with a copper alloy core and palladium coating. In other words, they’re built to last — even with daily use. You also get two in a package, so you have a spare if you lose one or break a tip.

They’re also screw-ons, so you can swap them for the original Apple Pencil tips at any time.

Does the screen protector reduce clarity?

This is a common complaint for matte screen protectors, but Rock Paper Pencil was designed with this in mind.

Blurring, refraction, and diffraction are common problems when using low-cost screen protectors. Often, light has trouble passing through the thick plastic, or the treatment applied to the screen required to achieve the “roughness” causes light from the screen to bend and bounce before it reaches your eyes.

Rock Paper Pencil is designed to keep images clear and true to life — something that is critical to the artists who use our products!