Paperlike's iPad Screen Protector
Make your iPad feel like paper
– Savannah Brooks, Portland, Oregon
We’ve been writing on paper for 2,000 years. Now you’re supposed to write on your iPad’s glass screen? How does that work? Spoiler: it doesn't.
Your Apple Pencil glides uncontrollably like a five-year-old learning to ice skate. Smudges all over your screen look gross and make your pencil stick a bit. And honestly, it just kind of feels weird, doesn’t it?
Jan, Paperlike’s founder, had the exact same experience seven years ago when the first iPad Pro with pencil support came out. He was certain someone would fix it, but no one did. So he went for it and launched the first Paperlike with the help of Kickstarter. iPad users worldwide supported the launch, and Paperlike, the company, was born.
Jan wanted to push the envelope. He wanted a better paper-feel, fewer refractions, and better scratch resistance. Because, let’s be honest, the first version wasn’t great. It solved the problem, sure, but with what we know now, we’re actually a bit embarrassed. After years of research and over $150.000 spent on development, we made a product we’re proud of. And over 2,460,000+, yep, that’s two million four hundred sixty thousand plus customers love their Paperlike and can’t imagine using their iPads without it.
Just listen to what they say:
“Love my Paperlike! Game changer!”
How does this work?
The secret sauce to Paperlike is its Nanodots® surface. A proprietary technology that you find nowhere else. Teeny tiny micro-beads that make your pencil vibrate ever-so-slightly, giving you that stroke resistance and control that you have when writing or drawing on paper. Modeled after high-quality Japanese paper, the paper-feel strikes the exact right balance between smooth and rough.
You will feel it. And you will see it: way better handwriting and instantly improved sketches.
Made for the iPad
But wait a second: Wouldn’t putting something on your iPad diminish its brilliant screen quality? Good question. And you’re right; any screen protector will affect clarity. Rough surfaces typically have a rainbow effect when the pixel light shines through them (like a prism).
And you might have guessed it: we solved the problem with Nanodot technology. Undisturbed, the light shines around and through the Nanodots right into your eyes.
After all, you want your iPad to FEEL like paper, not look like paper.
Using a Paperlike will also protect your screen. It’s a screen protector, after all. Not throw-it-off-a-six-floor-building protection. Or my-kids-like-to-watch-bluey-on-the-playground sturdiness. But plenty for everyone who values their iPad enough not to run it over with an RV.
Made for the Apple Pencil
Ok, that sounds great. But wouldn't putting something between your screen and the pencil like, affect responsiveness? Doesn’t Apple itself say any screen protector should be less than 0.1mm thick? Glad you asked. A screen protector sure will affect how the iPad reacts to the pencil tip. After all, the sensors in the display triangulate the pencil tip, thus knowing exactly how it’s moving. The further away the tip, the more guessing the iPad has to do.
“Oh no, so what do we do now?” Well, we just make the Paperlike thin. “0.1mm, like Apple recommends?” Thinner! “0.096mm?” Thinner!!! “0.095mm?”
Yes, great guess! That’s as thin as half a human hair.
Talking about splitting hairs, we also made the Paperlike surface hard enough to withstand scratches but not wear off the pencil tip. Like we made this thing deliberately for the Apple Pencil, can you believe it?
Made in Europe. Made for you.
Paperlike’s Nanodots surface is manufactured in Switzerland. You know those people famous for cheese, fonts, and precise watches? Turns out, they also make outstanding plastic foils with unparalleled precision.
And while Jan started Paperlike to scratch his own itch, we worked with hundreds of digital artists, notetakers, and paperless professionals to make this thing better and better. Today we are confident, this is the best product you can put on your iPad. Even better than sliced cheese.
What if …
… you don’t like it?
You read through the whole page, and you really like the idea of improving your iPad—or, as some would say, making it usable in the first place. You’re almost ready to push the buy button. Almost. But what if you don’t like it after trying it?
We get it. We’re telling you it’s so much better. 2.430.000 customers think it is. But you don’t trust us fully yet. You can’t try before you buy, right?
True, but we can offer you the next best thing: buy it, try it, and if you don’t love it you’ll get your money back. Send us an email, we’ll give you a 100% refund within a week. No questions asked, no hard feelings.
Just 4.5% take us up on the offer. 95.5% believe Paperlike is absolutely worth the price.
… the application goes wrong?
Yep, applying a screen protector to an iPad is scary. That’s why we spent a lot of time to figure out the best way for a simple and bubble-free application. We recorded a step-by-step video so you can listen to a soothing voice while applying your Paperlike. It’s easier than you think it is, we promise! And if your cat decides to “help” you halfway through … every Paperlike pack comes with a spare. We believe in second chances. Also, hear us out, maybe try doing this without the cat.
… you want more stuff to make writing and drawing on the iPad better?
Hm. That’s a tough one. If only we could think of someone specializing in iPad accessories for creators and doers like you. Someone who makes grips to make the pencil more ergonomic while not losing magnetic charging or double tap features. Or a cleaning kit to keep your iPad spotless on the go? What about a drawing glove for extra smooth gliding your hand across the screen? Or, of course, a folio case to give the iPad the lovely notebook-feel hug it longs for. If only we could think of someone …
Try Paperlike risk-free
Shipping is free and if you aren’t 100% satisfied, you get your money back.
Select your iPad:
FAQ
What's inside
- 2x iPad screen protector by Paperlike with exclusive Nanodots® technology.
- 2x wet wipes.
- 1x dry screen wipes.
- 2x dust absorbers.
- 2x sticker guide sheets.
Why are there two Paperlikes in the package?
Every Paperlike ships with two separate screen protectors so that you’ll have a spare if the first application doesn’t go according to plan.
Protip: Be sure to watch our installation video before applying!
If you apply the model correctly, you’ll have a spare! Give it to a friend or keep it as a backup in case you need to replace your iPad due to malfunction or damage.
Does Paperlike really feel like paper?
Most of our customers think so!
A few have told us that, while the screen protector doesn’t feel exactly like paper to them, it correctly emulates that responsiveness of paper while writing and drawing.
Is Paperlike made of glass or plastic?
Paperlike is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is 100% recyclable and won’t harm the environment.
The envelopes and shipping materials are also recyclable, including the container envelopes and the protective plastics designed to protect the screen protector during transit.
Can I use Paperlike on top of my glass screen protector?
While we have heard from happy customers that placing the Paperlike on top of a glass screen protector can work, we don’t recommend using the Paperlike in this way.
To maintain responsiveness during tap/touch interactions, screen protectors are typically engineered to a precise level of thickness based on the materials used.
By placing your Paperlike on top of another screen protector, you may see reduced responsiveness when touching your screen or working with your Apple Pencil.
Does Paperlike cause wear and tear on my Apple Pencil?
Minimally, yes.
Here’s what we mean: The added resistance that Paperlike creates will generate a small amount of friction between your Apple Pencil tip and your screen. This will result in minor wear over time and use.
However, this is also true for any other paper-feel screen protector on the market.
We’ve invested heavily in creating a quality product that minimizes this downside, so wear and tear should be negligible even over an extended period of time.
If you’re worried about your Apple Pencil tip, keep in mind that tips are also replaceable as a 4-pack through the Apple Store online.