Paperlike™ 3 is Here: Trusted. Refined. Easier Than Ever.

You asked. We listened. And after years of testing, tweaking, and learning from our community, the next evolution is ready.

Meet Paperlike™ 3: The Screen Protector that keeps the same signature paper-feel you love, now paired with the smoothest, cleanest installation we’ve ever created.

From idea to icon

Back in 2017, our founder, Jan Sapper, launched a Kickstarter campaign with a simple idea: make writing and drawing on the iPad feel like paper.

That idea became the original Paperlike™. What started as a niche accessory grew into a movement, with artists, students, and professionals worldwide embracing the paper-feel for sharper handwriting, precise sketches, and better focus.

We kept improving. Paperlike™ 2 introduced our Nanodots™ technology, a micro-texture that balances control with clarity, making digital writing and drawing feel even more natural.

By the time Paperlike™ 2.1 arrived, we’d refined our Nanodots surface into the premium paper-feel that millions of creators now rely on every day. It gave the iPad just the right resistance for smooth, controlled strokes, preserved screen clarity, and kept the Apple Pencil input sharp and instant.

But even with all that refinement, one challenge remained: installation.

What’s new in Paperlike 3

Paperlike 3 is our answer to that frustration, and the next step in making everything you do on your iPad feel effortless.

Paperlike™ 3: Same feel. Smarter install.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Refined Nanodots™ Technology. Our signature paper-feel is more consistent than ever. It offers the controlled resistance and tactile feedback you’ve come to trust, honed through years of iteration. Your handwriting feels more legible, your brushstrokes more precise, and your workflow more natural.
   
• The Butterfly™ Application System. This is the game-changer. We completely reimagined the installation process to prevent dust and lock in perfect alignment. The Interactive On-Screen Guide will walk you through the steps, so there’s no stress and no guesswork, just a flawless application from start to finish.
   
• Confidence in every detail. Paperlike 3 is engineered in Germany, manufactured in Switzerland, and built to Apple’s accessory standards. It's backed by years of refinement, customer feedback, and a simple promise: tools you can trust.

The Butterfly™ Application System

If you’ve ever applied a screen protector, you know the pain. You clean your iPad, line things up, and stick it on. And then, like magic, a dust speck or bubble shows up to ruin everything. Cue the frustration and the do-over.

That’s exactly what we set out to fix with the Butterfly™ Application System. It makes the whole process simple and stress-free, thanks to:

• Clean Room Effect. Your iPad stays sealed until the moment of application, so dust never has the chance to sneak in.
   
• Full-surface dust catcher. Instead of relying on tiny stickers, the Butterfly System’s protective layer traps dust across the entire screen.
   
• Built-in precision. The Helper Tool™ locks your Paperlike in place, so it slides on straight every time.
   
• Interactive On-Screen Guide. Step-by-step instructions live right on your iPad, with visuals and tips that keep you on track.
   

The whole process takes just a few minutes. Lay your iPad down, follow the video steps, and slide the protector into place. No bubbles. No dust specks. No “ugh, let’s try again.” Just a clean, stress-free install that works the first time.

Learn how to install the Paperlike 3 with our Interactive On-Screen Guide directly on your iPad.

Why Paperlike 3 matters

Paperlike 3 isn’t just a new version; it’s the most polished expression of what we set out to do from the beginning.

Write & Draw on your iPad like you would on Paper!

• True paper-feel. Paperlike 3’s Nanodots surface provides natural, controlled resistance that feels just right. Whether you’re sketching a character or scribbling quick notes, your strokes feel steady and intentional, just like writing on real paper.
   
• Ultra-responsive. At under 0.095 mm, Paperlike 3 meets Apple’s accessory design guidelines. Translation: your Apple Pencil feels instant, accurate, and fluid. Whether you’re taking notes or shading artwork, your lines appear right where you want them, without lag or wobble.
   
• Gentle on your Apple Pencil tip. Some films chew through Pencil tips like sandpaper. Paperlike 3 doesn’t. Its balanced texture provides the friction you need for control while staying gentle on your tools, so your Pencil tip lasts longer.

And here’s the bigger picture: Paperlike 3 is the third generation of the original paper-feel Screen Protector. Behind it is a team that’s been refining every detail for years, guided by a community of over a million creators. Where imitators cut corners, we invest in precision engineering, rigorous testing, and real support. That’s why Paperlike has become the trusted choice for people who rely on their iPads to create, learn, and work every day.

FAQ

What’s the difference between Paperlike 3 and the older versions?

Paperlike has come a long way since the first version launched in 2017. Paperlike 2 introduced Nanodots technology, and 2.1 refined it into the paper-feel people rely on today. Paperlike 3 takes everything we learned from those older versions and improves upon it. Take a look at the differences:

Is the Paperlike 3 compatible with my iPad?

If it was released in 2018 or later, yes! Paperlike 3 works with all current iPad models. Here’s the full list:

Will Paperlike 3 wear down my Apple Pencil tip?

Some screen protectors feel like sandpaper and chew through tips fast. Paperlike 3 is textured enough to give you control but smooth enough to be gentle, so your Apple Pencil tip lasts much longer. 

And when or if you’d like a replacement, our Paperlike™ Pencil Tips are designed to pair perfectly with your screen protector.

Can I use Paperlike 3 with other iPad accessories?

Absolutely. Paperlike 3 works seamlessly with cases, keyboards, and other iPad gear. If you want a setup that’s built to complement it, check out our own accessories: the Paperlike™ Bumper Case for extra protection without bulk, the Folio Case for notebook-style portability, and our Pencil Grips that make writing even more comfortable. Everything is designed to work together so your iPad feels more like the creative tool it’s meant to be.

Is the Paperlike 3 easy to apply?

Yes — that’s the whole point. The new Butterfly™ Application System makes installation simple and stress-free. It keeps dust out, locks in alignment, and walks you through the process step by step with an Interactive On-Screen Guide directly on your iPad. In a few minutes, you’ll have a clean, bubble-free install without the usual frustration.

Ready to upgrade?

Paperlike 3 keeps the same paper-feel you already love and finally fixes the one thing everyone complained about: installation. Easier, cleaner, stress-free. Honestly? This is our best one yet (if we do say so ourselves).

Paperlike 3 retails at €44.00 / $49.99 for all current iPad models. Available here at paperlike.com and Amazon as of September 23, 2025.