Skip to Content

Paper by FiftyThree Updated with Pinch-to-Zoom and New Gallery Feature

by

FiftyThree has updated Paper, its popular sketching app for the iPad. Version 1.3.1 includes a new gallery setting, a long awaited pinch-to-zoom feature, and performance enhancements.

Originally released last March, Paper is designed to offer an intuitive way to capture ideas on a distraction free canvas. With the addition of pinch-to-zoom, Paper users can sketch with far greater detail than ever before. Unlike traditional zooming tools, Paper utilizes a magnifying glass-style circle that allows artists to zoom in on a specific area of the image.

paper
The update includes a gallery that displays a stream of artwork created using the Paper app. As with Paper's other features, the gallery uses simple touch gestures for navigation. FiftyThree has also optimized Paper's performance, upgrading its Expressive Ink Engine with OpenGL for faster rendering.

Paper by FiftyThree is an iPad-only app that can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

167 months ago
To many in app purchases required

I was about to get this till I read the reviews.......while most reviewers like the app itself, many give it a negative review because of the plethora of in app purchases required (ie..pay for every brush).
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheGenerous Avatar
167 months ago
Even in a third world country I feel satisfied with the purchase. It's been almost a year since me and my brother got it. We decided upon three brushes.

Great to have updates.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
needfx Avatar
167 months ago
even though I am not a great drawer, I really like this app

I even bought the bamboo ipad pen thingy
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TuffLuffJimmy Avatar
167 months ago
This is great news! This app really changed the way I plan out art and writing projects. Though I have not been using it lately the free form writing, drawing, sketching, and painting have influenced my workflow. I will have to try out the new features and see if it's worth working back into my workflow habits.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
philosopherdog Avatar
167 months ago
I was about to get this till I read the reviews.......while most reviewers like the app itself, many give it a negative review because of the plethora of in app purchases required (ie..pay for every brush).

I don't get it. So the developers should, what, not eat so they can give the whole thing away for nothing? What is wrong with people? It costs a lot of life energy to write great software. If you don't contribute by paying good stuff will not be made.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
167 months ago
I can't see why they don't just add normal zooming like most other drawing apps.

I quite like Paper, but not being able to zoom in and pan around properly makes it pretty much useless, well that and the low resolution. A quick undo button would be nice too, I don't like the weird rotating gesture much.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Multicolored Low Cost A18 Pro MacBook Feature

Apple Accidentally Leaks 'MacBook Neo'

Tuesday March 3, 2026 7:00 am PST by
Apple appears to have prematurely revealed the name of its rumored lower-cost MacBook model, which is expected to be announced this Wednesday. A regulatory document for a "MacBook Neo" (Model A3404) has appeared on Apple's website. Unfortunately, there are no further details or images available yet. While the PDF file does not contain the "MacBook Neo" name, it briefly appeared in a link...
MacBook Neo Feature Pastel 1

Apple Announces $599 'MacBook Neo' With A18 Pro Chip

Wednesday March 4, 2026 6:15 am PST by
Apple today announced the "MacBook Neo," an all-new kind of low-cost Mac featuring the A18 Pro chip for $599. The MacBook Neo is the first Mac to be powered by an iPhone chip; the A18 Pro debuted in 2024's iPhone 16 Pro models. Apple says it is up to 50% faster for everyday tasks than the bestselling PC with the latest shipping Intel Core Ultra 5, up to 3x faster for on-device AI workloads,...
imac video apple feature

Apple Unveils Two New Products

Monday March 2, 2026 7:49 am PST by
Apple today introduced two new devices, including the iPhone 17e and an updated iPad Air. iPhone 17e features the same overall design as the iPhone 16e, but it gains Apple's A19 chip, MagSafe for magnetic wireless charging and magnetic accessories, Apple's second-generation C1X modem for faster 5G, and a doubled 256GB of base storage. In the U.S., the iPhone 17e starts at $599, just like the ...