To really maximize the ability of the Surface Pen and Slim Pen, there are some essential apps you should check out. We've rounded up the best right here for a variety of purposes.

After testing the top contenders, these 5 drawing apps rose above the rest. Read on to discover the best options for creating art, drafting designs or just doodling on your Surface Pro. 1.

Microsoft has been struggling to explain why its Surface tablet needs a pen. Most 30-second commercials for the Surface involve circling things with a pen , but not a lot else.

These apps are great for taking advantage of the Surface Pen that comes included with your Surface Pro 4. Remember, you can have any of them launch directly by pressing the Surface Pen’s top twice.

Let’s start with something that came bundled with Surface devices: Fresh Paint.Microsoft took the longstanding Paint app and gave it a, well, fresh look for use with the Surface line and Windows 10.

In fact, you need the best Surface Pen alternatives because Microsoft raised the price of its own pen and stopped including it with new models. Read: 8 Best Windows 10 Apps for Digital Pens ...

6) Clicking or double-clicking the Surface Pen top button doesn’t do what I want. Make sure Bluetooth is on and your pen is connected to your Surface. Refer to section 3) above.

These are our top app picks for the Surface Dial – Microsoft's handy Bluetooth accessory for Windows 10 PCs. Skip to main content. ... See also: Best Windows apps for Surface Pen users.

These are all excellent apps for stylus and S Pen users. They get frequent updates, work fairly well, and most of each app is free. They also integrate well with their desktop counterparts.

Pen Top Button configuration. Offers a simple option to switch between OneNote (desktop) and OneNote mobile app when you tap the Surface Pro 3’s pen top button.

The stylus is designed to work with Surface Laptop Studio 1–2, Surface Pro 8–9, Surface Pro X, Surface Duo 2, and Surface Hub 2S–3. Check the app for compatibility information.

Drawboard PDF Derek Walter/IDG. If you have a Surface Book, Surface Pro 4, or Surface 3, then Drawboard PDF came installed on your device (otherwise it is $9.99 in the Windows Store). But far from ...