

Specifically speaking the following apps work well with Surface Dial: Generally speaking, Office apps optimized for Surface Studio and Surface Dial. It’s observed that Surface Dial is far more useful when an app is optimized for it. When placed on the Studio’s screen, it produces a radial menu that acts as another form of input and lets a user call up pen, brush or measuring tools without lifting and moving the pen off the display. Its primary function is to act as an aide for drawing or creative shortcuts and is compatible with any Windows PC running the Anniversary Update. The accessory may not appeal to non-creatives much it intrigues anyone who sees it. Even if you have zero artistic talent (like myself), the app is still fun and worth checking out.Surface Dial is a simple yet very elegant tool to navigate, access, customize and reimagine physical tools in the digital world. Construct 3D objects and a full scene, throw in some stickers, and share the creation with others. You can use your pen to produce illustrations that are beyond the flat, two-dimensional surface you’re used to. Microsoft’s Paint 3D app could pique your interests in the capabilities of the Windows 10 Creators Update. I’ve made it the default PDF viewer on my Surface, and you’re likely to appreciate it as well. It’s smart enough that you can simultaneously navigate with your finger on one hand and add some ink with the Surface Pen in your other hand. But far from bloatware, it’s a useful PDF application that makes it easy to annotate, highlight, and add other writing to your files.


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). Going with a pro membership gets you additional art tools, templates, tools and cloud storage, but will set you back $30 per year.

The app also works with the Surface Dial, giving you greater control over your artistic endeavors. Sketchbook is a professional-level drawing program that’s ideal for graphics pros or anyone who needs more power than a simple tool like Fresh Paint offers. When it comes to apps that are purpose-built for graphic artists and designers, you can count on Autodesk. The Windows Store app is free to try, or $3.99 for the full version.
