My First Time Using the Color Therapy App on iPad: A Calming Weekend Experiment

Over the last weekend, I decided to slow things down and try something different: digital coloring on my iPad using the Color Therapy app. No goals, no subscription trials, no fancy tools; just me exploring the basics and coloring for fun.

I’ve always been curious about coloring apps, and this one has been on my list for a while, so I figured why not make it part of my weekend wind-down?

First Impressions

When I opened the app, I was pleasantly surprised by how inviting it felt. The interface is bright but not overwhelming, and the selection of free coloring templates is huge. There are many designs to choose, from relaxing mandalas and animals to dreamy landscapes. Even without subscribing, you get access to over 20 free palettes and plenty of designs to start with.

I spent about 45 minutes each on my first 2 pieces, which was long enough to get into the flow but short enough to feel refreshing.

The first attempt

The second attempt

Coloring with my Apple Pencil felt smooth, and I love that you can zoom in, fill colors instantly, or use simple gradient and brush tools. I stayed within the free options for now, but there’s already so much you can do before needing to unlock the extras.

The Benefits of Coloring for the Mind

I didn’t expect it to be so therapeutic. Within a few minutes, I noticed my mind quieting down. Coloring lets you focus on one simple thing at a time: picking colors, blending shades, and filling spaces. That focus is what makes it so calming.

Studies have shown that coloring (even digitally) helps:

Reduce anxiety and stress by encouraging mindfulness and focus
Improve mood and promote relaxation
Give your brain a creative break without pressure or perfectionism

Honestly, I felt it. After a busy week, that quiet creative moment helped me unwind and recharge.

How Long Does It Take to Color?

It really depends on your mood and the type of picture you choose:

Quick sessions (10–20 minutes): great for simpler templates or a quick mental reset.
Medium sessions (30–60 minutes): perfect for weekends when you want to zone out with your favorite playlist.
Detailed masterpieces (1–2 hours or more): for those times you want to go all in with gradients and special effects.

Free vs. Premium Features

If you’re curious about what’s included, here’s a quick rundown:

Free Version:

Hundreds of free templates
Basic palettes and fill tools
Great for beginners testing the waters

Premium (VIP All Access):

Unlocks over 5000 designs, 2000+ colors, and advanced brushes (like metallic, galaxy, and airbrush effects)
Removes ads
Prices start from around US$5.99/week, US$12.99/month, or US$59.99/year
For now, I’m happy with the free version. It’s more than enough to learn the basics and find out what I enjoy most. Once I get more confident, I might consider upgrading for the fancier palettes and special effects.

My Takeaway

I went into this just wanting to play around, but it turned into something surprisingly peaceful. The Color Therapy app turned my iPad into a little pocket of calm; a creative escape that doesn’t require much time or skill.

If you’ve been looking for a relaxing hobby that fits easily into your day, I definitely recommend giving this app a try. Whether it’s a quick 10-minute session before bed or a slow Saturday morning activity, it’s a lovely way to reset your mind.

For a first attempt, I’d say mine wasn’t too bad — more importantly, it felt good. And that’s really what color therapy is all about.