Creative workflows on 2-in-1 laptops

Drawing and illustration on the go

For illustrators and hobbyist designers, a stylus paired with a high-resolution display offers a digital experience that feels natural. Add to it the power to get you through your day, and you have a winning combination.

With all-day battery life³ and seamless integration with Surface Slim Pen, Surface Pro provides top performance across your apps and long battery life to keep you going longer, so you can sketch at a coffee shop, doodle during a commute, or comfortably edit concept art late at night from your sofa.

Surface Pro lets you run the apps you love at the speed you need—especially the ones you use most for creativity—thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon® X Series processors. This super-fast CPU also supports AI-intensive processes locally, like image generation and video editing.

Video editing anywhere

Video editing requires the right balance of power and portability. The best 2-in-1 laptops deliver performance for timeline scrubbing, color grading, and rendering without the bulk.

Surface Pro tackles demanding tasks, like video rendering and 3D animation, with ease thanks to a neural processing unit (NPU) that delivers 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS). The 45 TOPS means superpower for high-resolution editing, intricate color grading, and rapid rendering.

You can take Surface Pro with you and edit video on set, on the go, or in between travel stops without compromising quality or performance.

Best 2-in-1 laptops for creatives (2025 edition)

Here are some top 2-in-1s to consider:

• Surface Pro
  • Pros: Surface Slim Pen support, stunning display, long battery life, AI-accelerated experiences
  • Cons: Premium price reflects premium features
• HP Spectre x360 14
  • Pros: Sleek design, vivid OLED display, stylus included
  • Cons: Lack of dedicated storage slot for stylus and limited port selection
• Lenovo Yoga 9i
  • Pros: Durable hinge design, impressive audio
  • Cons: Slightly heavier than other models but still portable
• Dell XPS 13 2-in-1
  • Pros: Compact configuration, strong performance
  • Cons: Limited port selection

Price ranges vary from around $799 to $1,800, offering options for different budgets without compromising on creative capabilities.

Tips for optimizing your workflow

Make the most of your creative setup with the right tools:

• If you want to stay productive wherever you are, a comfortable, detachable keyboard can make all the difference. Surface Pro keyboards offer that flexibility without adding bulk.
• When sketching or taking notes, it helps to have a stylus that feels natural and responds instantly. Ultra-precise Surface Slim Pen delivers a natural writing experience when taking handwritten notes, designing illustrations, editing videos, or annotating text.
• Working on the go often means managing large files. Microsoft OneDrive keeps everything accessible from anywhere, so you’re not tied to one device.
• A reliable mouse can bring accuracy and comfort to tight mobile setups. Surface Arc Mouse packs flat and fits easily into a bag and feels comfortable in your hand.
• If your creative workflow depends on external drives, displays, or accessories, you’ll need extra ports. Surface USB-C Travel Hub makes it easy to connect what you need without carrying extra gear.
• Long sessions away from a desk can take a toll. A portable stand can help create a more ergonomic setup, wherever you’re working.

Surface Pro: Performance of a laptop, versatility of a tablet

Ultra-thin and ultra-portable, count on Surface Pro for performance and productivity so that you can take creativity anywhere. With detachable keyboards, all-day battery life, and stylus support, Surface Pro empowers illustrators, editors, and hobbyists to work how they want, where they want.

If you're looking for the best laptop and tablet, explore what's possible with Surface Pro.