Using iPad as Drawing Tablet for PC: Step-by-Step Guide

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Many digital artists now use their iPads as drawing tablets for PCs or Macs. This guide offers a detailed method to turn your iPad into a powerful drawing tool for your computer. By using Astropad Studio, you can display your PC or Mac screen on your iPad. This allows you to draw directly on the screen with an Apple Pencil, offering versatility and a tactile drawing experience.

Key Takeaways:

• iPads supporting the Apple Pencil give the best drawing experience. This makes iPads desirable as drawing tablets for PCs¹.
• All iPad Pros, iPad Air 2 and newer, iPad Mini 4 and newer, and iPad (5th generation) and newer work with Astropad Studio¹.
• The iPad Pro is preferred for drawing due to its fast refresh rate, high-quality display, and customization options¹.
• Astropad Studio offers a 14-day free trial to explore its features before committing¹.
• Astropad Studio’s LIQUID video technology ensures smooth performance at 60 fps, supports GPU, and optimizes battery use for creative tasks¹.

The Benefits of Using iPad as a Drawing Tablet for PC

Artists love iPads for drawing on PCs. They offer a seamless experience that suits digital artists, designers, and illustrators very well. This makes iPads great for creating digital art.

1. Portability

The iPad is small and light, making it easy to carry around. This means artists can sketch whenever inspiration strikes, even when away from the studio. Its portability ensures you always have a tool to capture your ideas.

2. Versatility

iPads give access to many artist-tailored features and apps. They’re good for graphics, editing, animation, drawing, and sketching. Apps like Procreate and Adobe Fresco let you push your art to new levels.

3. Tactile Experience

Using an Apple Pencil on the iPad feels natural. It’s more intuitive than a mouse or graphics tablet. The Apple Pencil’s precision makes drawing detailed and expressive lines easy, like with traditional tools.

“The iPad Pro offers access to a wide array of features and apps tailored for artists, making it suitable for graphic design, editing, animation, drawing, and sketching.”²

4. Cost-effectiveness

The iPad is a budget-friendly choice for a device with drawing capabilities. It’s less pricey than many high-end tablets. The iPad Pro and Apple Pencil bundle offer good value.

“The iPad Pro is priced at over $999, making it one of the most expensive options for drawing tablets. The iPad Mini + Apple Pencil is priced from $649, providing a more affordable option for drawing. The Simbans PicassoTab X14 is a cheaper choice for beginners, showing there are options for every budget.”²

5. Seamless Integration with Mac

For Mac users, an iPad brings added convenience. Apple’s Sidecar feature lets you link your iPad to your Mac wirelessly. This expands your workspace and lets you use tablet input for Mac drawing and editing apps like Illustrator and Affinity Photo.

iPad Pro	Wacom Cintiq Pro 32
12.9-inch display	32-inch canvas
Lowest latency compared to other tablets	Not standalone, requires connection to a desktop or laptop
Offers software like Procreate and Adobe Fresco	Compatible with a wider range of desktop software like Photoshop and Blender

“iPad Pro has a 12.9-inch display, while drawing tablets such as the Wacom Cintiq Pro 32 can offer a 32-inch canvas, catering to professionals needing ample screen space for complex projects. Some drawing tablets come with highly sensitive styluses, offering more precision than the Apple Pencil. Drawing tablets like the Wacom Cintiq may need a computer to work, but iPads can connect wirelessly to Macs, making them more flexible.”³

6. Enhanced Drawing Experience

The latest iPad Pros have very low latency, improving the drawing feel. The Apple Pencil is well-liked and works seamlessly with iPads, giving a great drawing experience.

“The Apple Pencil is highly rated and works well with Apple devices, providing a seamless drawing experience for iPad users.”²

Choosing the Right Software: Astropad Studio vs. Duet Display

Choosing the right software to turn your iPad into a drawing tablet for your PC is crucial. Astropad Studio and Duet Display are two great options. Each offers unique features and performance. Let’s compare them to help choose the best for your art needs.

Astropad Studio is top for digital artists who want a seamless and custom drawing experience. It’s focused on professional-grade features. This lets artists explore their creativity without limits.

Astropad Studio includes customisable pressure curves, unlimited shortcut sets, and Magic Gestures. These boost workflow productivity and efficiency. Yet, it only mirrors the display instead of acting as a second one.

Astropad Standard could be a cheaper option for Mac users at $30 one time. If you need more advanced features, Astropad Studio costs $80 a year or $12 a month.

Astropad works smoothly with any Mac running MacOS 10.11 El Capitan or newer. It supports various iPad models, including older ones. Apple Sidecar is more limited. It lacks customisability, multi-touch gestures, pen pressure, and Windows support.

Duet Display is known for its cross-platform support. It works with iPhones, PCs, and Androids. This makes it a top choice for those who want compatibility with different devices.

Duet Display’s popularity is shown by its wide user base worldwide. This demonstrates the trust people have in it.

Duet Display is cheaper than Astropad Studio at $35 a year. This makes it a budget-friendly alternative.

Duet Display stands out for its minimal delays and perfect pixel support. It lets you connect devices from anywhere. This adds flexibility and mobility for professionals.

Comparative Table – Astropad Studio vs. Duet Display

Comparison	Astropad Studio	Duet Display
Cross Platform Support	Compatible with select Macs and iPads4	Supports a wider range of Apple devices, PCs, and Androids4
Pricing	$80 per year or $12 per month4	$35 per year4
User Base	N/A	Hundreds of thousands of users worldwide4
Latency & Image Quality	N/A	Boasts ultra-low latency and pixel-perfect support4
Remote Desktop Capability	N/A	Allows connection from any device, anywhere in the world4

With these differences, you can pick the software that suits your needs best. Whether you value professional-grade features or prefer cross-platform support and cost-effectiveness, both options are great. They make your iPad a powerful drawing tablet for your PC.

Connecting Your PC to Your iPad with Astropad Studio

Linking your PC to your iPad with Astropad Studio is simple. It lets you use your computer’s capabilities with your iPad as a drawing tablet. Here’s an easy guide to get you started:

1. First, download Astropad Studio on your iPad and the matching software on your PC. You can find how-to guides on installation in the Astropad Studio documentation⁵.
2. Then, link your iPad to your PC with a USB cable or over Wi-Fi. Astropad Studio works with both, letting you pick what suits you best⁵.
3. Open the Astropad Studio app on your iPad and PC. If you’re using Wi-Fi, ensure both devices are on the same network.
4. Once connected, your PC’s screen will appear on your iPad. This lets you draw, sketch, and design with professional tools, right from your tablet⁵⁶.

Astropad Studio makes connecting your PC to your iPad a breeze. It’s perfect for artists, illustrators, or designers. It turns your iPad into an effective drawing tablet. Forget expensive dedicated tablets and embrace the creativity of using what you already have⁶.

Additional Features and Benefits

Astropad Studio is packed with features that boost your artistic workflow. Here are some key benefits:

• Barrel Rotation and Squeeze Gesture: For Apple Pencil Pro users, Astropad Studio adds cool features like barrel rotation and squeeze gestures. These add more control and ways to use shortcuts⁶.
• Improved Image Quality: Thanks to its Adaptive Image Rendering, Astropad Studio makes your art look clearer by 53% during quick movements. Your creations will show in incredible detail⁶.
• Compatibility: Astropad Studio works with various iPads, including the Mini 4, Air, Pro models, and the 5th generation iPad⁶.
• Privacy and Customer Satisfaction: Made by Astro HQ, Astropad Studio values your privacy. Though it collects some data, users love its reliability and how well it connects and works with design apps⁶.

Using Astropad Studio to connect your PC and iPad opens new possibilities. It lets you create anywhere, without losing quality or functions⁵⁶.

Astropad Studio vs. Astropad Slate

Feature	Astropad Studio	Astropad Slate
Pricing	$14.99/month or $99.99/year6	$19.99 (one-time purchase)5
Connection Options	Wi-Fi, USB cable	Wi-Fi, USB cable, Peer-to-Peer networking5
Compatibility	iPad Mini 4 (2015+), iPad Air (2014+), iPad Pro (2016+), iPad 5th generation (2017+)6	iPad models with iOS 9.1 or later
Advanced Features	Barrel Rotation, Squeeze Gesture, Adaptive Image Rendering6	Screen mapping, touch gestures5

Note: Both Astropad Studio and Astropad Slate offer unique features. Pick the one that fits your preferences and price range.

Best iPads for Drawing on a Computer

If you’re keen to improve your digital art skills, consider some iPads. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M2, 2022) tops the list with its strong M1 chip and beautiful screen. The iPad Air (5th Gen, 2022) is great for those watching their spending. And the iPad Mini (2021) is perfect for artists on the move. The 9th Gen iPad and the iPad Pro 2020 also offer good value.

The iPad Pro 12.9″ model shines with its miniLED backlit XDR display. It gives you the biggest, most efficient display with top contrast and brightness⁷. For lots of storage and memory, the iPad Pro models offer up to 2TB storage and 16GB of RAM. Other models come with 8GB of RAM, which is still plenty for most artists⁷.

All current iPads work with the Apple Pencil, ensuring smooth and precise drawing⁷. If you need a lot of storage, start with at least 256GB. For the best performance, consider getting at least 512GB⁷.

Finding a balance between cost and features is key. The basic iPad starts at $329, which is affordable for many artists. The iPad Pro models, however, cost more but offer larger screens and advanced features⁸. The first-generation Apple Pencil is $99 and suits the basic iPad. The second-generation Apple Pencil costs $129 and is for iPad Pros only⁸.

iPad Model	Price Range
iPad Pro 12.9″ (M2, 2022)	$999+
iPad Pro 11″ (M2, 2022)	$799+
iPad Air (5th Gen, 2022)	Starting from $499
iPad Mini (2021)	Starting from $499
iPad (9th Gen, 2021)	Starting from $329

While iPads are celebrated for their portability, consider other options too. The Wacom Intuos Pro lets you create higher resolution drawings with more detail⁸. It’s seen as a more economical pick than an iPad, especially since the pen comes included⁸.

iPads come in several sizes. The iPad Mini has a 7.9-inch screen, and the iPad Pro model has a 12.9-inch display⁹. Drawing tablets are available in even bigger sizes, with some reaching up to 32 inches⁹. These tablets allow artists more space to express their creativity⁹.

Drawing tablets from brands like XP-Pen offer up to 16K levels of sensitivity, giving you amazing control⁹. This compares to the Apple Pencil’s 2048 levels of sensitivity. Remember, the latest Apple Pencil only works with iPad Pro models⁹.

Choosing between iPads and drawing tablets depends on your needs. iPads have special apps like Ibis Paint and Procreate for artists⁹. Professional drawing tablets, however, are designed to work with powerful PC software. They’re ideal for fields like architecture and animation⁹.

Price-wise, even the most affordable iPad is pricier than many drawing tablets. Drawing tablets often have buttons that you can program for specific actions. This is a feature iPads don’t have⁹.

Your choice between iPads and drawing tablets depends on your artistic goals. Drawing tablets provide flexibility and professional tools for serious artists. But iPads offer a mix of fun, everyday use and drawing capabilities⁹.

Using iPad as a Drawing Tablet: Limitations and Tips for Optimal Performance

The iPad Pro is great for drawing on a PC, but it has its limits. Knowing these can help you use it better.

Limitations of iPad as a Drawing Tablet

One issue with the iPad is its screen size. This can make it hard to use small controls in apps like Lightroom Classic. But, touch-friendly apps like Lightroom for iPad make it easier with bigger controls.

Also, the iPad Pro might not be as powerful as some desktops used by pros. Remember this when using demanding software or big files.

¹⁰ More and more, iPads are replacing computers for creatives, showing they’re becoming more versatile.

Tips for Optimizing Performance

To get the best out of your iPad as a drawing tablet, try these tips:

1. Tweak the display settings to find the perfect quality and speed. This can make drawing smoother.
2. Shut apps you’re not using to boost performance.
3. Choosing a top-notch stylus like the Apple Pencil can make a big difference in your drawing.
4. Keep your iPad and apps updated for the best experience and to fix any bugs.

¹⁰ The Apple Pencil is a favourite among digital artists for its quality. The latest model fixes past issues with charging and connecting to the iPad Pro.

Even with some drawbacks, the iPad Pro can be great for digital art. If you work around its limits and use the right software, it can be a joy to use.

Converting iPad into a Graphics Tablet with Astropad Studio

Want to make your graphic design work better by linking your iPad and computer? Astropad Studio turns your iPad into a great graphics tablet for PC or Mac. It’s a simple, fast process that lets you use your iPad’s drawing abilities to the fullest.

Astropad Studio mirrors desktop apps onto your iPad, whether through WiFi or USB. It’s made by LunaDisplay’s creators. They allow Macs or iPads to work as wireless second screens. Astropad Studio is praised by artists who use iPads as professional drawing tablets¹¹.

Using Astropad Studio with Adobe Illustrator and your iPad creates a smooth experience for designers. Drawing with a stylus instead of a mouse or trackpad feels more natural. It gives artists better control, leading to precise and smooth drawing¹¹.

Here’s how to set up Astropad Studio with your Windows PC and iPad Air:

Step 1: Download and Install Astropad Studio

1. Go to the Astropad website and get the Astropad Studio app for Windows.
2. Install the app on your computer by following the instructions.

Step 2: Install Astropad Studio on Your iPad Air

1. Open the App Store on your iPad Air.
2. Look for “Astropad Studio” and download it.

Step 3: Connect Your iPad Air to Your Windows computer

You can connect via USB or Wi-Fi. Pick the best option for you.

USB Connection:

1. Connect your iPad Air and Windows PC with a USB cable.
2. Open Astropad Studio on both devices.
3. Follow the instructions to link them with USB.

Wi-Fi Connection:

1. Make sure your iPad Air and Windows PC are on the same Wi-Fi.
2. Open Astropad Studio on both your devices.
3. Follow the instructions to connect via Wi-Fi.

After connecting, your iPad Air will show your PC’s screen. This lets you use the iPad as a graphics tablet in apps like Photoshop and Illustrator. Astropad Studio’s features include pressure sensitivity and customizable shortcuts.

Try Astropad Studio free for 14 days. This lets you get used to this new way of working¹¹. If you like it, it costs $80 a year to keep using all its features¹². If you want a free option, Waylus is worth looking at, even though it might be slightly slower¹². Remember, the iPad’s screen shape might be different from your computer’s¹².

Turning your iPad into a graphics tablet is cost-effective for designers. It can save a lot compared to buying tablets like the Wacom Cintiq. Astropad Studio and the iPad together offer a top-notch drawing experience, letting you reach professional results¹³.

So, why wait? Start using your iPad as a graphics tablet with Astropad Studio now and create beautiful digital art!

Conclusion

Turning your iPad into a drawing tablet for your PC unlocks new opportunities for digital artists. With Astropad Studio, creativity flows freely, allowing you to explore digital art in ways you’ve never done before. Whether you’re doing digital art professionally or just for fun, using an iPad offers a unique and tactile drawing experience.

The iPad’s portability is a major benefit for artists. It lets them work on creative projects in different places¹⁴¹⁵. Also, many artists find the iPad’s pressure sensitivity helpful. It provides a more precise and responsive feel when drawing¹⁵.

iPads offer a wider selection of drawing and painting apps than other devices. This gives artists many options to choose from¹⁵. The ability to use iPad drawing apps with popular PC programs like Adobe Photoshop is another plus¹⁵. It means artists can easily include the iPad into their workflow.

In summary, using your iPad as a drawing tool with Astropad Studio can transform your digital art practice. Its flexibility, easy portability, and smooth compatibility with leading drawing apps and software set it apart. It turns your iPad into an essential tool for art, opening up limitless possibilities in digital art.

FAQ

Can I use my iPad as a drawing tablet for my PC?

Yes, you can. Many digital artists do this. By using software like Astropad Studio, you can show your PC or Mac display on your iPad. This lets you draw right on the screen with an Apple Pencil.

What are the benefits of using an iPad as a drawing tablet for a PC?

There are many benefits to this. For one, iPads are easy to carry around. This means artists can sketch anywhere and polish their work on a PC later. Drawing on an iPad with an Apple Pencil feels natural. Plus, with software like Astropad Studio, you can see your PC screen on the iPad. This gives you access to big desktop apps.

Which software should I choose for using my iPad as a drawing tablet for my PC?

Astropad Studio and Duet Display are good choices. However, Astropad Studio is better for professional artists. It offers custom gestures, quick performance, and special workspaces for apps.

How do I connect my PC to my iPad with Astropad Studio?

It’s easy to connect them. Just install Astropad Studio on both your iPad and PC. You can connect them using USB or Wi-Fi. Then, open the app on both devices. Your iPad will then show your PC’s display and act as a drawing tablet.

What are the best iPads for drawing on a computer?

For top-notch digital artwork, consider these iPads. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M2, 2022) has a strong M1 chip and great display. The iPad Air (5th Gen, 2022) is more affordable. The iPad Mini (2021) is great for artists on the move. The 9th Gen iPad and the iPad Pro 2020 are also good picks.

Are there any limitations to using an iPad as a drawing tablet for a PC?

Yes, there are some drawbacks. The iPad’s size might make it hard to use small controls in some apps. But, apps made for touch and stylus use have bigger controls. To make things work best, tweak the resolution and refresh settings.

How do I convert my iPad into a graphics tablet with Astropad Studio?

With Astropad Studio, changing your iPad into a graphics tablet is simple. Download and set up Astropad Studio on both devices. Connect them with USB or Wi-Fi. Then, start the app on each device. Your iPad will show your desktop screen. This lets you use it with popular apps like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

How can using an iPad as a drawing tablet enhance my digital artistry?

It brings new chances for digital artists. Astropad Studio uses your iPad’s power to boost creativity. This approach works well whether you’re a skilled artist or a casual creator. The direct drawing feel of an iPad is unique. Try it out. You might find it boosts your digital artwork.

Source Links

1. https://astropad.com/blog/how-to-use-ipad-as-drawing-tablet-for-pc/ – How to Use iPad as Drawing Tablet for PC or Mac – Astropad
2. https://www.simbans.com/blogs/tips/ipad-drawing-tablet – 7 Things You Need to Know about iPad as a Drawing Tablet
3. https://www.makeuseof.com/ipad-vs-drawing-tablet-for-drawing/ – iPad vs. Drawing Tablet: Which One Should You Get for Drawing?
4. https://www.duetdisplay.com/blog/duet-vs-astropad-studio – Duet vs Astropad Studio
5. https://astropad.com/product/slate/ – Astropad Slate – Control your Mac with iPad and Apple Pencil
6. https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/astropad-studio/id1181582576 – ‎Astropad Studio
7. https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255139379 – Best iPad for design and sketching?
8. https://lymancreativegroup.com/blog/wacom-vs-ipad-which-should-i-buy-as-an-illustrator – Wacom vs iPad: Which Should I Buy as an Illustrator? — Lyman Creative Co.
9. https://www.xp-pen.com/blog/ipad-pro-vs-graphic-tablet-for-drawing.html – iPad Pro vs graphic tablet for drawing? Which one is better for artists?
10. https://hicks.design/journal/using-the-ipad-pro-as-my-main-computer – Using the iPad Pro as my main computer – Hicks.design
11. https://nikitarose.com/blogs/art-design/astropad-with-ipad-air-and-adobe-illustrator-on-windows-a-review – Astropad Studio for iPad Compatible with Windows PCs: A Game Changer f
12. https://krita-artists.org/t/is-there-a-way-to-use-an-ipad-together-with-krita-instead-of-a-regular-drawing-tablet/84127 – Is there a way to use an iPad together with Krita, instead of a regular drawing tablet?
13. https://www.pocket-lint.com/turn-your-tablet-into-drawing-pad-for-pc/ – Here’s how to turn your tablet into a drawing pad for your PC
14. https://www.xp-pen.com/blog/how-to-make-your-tablet-a-pc-drawing-board.html – How to Make Your Tablet a PC Drawing Board
15. https://anhome.tech/blog/tech-tips/how-to-use-an-ipad-as-a-drawing-tablet/ – How to Use an iPad as a Drawing Tablet