When you are trying to design or draw something on your PC, say by using Adobe Photoshop, Blender, or other such software, a mouse pad or a mouse doesn’t prove to be of the best use. However, iPads can be used as a better alternative for such scenarios. But a major problem that people face is how to use iPad as a drawing tablet for PC.
If you have an iPad, you can connect it to your Windows PC or Mac and use it to draw anything you wish. This has come out to be an excellent combination for graphic designers in particular. However, most users are unable to connect their iPad and PC. In this blog, we will guide you through the complete process of how you can execute this task successfully and comfortably draw your works through an iPad.
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Use iPad As A Drawing Tablet For PC | A Complete Guide
You will require a third-party app to connect your iPad to your PC. There are many apps available that provide this service. While for a Windows PC, you might get these apps for free; a Mac user might have to pay some amount to get this service. Follow the steps below to connect your iPad to your PC successfully.
Prerequisites for connecting iPad with PC
Before we move on to the steps of connecting our iPad with a PC, there are certain things you should ensure having. These include:
- iPad that supports a digital pencil on it since you will draw on your iPad with a digital pencil
- An apple digital pencil that is compatible with your iPad
- A type-c USB cable to connect the iPad and PC
These are all the things you require before connecting your PC with your iPad. Once you have gathered all these things, follow the steps below to start the process. We have considered connecting a Windows PC with an iPad for this tutorial.
Step 1: Install a third-party application
You will need a third-party application that provides this service of connecting your iPad to your PC. We have considered installing the “Easy Canvas” app for this tutorial. So, firstly install the Easy Canvas app on your Windows PC as well as on your iPad.
Apart from the Easy Canvas app, there are various other apps, such as Duet Display and Astropad Studio. While the Duet Display app is free for desktop use, you will have to pay for its mobile version; similar is the case with Astropad Studio, where you will have to pay a monthly fee after a 30-day free trial period.
Step 2: Install a drawing app
In case you haven’t, try downloading any drawing app you would like to work on. This can be Adobe Photoshop, Blender, Adobe Illustrator, or any other software you want to work with. Install it before connecting your iPad to your PC so you can test your connection later on in this software. Wondering if trending video editing software are safe? Read about Filmora & DaVinci safety!
Step 3: Connect your iPad with Apple Pencil
Next, you will need to connect your apple pencil to your iPad. Pair up your pencil with the iPad and get it ready to use as you connect it to your PC in the next step. The process is quite simple. You just have to pair it via Bluetooth. If you have a second-generation apple pencil, you need to attach it to your iPad and pair it with Bluetooth.
Step 4: Connect your iPad to PC
Next, you must connect your iPad to your PC using the type-C USB cable. Simply plug in the USB cable in your iPad charging slot and the other end into the CPU of your PC. After you plug in the USB cable to your iPad and PC, you will notice that both of them are finally connected as they share a common screen.
Note that if you are using Astropad Studio, you don’t have to connect your iPad to your PC since the software establishes a wireless connection using Wifi. So, connect your iPad and PC using Wifi if you are using the Astropad Studio.
How To Draw On Your PC Using iPad?
Once you have connected them both, you can successfully draw on your PC with the help of the iPad and the apple pencil. Open the software you wish to work on your PC, say Adobe Photoshop. If you are using the Easy Canvas app, you will see the same screen opening on your iPad as well.
Note: Keep the Easy Canvas app open on your iPad as well as on your PC.
As the same screen appears, you can now start drawing or doing anything you wish to on your iPad, and you will see the changes on your PC. You can even control the apple pencil’s gestures and features from the Easy Canvas app. You can control the pencil’s flow, pressure, and many other things to get a smooth and easy drawing experience on your iPad.
An important thing to note while using the Easy Canvas app is to ensure your USB is not damaged, as an interruption in connection can affect your work experience. Also, do not try to close the app on your PC or iPad, as it might cause your screens to disconnect.
FAQs
Is a drawing tablet better than an iPad?
While Apple provides one of the finest user experiences for its customers, a drawing tablet might not be able to meet its performance. Thus, an iPad is a better option to choose than a drawing tablet.
Can I use an iPad as a drawing tablet for Windows PC?
Yes, you can easily use your iPad with your Windows PC to act as a drawing tablet. Using your iPad as a drawing tablet, you can draw on software like Photoshop, Blender, and similar others.
Is Astropad Studio free?
No, Astropad Studio charges some monthly or yearly fee for its services. Although the software provides a 30-day free trial when using it for the first time.
Conclusion | Use iPad As A Drawing Tablet For PC
Now that you know how to connect your iPad to your PC successfully, you can enjoy working on it and see the changes on your PC. No need to use the mouse anymore. An important thing to note is that if you are trying to connect your iPad to a Mac, you might have to use Astropad Studio, which means you might have to pay to connect your iPad to Mac. But for Windows users, this is a free thing to do.
That’s all in this blog. Connect your iPad with your PC and enjoy a smooth working experience ahead.