How to Use your iPad as a Drawing Tablet for PC or Mac

Think your iPad is just for streaming shows or scrolling social? Think again.

With the right tools, your iPad can become a powerhouse drawing tablet for your Mac or PC, and be ready to take on even the most demanding creative work.

Astropad Studio is built for this purpose, with artists in mind. Trusted by top animation studios like Pixar, it lets you mirror your desktop screen straight to your iPad, unlocking pro-level tools wherever you work. Whether you’re just starting out or have years under your belt, it’s all about giving you more flexibility to create your way.

From customizable pressure curves, to lightning-fast Magic Gestures that speed up your workflow, Astropad Studio is more than just screen mirroring; it’s a full-on creative upgrade! Connect over Wi-Fi or USB and enjoy responsive, 60fps performance with ultra-low latency.

It’s your iPad, reimagined for artists. So, let’s delve deeper into how you can harness your iPad’s power as a drawing tablet for your PC.

Why More Artists Are Using the iPad as a Drawing Tablet for PC

Artists have long loved the iPad for its portability, versatility, and intuitive design. But recently, a growing trend has taken hold: using the iPad and Apple Pencil as a drawing tablet for PC or Mac. Digital creatives are always chasing smoother, more flexible workflows, and this setup delivers.

Here’s why the iPad-PC combo is winning over artists:

• Portability: Sketch on the go with your iPad, then refine and finish your work on a more powerful desktop setup back in the studio.
• Versatility: Apps like Astropad Studio let your iPad mirror your PC screen, unlocking access to full-featured desktop software like Photoshop or Blender.
• Tactile Experience: Drawing directly on the iPad with the Apple Pencil offers a natural, pen-on-paper feel that traditional graphics tablets often lack.

These advantages are fueling the shift toward using the iPad as a drawing tablet for PC, offering artists the best of both worlds: mobility and professional-grade tools.

PC vs. iPad: A Brief Comparison

When it comes to creating digital art, both the PC and iPad have their individual strengths. Here’s a quick comparison:

	PC	iPad
Precision Drawing	✅	✅
Portability	❌	✅
Extensive Software	✅	❌
Tactile Experience	❌	✅
Multiple Monitor Support	✅	❌

In essence, using an iPad as a drawing tablet combines the best of both worlds.

Can Any iPad Be Used for Drawing?

Yes, but the experience can differ. iPads supporting the Apple Pencil offer the best drawing experience. However, even without Apple Pencil support, iPads can still be used for drawing with other styluses or your fingers. It’s a versatile tool that caters to everyone, from professional digital artists to hobbyists.

Using an iPad as a drawing tablet for PC provides a blend of portability, versatility, and a tactile drawing experience that’s hard to beat.

Astropad Studio vs. Duet Display: An Artist’s Take

When it comes to turning your iPad into a creative powerhouse, two names usually pop up: Astropad Studio and Duet Display. Both promise to bridge the gap between your iPad and desktop, but not all bridges are built for artists. So if you’re eyeing the iPad as a drawing tablet for PC, here’s how these two options stack up from an artist’s point of view.

Duet Display: Great for General Use, But Not Built for Art

Duet Display offers a low-cost way to extend your screen space. It supports a wide range of devices; iPads, iPhones, even Android, and works with both macOS and Windows. For general productivity, it gets the job done.

What it does well:

• Low latency screen mirroring
• Remote desktop capabilities
• Budget-friendly pricing

While Duet has gesture controls and basic productivity features, it’s not tailored for the hands-on needs of digital artists. There’s no in-depth pressure curve customization, shortcut customization, and no deep integration with creative software. It’s a second screen, but not quite a drawing tablet.

Astropad Studio: Purpose-Built for Artists

Astropad Studio is in a different league because it was designed specifically for artists. It doesn’t just mirror your screen. It transforms your iPad into a drawing tablet for PC or Mac, with features that elevate your creative workflow.

Why artists choose Astropad Studio:

• Custom Gestures & Shortcuts: Map your favorite tools, brushes, and actions to intuitive gestures.
• Fluid Performance: Engineered for ultra-low latency drawing so it feels like your pen is directly on the canvas.
• App-Specific Workspaces: Automatically pulls in the top tools and shortcuts from the apps you use most; Photoshop, Blender, Clip Studio Paint, and more. Customize it all to fit your flow.

Whether you’re sketching, painting, animating, or sculpting in 3D, Studio adapts to your process. Its built-in integrations span the full spectrum of creative software, so you’re never stuck with generic controls.

Built for the Demanding Artist

Let’s be real: artists are picky, and for good reason. The tools we use shape the work we create. That’s why Astropad Studio goes beyond mirroring and offers:

• Pressure curve adjustments
• Undo/redo gestures
• Tailored workspaces per app
• Pro-level responsiveness

This level of control is what makes Studio a true companion for professional artists—not just a utility app, but a serious piece of creative gear.

The Bottom Line

Duet Display is a versatile, affordable screen extension. But if your goal is to use your iPad as a drawing tablet for PC, Astropad Studio delivers the precision, customization, and performance that digital artists need.

Because for serious art, you need more than a second screen. You need the right tool.

How to Connect your PC to iPad with Astropad Studio

Astropad Studio is a great tool for using your iPad as a drawing tablet for your PC. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of setting up the app.

1. Download and install Astropad Studio from the App Store on your iPad.
2. Install Astropad Studio on your PC using the installation files from our site. 
3. Connect your iPad to your PC using a USB cable or Wi-Fi.
4. Launch Astropad Studio on both devices. They’ll sync up, and you’re good to go!

iPad Compatibility

Astropad Studio can work with most iPad models, but there are some specifics. Here’s the list:

• iPad Mini 4 (2015 or later)
• iPad Pro (2016 or later recommended)
• iPad 5th generation (2017 or later)
• iPad Air (2014 or later)

This way, you can convert your iPad into a drawing tablet for your PC. Enjoy creating amazing artwork!

Best iPads for Drawing on a Computer

So we’ve discussed how to use your iPad as a drawing tablet for PC and Mac, but with so many iPad models available, which ones work best for digital artists? Let’s take a closer look at what we think are the best iPads for drawing on a computer.

Based on user reviews and expert recommendations, these are some of the top contenders:

1. iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M2, 2022): This model’s praised as the cream of the crop. With its powerful M1 chip and stunning display, it’s no surprise!
2. iPad Air (5th Gen, 2022): Need something more budget-friendly? Consider this option. It’s got solid performance and a great screen.
3. iPad Mini (2021): The iPad Mini’s portability and A15 Bionic chip are game-changers for artists on the go.

Let’s not forget the 9th Gen iPad and the iPad Pro 2020 also have their perks.

Can the iPad Pro Be Used as a Drawing Tablet?

The iPad Pro’s a standout for drawing, and most artists’ top choice. The iPad Pro can rival a professional graphics tablet when paired with the Apple Pencil. Artists can’t get enough, whether it’s the iPad Pro’s fast refresh rate, high-quality display, or customization options.

At the end of the day, it’s all about what works best for you. So, consider your needs, budget, and preferences before deciding. 

Ready to Expand Your Creative Horizons With Astropad Studio?

Given the features and the value Astropad offers artists, it’s an investment that pays for itself. Combined with the Apple Pencil, Astropad transforms your iPad into a versatile graphics tablet for both PC and Mac. It offers plenty of benefits, no matter which iPad you choose to use it with.

Astropad is highly customizable. You can tweak pressure curves, use pressure smoothing for a natural drawing experience, use your Apple Pencil, and create unlimited shortcuts for faster operation.

If you’re considering making the most of your Apple iPad in your digital art journey, why not take Astropad Studio for a spin? Download Astropad Studio from the App Store today and sign up for a 14-day free trial. Get ready to unleash your creativity!