How to Turn Your iPad into a Drawing Tablet for Mac
Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2024 10:17 am
Using Apple's Sidecar Feature
Sidecar is Apple’s built-in solution for using your iPad as a drawing tablet for your Mac. Sidecar offers a smooth experience because it’s already built into your device. It has low latency and strong pressure sensitivity support, making it a great choice for those who are already invested in their Apple ecosystem.
Step 1: Make sure both your iPad and Mac are signed in with the exact same how to save iran number in whatsapp Apple ID and have two-factor authentication turned on.
Step 2: On your Mac, go to the Apple menu and click “System Preferences.”
Step 3: In System Preferences, find Sidecar and select your iPad in the “Connect to” box. This will cause your iPad to mirror or extend your Mac’s display.
Step 4: This will cause your iPad to mirror or extend your Mac’s display.
Step 5: Use your Apple Pencil on iPad to draw directly in the app on Mac.
Using a third-party app: Astropad Studio
Aside from Apple's built-in solution, there are also plenty of external third-party apps that can offer the same compatibility. A great example is Astropad Studio. This app has a lot of advanced features that you can use, such as its customizable shortcuts, settings, and compatibility with many Mac apps.
Step 1: Download and install Astropad Studio for iPad and Mac.
Step 2: Install the app on both devices and follow the on-screen instructions to connect them.
Step 3: Once connected, your iPad will display your Mac's screen.
Step 4: Open the drawing software on your Mac.
Step 5: Draw on your iPad with Apple Pencil or a suitable stylus and see the final result on your Mac screen in real time.
Introduction to standalone drawing tablet
While it is a popular choice to use the iPad as a drawing tablet for Mac, standalone drawing tablets are also a better option. It is safe to buy standalone tablets because they are specifically built to meet the needs of artists and are made with features suitable for digital art. They also come with drawing accessories such as a specialized stylus with high pressure sensitivity, while the iPad requires you to purchase each accessory separately.
Comparison between standalone drawing tablets and iPads for drawing
Drawing surface and hardware
Standalone drawing tablets are made with textured surfaces suitable for drawing and mimic the feel of paper for a traditional drawing experience. These tablets also come with stylus pens that offer high sensitivity, which is essential for drawing realistic art. In contrast, the iPad requires additional purchases to achieve this feel, such as a paper-textured screen cover.
Pressure sensitivity and customization
Another significant difference between the iPad and standalone drawing tablets is the pressure sensitivity and level of customization of the pen. Professional-grade standalone drawing tablets typically have a pressure sensitivity of 8,192 or higher compared to the Apple Pencil. These professional styluses also come with customizable buttons and shortcuts, allowing artists to have a more tailored workflow.
Most popular standalone drawing tablets and features
There are many popular standalone drawing tablets that cater to the different needs of artists and their preferences. Among these popular standalone drawing tablets, the XPPen Magic Drawing Pad really rises to the top with its considerations for digital artists. The XPPen Magic Drawing Pad stands out as the best choice thanks to its incredible X-Paper display technology, which provides its 12.2-inch screen with a paper-like drawing experience. It also comes with the X3 Pro Pencil with 16,000 levels of pressure.
XPPen Magic Drawing Pad
Using iPad as a drawing tablet vs. standalone drawing tablet
Advantages and disadvantages of using an iPad as a drawing tablet
iPads are multi-functional devices that offer versatility, portability and intuitive interfaces. They are built with high-quality displays and have access to a wide range of applications that can enhance the digital
Sidecar is Apple’s built-in solution for using your iPad as a drawing tablet for your Mac. Sidecar offers a smooth experience because it’s already built into your device. It has low latency and strong pressure sensitivity support, making it a great choice for those who are already invested in their Apple ecosystem.
Step 1: Make sure both your iPad and Mac are signed in with the exact same how to save iran number in whatsapp Apple ID and have two-factor authentication turned on.
Step 2: On your Mac, go to the Apple menu and click “System Preferences.”
Step 3: In System Preferences, find Sidecar and select your iPad in the “Connect to” box. This will cause your iPad to mirror or extend your Mac’s display.
Step 4: This will cause your iPad to mirror or extend your Mac’s display.
Step 5: Use your Apple Pencil on iPad to draw directly in the app on Mac.
Using a third-party app: Astropad Studio
Aside from Apple's built-in solution, there are also plenty of external third-party apps that can offer the same compatibility. A great example is Astropad Studio. This app has a lot of advanced features that you can use, such as its customizable shortcuts, settings, and compatibility with many Mac apps.
Step 1: Download and install Astropad Studio for iPad and Mac.
Step 2: Install the app on both devices and follow the on-screen instructions to connect them.
Step 3: Once connected, your iPad will display your Mac's screen.
Step 4: Open the drawing software on your Mac.
Step 5: Draw on your iPad with Apple Pencil or a suitable stylus and see the final result on your Mac screen in real time.
Introduction to standalone drawing tablet
While it is a popular choice to use the iPad as a drawing tablet for Mac, standalone drawing tablets are also a better option. It is safe to buy standalone tablets because they are specifically built to meet the needs of artists and are made with features suitable for digital art. They also come with drawing accessories such as a specialized stylus with high pressure sensitivity, while the iPad requires you to purchase each accessory separately.
Comparison between standalone drawing tablets and iPads for drawing
Drawing surface and hardware
Standalone drawing tablets are made with textured surfaces suitable for drawing and mimic the feel of paper for a traditional drawing experience. These tablets also come with stylus pens that offer high sensitivity, which is essential for drawing realistic art. In contrast, the iPad requires additional purchases to achieve this feel, such as a paper-textured screen cover.
Pressure sensitivity and customization
Another significant difference between the iPad and standalone drawing tablets is the pressure sensitivity and level of customization of the pen. Professional-grade standalone drawing tablets typically have a pressure sensitivity of 8,192 or higher compared to the Apple Pencil. These professional styluses also come with customizable buttons and shortcuts, allowing artists to have a more tailored workflow.
Most popular standalone drawing tablets and features
There are many popular standalone drawing tablets that cater to the different needs of artists and their preferences. Among these popular standalone drawing tablets, the XPPen Magic Drawing Pad really rises to the top with its considerations for digital artists. The XPPen Magic Drawing Pad stands out as the best choice thanks to its incredible X-Paper display technology, which provides its 12.2-inch screen with a paper-like drawing experience. It also comes with the X3 Pro Pencil with 16,000 levels of pressure.
XPPen Magic Drawing Pad
Using iPad as a drawing tablet vs. standalone drawing tablet
Advantages and disadvantages of using an iPad as a drawing tablet
iPads are multi-functional devices that offer versatility, portability and intuitive interfaces. They are built with high-quality displays and have access to a wide range of applications that can enhance the digital