To use your phone as a drawing tablet for PC, you need a mirroring app that transmits your phone's touch input to your computer, effectively turning your smartphone screen into a pressure-sensitive input surface for desktop art software. This guide covers the essential apps, setup steps, and configuration needed to draw in programs like Photoshop without buying dedicated hardware.
Choosing the right mirroring app
Three apps dominate this space, each with distinct strengths. EasyCanvas transforms your mobile device into a graphic tablet for PC and Mac, supporting key features like palm rejection, pen pressure, and tilt recognition for Apple Pencil users. It offers an impressive 120Hz refresh rate for smooth screen and stylus movements and can function as a dual monitor or integrate into triple or higher screen setups. It works with PC programs such as Photoshop and Clip Studio.
Duet Display supports all PC hardware that runs Windows 10 or later, and its latest updates support all iOS hardware running iOS 10 or later. Older versions of the Duet app are compatible with iOS 7.0, though Duet cannot be used with an iPad 1. On the Mac side, it supports all Mac hardware running OS X 10.13 through 10.13.2, with specific mirroring limitations on intermediate versions, and full support for 10.14.2 and newer (High Sierra through Ventura and beyond).
VirtualTablet requires devices equipped with a pressure-sensitive stylus pen with hover mode for proper functionality. These features are typically found in devices using Wacom Digitizer Stylus technology. Devices with full support including pressure sensitivity include the Samsung Galaxy Note Series, Galaxy S Ultra series, Galaxy Tab Series with S Pen, HUAWEI MatePad with M-Pencil, Lenovo Tab P12 Pro, and Lenovo Yoga Tab with Precision Pen. Limited compatibility devices (without pressure sensitivity) include Galaxy Tab models without S Pen, LG G Pad series, most ASUS tablets, Nexus Tablets, and other standard tablets and smartphones. Capacitive touch pens with large round rubber tips do not support pressure sensitivity or hover mode.
Preparing your phone and PC for connection
Begin by checking device compatibility. For VirtualTablet, verify your phone is on the supported list for pressure sensitivity. For EasyCanvas and Duet Display, ensure your PC meets the OS requirements and your phone runs a supported version of Android or iOS. Install the chosen app on both your phone and PC from their respective app stores and official websites. On Android, enable USB Debugging by going to Settings, tapping About Phone seven times on Build Number to unlock Developer Options, then enabling USB Debugging in the Developer Options menu. For iOS devices, no USB debugging is needed. Install any required drivers that the PC companion app prompts you to install during setup.
Connecting your phone to your PC
- Connect your phone to your PC using a USB cable. For a wireless connection, ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Launch the desktop companion app on your PC.
- Open the mobile app on your phone. It should automatically detect the PC connection or prompt you to select your computer from a list.
- On Android, when prompted, allow USB debugging and grant the app permission to access your screen and input.
- Verify the connection by checking that your phone screen mirrors on your PC or that the PC app shows your device as connected and ready for input.
Configuring pressure sensitivity and display settings
Once connected, open the app's settings on your phone or PC. Enable pen pressure if it is not already active. In EasyCanvas, you can calibrate pressure curves and adjust the screen refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother stylus response. For display mode, choose between mirroring (showing your PC screen on your phone) or extended display (using your phone as a secondary monitor). VirtualTablet users should ensure the app recognizes the specific stylus model and that hover mode is enabled for pressure sensitivity to function. Test pressure by drawing a stroke in the app's test area, the line thickness or opacity should vary with how hard you press.
Drawing in your desktop software
Open Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, or any other art program on your PC. Your phone will now function as a drawing tablet. In Clip Studio, check that the pen pressure settings are active in the brush tool properties. For the best experience when connecting and using a stylus pen, select a brush preset that responds to pen pressure, such as a round or flat brush with opacity controlled by stylus pressure. To use your tablet as a drawing pad for PC, you can also map the phone's screen area to a specific portion of your PC monitor in the app's settings, which is useful for multi-monitor setups. If you encounter an issue where your active stylus skipping or drawing wavy lines, reduce the canvas resolution in the drawing app or lower the refresh rate in the mirroring app's settings to stabilize input.
Troubleshooting common connection and input issues
If you experience lag, close unnecessary background apps on both devices and reduce the canvas resolution in your art software. For missed strokes, ensure your phone screen is clean and that you have installed the latest drivers for the mirroring app on your PC. If pressure sensitivity is not working on an unsupported device, check the app's compatibility list, VirtualTablet, for example, only supports pressure on devices with Wacom Digitizer Stylus technology. For connection drops over Wi-Fi, switch to a USB cable for a more stable link. If the app crashes, clear its cache or reinstall it, and ensure your phone's operating system is up to date. For Duet Display, verify that your iOS device runs iOS 10 or later and your PC runs Windows 10 or later. For EasyCanvas, confirm your Mac is on a supported macOS version. If the phone is not recognized as a drawing input device, restart both devices and reconnect, making sure USB Debugging is enabled on Android.
