Using an iPad as a Cintiq on PC with Easy Canvas: A Game-Changer for Digital Artists
As a digital artist, having the right tools can make all the difference in your workflow and productivity. One of the most significant investments you can make is in a high-quality drawing tablet or Cintiq. However, these devices can be expensive, with prices ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. But what if I told you there's a more affordable alternative that can provide a similar experience? Enter the iPad 6 gen, Apple Pencil, and Easy Canvas – a combination that can transform your iPad into a Cintiq on your PC.
Features and Settings
The Easy Canvas setup is incredibly intuitive, allowing you to expand your canvas, use keyboard shortcuts, and even utilize gestures like pinching to zoom. You can create new layers, experiment with various brushes, and take advantage of pressure sensitivity – all without any latency issues, even when using a charging cable.
Advantages
One of the most significant advantages of using an iPad as a Cintiq on your PC is the ability to work comfortably on a larger screen while still maintaining the flexibility of a drawing tablet. You can easily switch between your mouse and keyboard and the iPad, using keyboard shortcuts to streamline your workflow. Plus, there's no subscription model required, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.
Limitations
While the Easy Canvas setup is impressive, it's not without its limitations. The iPad's resolution and window limitations may result in some features being missing, and you may experience some "blind quarters" when working. However, these can be easily adjusted by zooming in and out of your canvas.
Setup and Cost
The best part? Easy Canvas offers a 14-day trial, and the full version costs around $12. You can install it on both your laptop and PC, and it works seamlessly with your charging cable. Compared to the cost of a traditional Wacom Cintiq, which can range from $300 to thousands of dollars, this setup is an absolute steal.
Comparison to Samsung Notebook 9 Pro
When compared to the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro, the Easy Canvas setup wins hands down due to its superior pen quality. You can start drawing on the Samsung Notebook and switch to Easy Canvas for better results, making it an ideal combination for digital artists.
Comparison to Traditional Wacom Cintiq
The cost-effectiveness of this setup is unparalleled. A decent-sized Wacom Cintiq can cost around $300, while the 6th gen iPad (2018) used in this setup was purchased used for $200. Add in the cost of an Apple Pencil, also purchased used for $250, and you're looking at a total cost of $450 – a fraction of the price of a traditional Wacom Cintiq.
Portability and Convenience
The iPad is an incredibly portable device that can be used as a built-in computer, making it easy to take your work with you wherever you go. The Apple Pencil provides a natural drawing experience, and the pressure sensitivity works beautifully.
Apps and Software
The Apple App Store offers a range of excellent drawing apps, including Autodesk SketchBook (free), Procreate, and many others. Easy Canvas is available for both Mac and Windows, allowing you to use your iPad as a drawing tablet across multiple platforms. Even the Adobe suite can be used on the iPad, with pressure sensitivity working seamlessly.
Setting Up Easy Canvas
Setting up Easy Canvas is a breeze. Simply download the app on your iPad and computer (Mac or Windows), connect the two devices using a lightning cable, launch Easy Canvas on both devices, and pair them. The connection works even when Wi-Fi is turned off on both devices.
Drawing Experience
The drawing experience on the iPad is smooth and natural, with the Apple Pencil providing excellent pressure sensitivity and accuracy. The setup is easy to use and provides a professional-grade drawing experience, making it ideal for artists of all levels.
Photoshop Features and Comparison
One of the most significant advantages of using Easy Canvas is the ability to use Photoshop on your PC with your iPad as a drawing tablet. You can access the undo and redo feature on the sidebar, use the color picker, and even take advantage of the fill bucket tool. When compared to other apps like Clip Studio Paint, Illustrator, and Autodesk SketchBook, Easy Canvas provides a seamless experience that's hard to beat.
Pressure Sensitivity Test with Various Drawing Apps
When testing pressure sensitivity with different drawing apps, including Clip Studio Paint, Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator, the Easy Canvas setup shines. Clip Studio Paint shows significant improvement in pressure sensitivity compared to Photoshop, while Adobe Illustrator's vector tool performs well, albeit with some limitations.
General Thoughts and Impressions
The ability to draw directly on your main computer without having to transfer files is a game-changer for digital artists. The Easy Canvas setup provides a cost-effective, portable, and convenient solution that's hard to resist. Whether you're a professional artist or just starting out, this setup is definitely worth exploring.