How can I use my iPad as a graphics tablet?

I have an iPad and would like to use it as a graphics tablet for recording video tutorials on my computer.

What software should I use to allow the iPad to be an input device to control my PC directly? I want to be able to draw on my computer via the iPad. It would work like the Bamboo Pen Tablet like the one in the "graphics tablet" link.


An iPad doesn't offer the same capabilities as a Wacom graphics tablet. At best--Eazel excepted--you'll only be able to control the cursor on the mac or pc. There are many of those types of programs for the iPad in iTunes from the free touch mouse (iPhone only) to iTeleport (iPad, US$25).

Graphics tablets aren't that expensive, especially compared to an iPad. The cheapest Wacom tablet in the USA goes for $200 or so. Ask someone you know to give you one for your birthday or appropriate holiday. If you know enough people, you might even be able to find one for free. I gave away my old Wacom Graphire last year when I bought a new Intuos. Ebay shows used Graphires for a variety of prices; make sure used tablets include the pen and mouse.

I also have made video tutorials using a graphics tablet and Photoshop. I have not settled on which video capture software to use. There are too many for me recommend one.


The answer to your question is Avatron's AirPad software. http://avatron.com/apps/air-display I've just downloaded the Windows version and so far it seems stable enough, though I'm sure the Mac version is even more solid, since the Windows version appears to be relatively new.

That having been said, it's pretty impressive and does exactly what you want to do EXCEPT of course, there's no touch sensitivity, and there will always be a bit of lag (heck, Graphic tablets have lag too, believe it, but just a lot less).

Check it out!


If you have Photoshop CS5, check out Eazel.