How to Turn Your Android Phone into a Drawing Pad for PC
If you're passionate about sketching or painting but don't want to shell out money for a Wacom drawing pad, there's a solution right in your pocket. If you are looking for something like Microsoft Paint for Android, you're at the right place. You can utilize your Android device as a drawing pad for your PC. All you need is a cheap stylus and a third-party app to mirror your Windows PC to your Android device. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Use Chrome Remote Desktop App
The Chrome Remote Desktop app from Google is an excellent choice for this purpose. It allows you to control and manage your home or work computer from a remote device. In this case, we'll use it to access our Windows PC from our Android smartphone. Here's what you need to do:
Step 1: Visit the Chrome Remote Desktop web app and click on the “Remote Support” button.
Step 2: Sign in to your web browser.
Step 3: Download the Chrome Remote Desktop Host on your PC.
Step 4: Install the Chrome Remote Desktop Host app on your PC.
Step 5: Turn on remote access on the Chrome Remote Desktop web app.
Step 6: Set up the Desktop name and PIN.
Step 7: Install the Chrome Remote Desktop Android app on your Android device.
Step 8: Connect to your PC.
Step 9: Start painting!
Once your Android device is connected to your PC, switch to landscape mode for a better experience. Make sure your view is properly adjusted and zoomed out. You can use popular software like Photoshop, Photopea, or MS Paint to create your artwork. The latency is minimal, allowing you to monitor your sketch on your desktop.
Alternatives
If you're looking for alternatives to Chrome Remote Desktop, you can try using the VNC player. Set up a VNC server on your phone and connect via a VNC viewer on your Android device. It functions similarly to Chrome Remote Desktop and allows you to remotely connect to your Android device. Another option is iDisplay, a paid alternative that provides lower latency when compared to wireless options.
Eventually, as you hone your skills, you may want to invest in a Wacom tablet. But until then, enjoy the convenience and creativity of using your Android phone as a drawing pad for your PC. If you have any questions or encounter issues, feel free to let us know in the comments below.
Also Read: Best Sketch Apps for iOS & Android
Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”