Take your workflow to the next level
By Elevation Lab WHY IT’S GREAT: DraftTable is a fantastic ergonomic stand for creatives using Astropad to turn their iPad into a Cintiq-alternative. Purchase the stand by itself or pay $10 more to get the Pro Kit, which is designed specifically for the iPad Pro. This stand is a sturdy go-to that won’t budge no matter how hard you draw. Astropad Standard’s iPad app can be purchased on your iPad through the App Store, or by going to astropad.com/app 2 Download the Mac Companion App After purchasing the iPad App, go to our Astropad Standard downloads page to download our free Mac companion app. Astropad and Luna Display both run on our proprietary video compression technology we call. But LIQUID is designed to stay highly responsive to real-time input from your iPad at 60 fps, so your devices can keep up with any heavy-duty workflow. I show how I use Astropad Standard to turn my Ipad Pro into a fully functioning graphics tablet, similar to the Wacom Cintiq and my initial reactions to the.
We know how important accessories are in creating the perfect workflow. Many have asked for suggestions and now we’ve delivered! Here’s our list of the best accessories to use with Astropad and Luna Display based on user feedback and personal recommendations from our team.
Compass Pro
by Twelve South
WHY IT’S GREAT: The Compass Pro’s sleek design folds up nicely, making it the perfect stand to throw in your backpack for an on-the-go setup. The stable metal design also supports all iPad models. If you prefer to customize your iPad elevation for drawing, this stand offers 3 variations.
Astropad Ipad Pro
GET IT NOW: Twelve South, $59.99
DraftTable
by Elevation Lab
WHY IT’S GREAT: DraftTable is a fantastic ergonomic stand for creatives using Astropad to turn their iPad into a Cintiq-alternative. Purchase the stand by itself or pay $10 more to get the Pro Kit, which is designed specifically for the iPad Pro. This stand is a sturdy go-to that won’t budge no matter how hard you draw.
GET IT NOW: ElevationLab, $59.95.
iPad Stand
by Amazon Basics
WHY IT’S GREAT: This Amazon Basics stand supports multiple viewing angles and orientations. Though not as sleek as other options on the market, this stand is very light, portable, and inexpensive. This stand also supports Samsung Galaxy Tabs, Kindle Fire tablets and Kindle e-readers, and the Nexus 7.
GET IT NOW: Amazon, $8.99
hubs & adapters
USB-C to mDP Adapter
by Allsmartlife
WHY IT’S GREAT: Not only does this adapter work reliably with Luna Display, it also supports ultra high-definition video resolutions up to 4K x 2K (3840 x 2160).
GET IT NOW: Allsmartlife, $19.99
USB-C to USB Adapter
by Syntech
WHY IT’S GREAT: This adapter is affordable and compatible with any laptop with a USB-C port. It also supports phone charging, and comes in a 2-pack — so you can leave one at home and take one on the go! Syntech also provides a no-questions-asked lifetime warranty on this purchase.
GET IT NOW: Syntech, $9.99
USB-C Hub
by HooToo
WHY IT’S GREAT: This hub is great for artists who need an SD card reader. Built to be an all-in-one hub, the HooToo is a solid investment and features 100W Type-C power delivery and HDMI output.
GET IT NOW: HooToo, $39.99
Apple Pencil Silicone Grip Holder
by Fintie
WHY IT’S GREAT: Fintie crafted these inexpensive grips to be ergonomical for drawing. They come in a pack of two variations, so you can test out both designs and see which one fits you best.
Astropad Ipad Mini
GET IT NOW: Fintie, $6.99
Apple Pencil Silicone Sleeve
by Hydream
WHY IT’S GREAT: The soft silicone sleeve offers a strong grip and comes with 2 protective nib covers to prevent damage. A flexible design holds onto the Pencil cap to prevent it from being lost but still allows for accessible Pencil recharging. The tip cover doesn’t interfere with the sensitivity of the screen or pen, so you can draw with more comfort! Available for both 1st and 2nd generation Apple Pencil.
GET IT NOW: Hydream, $7.99
Matte Screen Protector
by PaperLike
WHY IT’S GREAT: This product is great for artists transitioning from drawing on paper or Wacom tablets to drawing on the iPad. PaperLike protects your screen while adding friction to the glass to recreate the texture and feeling of drawing on paper. Comes with two screen protectors and tools to seamlessly apply it to your iPad.
GET IT NOW: PaperLike, $32.70
Dongle Carrying Cases
BookBook Caddy Sack
by Twelve South
WHY IT’S GREAT: This snazzy option offers secure storage space on the inside and a leather-bound book-like exterior. It’s more costly than other options but is constructed to last.
GET IT NOW: Twelve South, $49.99
Electronic Accessories Cable Organizer
by Jelly Comb
WHY IT’S GREAT: The Jelly Comb carrying case is packed with compartments and is perfect for transporting a variety of items. This case offers large capacity storage and can even hold an iPad mini.
GET IT NOW: Jelly Comb, $14.99
Q-Kit
by Tom Bihn
WHY IT’S GREAT: This small organizer pouch that has depth to fit bulkier items, offers customizations like adding a handle loop and a key loop, and is made in America. Toss your Luna in along with some other small accessories like a screen cleaning cloth, and you’re ready to take it on the go!
GET IT NOW: Tom Bihn, $18
Get the most out of your iPad by turning it into a graphics tablet for drawing. Perfect for those who already have an iPad and Apple Pencil, using your iPad as a drawing tablet can be a cost efficient way to bypass a pricey Wacom Cintiq.
There are two leading options when it comes to making your iPad into a professional graphics tablet for your Mac or PC — Duet Display and Astropad.
Connect iPad to PC (or Mac) Using Duet Display
Proudly touted as ‘developed by a team of ex-Apple engineers’,Duet Display turns your iPad or iPhone into an advanced extra display for your Mac or PC.
Download the free Duet app on your desktop and purchase the app on your iPad. Then simply plug your iPad into your desktop using your charging cable. Make sure your app is open on the iPad and your desktop will automatically detect your device, and transform it into a touchscreen display tablet.
With Duet, you can turn your iPad and Apple Pencil into a graphics tablet optimized specifically for designers, illustrators and artists. Open up a world of touch gestures, including two-finger scrolling, pan and zoom on your desktop.
Duet boasts precise control in Photoshop, Corel Painter, Lightroom, ToonBoom, Illustrator, and many more programs.
Connect iPad to Mac Using Astropad
Much like Duet, Astropad offers users the ability to use your iPad to draw directly into Photoshop and any other Mac creative tools, including Illustrator, Manga Studio, Mischief, and more.
However, Astropad works exclusively with Mac computers. A small feature available for Astropad and not Duet is the freedom to connect wirelessly.
Astropad has a few different options within itself. Including Astropad Studio, which turns your iPad into the ultimate drawing tablet. Astropad Standard, a one time purchase, with free updates to improve performance. And Luna Display, the only hardware solution out there for connecting your iPad as a secondary display.
Astropad Ipad Pro Review
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