Can You Use A Tablet As A Second Monitor For Drawing And Is It Worth It

Digital artists constantly seek tools that enhance creativity without breaking the bank. One increasingly popular option is using a tablet as a second monitor for drawing. With many tablets now supporting stylus input and high-resolution displays, the idea of turning an iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, or similar device into a portable graphics display has gained real traction. But can it actually work well—and more importantly, is it worth it?

The short answer is yes: you absolutely can use a tablet as a second monitor for drawing. However, whether it’s a worthwhile investment depends on your workflow, budget, software preferences, and artistic goals. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from setup options to performance trade-offs—so you can decide if this solution fits your creative process.

How Using a Tablet as a Second Monitor Works

A tablet used as a second monitor functions much like any external display, but with added touch and stylus capabilities. Instead of just mirroring or extending your desktop, specialized apps transform the tablet into an active drawing surface. The tablet connects to your primary computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) via Wi-Fi or USB, allowing you to draw directly on the screen while seeing the output in your preferred art software—such as Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, or Krita.

This setup relies on third-party applications rather than built-in operating system features. Popular solutions include:

• Duet Display: Works with iPad and Android tablets; offers low latency and pressure sensitivity.
• Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter (for Surface tablets): Best for Windows-to-Windows connections.
• Spacedesk: Free, open-source option for Windows, supports touch input.
• iDisplay: Older app with basic functionality across iOS and Android.
• Slidepad: Designed specifically for Samsung DeX-compatible devices.

These apps essentially turn your tablet into a digitizer by streaming your desktop interface to the device and relaying touch/stylus input back to the host machine. Some even support hardware acceleration and multi-touch gestures, depending on the platform.

Tip: For the smoothest experience, use a wired USB connection instead of Wi-Fi when possible—it significantly reduces lag and improves responsiveness.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Setting up your tablet as a secondary drawing monitor doesn’t require advanced technical skills. Here’s how to do it with most common apps:

1. Choose compatible hardware: Ensure your tablet runs iOS, iPadOS, or Android and supports a stylus (e.g., Apple Pencil, S Pen).
2. Install the app: Download the companion app (like Duet Display) on both your computer and tablet.
3. Connect devices: Use a USB cable or ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
4. Launch the software: Open the app on both devices. The tablet should detect the host computer automatically.
5. Configure display settings: In your computer’s display settings, extend the desktop to the tablet. Adjust resolution and orientation as needed.
6. Calibrate the stylus: Some apps allow calibration to match pen input precisely with cursor position.
7. Begin drawing: Open your preferred art application and select the tablet as your input device.

Once configured, your tablet behaves like a Wacom-style graphics tablet—but at a fraction of the cost and with greater portability.

Pros and Cons: Is It Really Worth It?

While the concept sounds appealing, there are clear advantages and limitations to consider before making the switch.

Advantages	Drawbacks
Cost-effective alternative: High-end graphics tablets like the Wacom Cintiq start at $1,000+. A used iPad or Android tablet paired with free/paid apps costs far less.	Limited pressure sensitivity: Not all apps support full pressure levels. Even with support, accuracy may lag behind professional-grade tablets.
Portability: Tablets are lightweight and battery-powered, making them ideal for travel or working in different environments.	Lag and latency: Especially over Wi-Fi, input delay can disrupt natural drawing flow. Wired connections help but aren't always convenient.
Touch and gesture support: Many tablets offer pinch-to-zoom, two-finger panning, and other intuitive controls not found on traditional tablets.	Battery drain: Continuous screen usage and data streaming consume power quickly. Plan for frequent charging or keep it plugged in.
High-quality displays: Modern tablets feature sharp, color-accurate screens—often better than entry-level monitors.	Software dependency: You're tied to third-party apps that may lack updates, compatibility, or customer support.
Dual-use device: When not used as a monitor, the tablet remains fully functional for browsing, sketching standalone, or entertainment.	Ergonomics: Drawing flat on a tablet can strain wrists over time compared to angled drawing displays.

“Using an iPad as a secondary display gave me flexibility during client sessions. I could walk around with my drawings visible and make live edits.” — Jordan Lee, freelance illustrator

Real-World Example: A Freelancer’s Workflow Upgrade

Sophia, a freelance concept artist based in Portland, was struggling with limited desk space and couldn’t justify buying a $1,200 Cintiq. She already owned an older iPad Air (4th gen) and decided to try Duet Display with her MacBook Pro.

After initial setup, she found the latency acceptable when connected via USB-C. She uses Clip Studio Paint for character design and discovered that zooming with pinch gestures saved time versus keyboard shortcuts. While she noticed slight parallax between the stylus tip and cursor, she adapted within a week.

Within a month, Sophia reported increased productivity and comfort. “It’s not perfect,” she said, “but for under $20 in app fees, I got a responsive drawing surface that fits in my bag. For personal projects and remote collaboration, it’s been a game-changer.”

Her only complaint? Battery life drops fast during long sessions. Her workaround: leave the iPad plugged in while using it as a monitor.

Tips for Maximizing Performance

To get the most out of your tablet-as-monitor setup, follow these best practices:

Tip: Disable auto-brightness and set the tablet screen to maximum brightness for consistent visibility during long drawing sessions.

• Use a stand or case: Elevating the tablet to a comfortable angle reduces neck strain and mimics a traditional drawing table.
• Enable ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode: Prevent notifications from interrupting your focus or causing screen dimming.
• Optimize app settings: In Duet or iDisplay, enable “performance mode” and reduce color depth if experiencing lag.
• Pair with a good stylus: Avoid cheap capacitive pens. Invest in a palm-rejection-enabled stylus (e.g., Apple Pencil, Adonit Dash 4) for precision.
• Keep software updated: Developers frequently release latency improvements and bug fixes.

Checklist: Is Your Setup Ready?

Before diving in, verify the following:

1. ✅ Your tablet supports active stylus input.
2. ✅ Both devices are on the same network (for wireless) or have compatible cables (for wired).
3. ✅ You’ve installed the correct version of the mirroring app on both devices.
4. ✅ Your primary computer has sufficient GPU resources to handle screen streaming.
5. ✅ You’ve tested input responsiveness with simple strokes and pressure variation.
6. ✅ You’ve adjusted display scaling so UI elements aren’t too small or large on the tablet.

When It Makes Sense—And When It Doesn’t

This solution shines in specific scenarios:

• Budget-conscious creators: Students, hobbyists, or emerging artists who want a near-Cintiq experience without the price tag.
• Mobile professionals: Designers who present ideas on-site or work from multiple locations benefit from the portability.
• Supplemental workspace: Use the tablet for brush selection, layer management, or color palettes while keeping the main canvas on your primary monitor.

However, avoid this setup if:

• You require pixel-perfect accuracy and ultra-low latency (e.g., animation studios or detailed comic work).
• Your tablet lacks proper stylus support or has poor screen quality.
• You rely heavily on driver-level integration (e.g., Wacom’s ExpressKeys or tilt recognition), which most apps don’t fully replicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any tablet as a second monitor for drawing?

No—not all tablets support precise stylus input or low-latency screen mirroring. iPads with Apple Pencil compatibility and Samsung Galaxy Tabs with S Pen offer the best results. Basic Android tablets with passive styli won’t provide a usable drawing experience.

Does using a tablet as a monitor affect drawing quality?

The visual output depends on your computer’s software, not the tablet. However, input quality—pressure sensitivity, line smoothing, and responsiveness—may be slightly reduced due to app limitations and transmission delays. For casual or semi-professional work, the difference is often negligible.

Are there free alternatives to paid apps like Duet Display?

Yes. Apps like Spacedesk and iDisplay offer free versions with basic functionality. However, they typically limit features (e.g., no pressure sensitivity, higher latency, ads). Paid versions ($10–$20 one-time or subscription) usually deliver better performance and reliability.

Final Verdict: Yes, It’s Worth Considering

Using a tablet as a second monitor for drawing isn’t just possible—it’s a smart, flexible solution for many digital artists. While it won’t replace a high-end graphics display for studio professionals demanding perfection, it bridges the gap for those seeking affordability, mobility, and functionality.

The key is managing expectations. If you understand the limitations—especially around latency and driver support—and optimize your setup accordingly, you can achieve a surprisingly capable drawing environment. Combined with the fact that most people already own a tablet, the return on investment is hard to ignore.

For students, part-time illustrators, educators, or anyone exploring digital art without heavy financial commitment, repurposing a tablet as a drawing monitor is not only feasible but highly practical. With the right tools and adjustments, it becomes more than a stopgap—it evolves into a legitimate part of your creative toolkit.

🚀 Ready to test it out? Install Duet Display or Spacedesk today, connect your tablet, and see how it transforms your workflow. Share your experience or ask questions in the comments—your insight might help another artist take their first step!