EasyCanvas Review - your iPad as a drawing tablet and extended display

[@cmarchin]

Thanks for the video. I bought easycanvas long time ago and gave up due to the large latency. I then saw your video and realized that, indeed, usb cable makes a big difference over wifi connection ! Now I am pretty happy with my setup : PC + ipad pro + apple pencil. In my case, I am using MS Word : I can annotate over charts or highlight some parts of my documents during presentations. That's great ! I was so close to buy a wacom or xp pen tablet ... so thanks for sharing and helping me save on products and money ! BR -- christophe

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Hey Christophe. That's great, thank you for the comment. I'm really glad the video helped you out and that your setup is now complete :-)

[@amx9962]

Quick tip: clip studio has a mobile version but under preferences you can change to the desktop version on ipad. It’s exactly the same as the pc version. I recommend pairing it with a keyboard to the ipad for the shortcuts

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Yep. It works great. I used it here through the laptop because I have a single-device licence assigned to my laptop, and it shows the full functionality of the Pencil being supported really well.

[@ghostsomni]

I was a using a huion 22 plus only to see the color inaccuracy was crazy, so i ended up using my ipad for animation and illustration art work. It's been alot better than the 400 bucks i spent lol.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Thanks for the comment! Woah, yeah, that's really good point about the colours and that there is likely going to be a big difference from a regular display tablet (at least the more affordable ones). Interesting trade-off between having better colors or having larger area to work.

[@ghostsomni]

@@EyekooDrawsStuff honestly it really is. I was so happy to receive the Huion 22 plus, it was big and nice..only to realize the colors were awful, and the support wasn’t helpful at all. The iPad doesn’t have a lot of space but it’s actually fairly customizable between software :)

[@TheLonelyMoon]

"should i buy a wacom one or buy an ipad" now i'm glad i chose ipad pro over wacom one. this really feels great

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Hey! Glad this video helped reaffirm your decision, haha. Definitely can get a little more versatility thanks to this. EasyCanvas can be a little temperamental at times, so it can sometimes take a little bit of fiddling around and restarting, but generally does the job well enough for what you're paying

[@5nealthy]

Great video, just what I was looking for.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Great stuff. Glad to hear it and thank you for the comment

[@5nealthy]

Would you be able to offer specific reasons why you like Astropad better? I watched your other video for Astropad (2022), but I'm still having trouble figuring out whether Easy Canvas is good enough for me... I tried it out tho, and it worked much better than expected!

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

@@5nealthy Good question. Well, the main pro for Astropad is the level of customizability... You can really adjust things the way you like them if you intend to use the sidebar shortcuts and gestures. This is less of a big deal if you use a wireless keyboard or controller to the side for shortcuts. The other two big points are that Astropad supports Apple Pencil Hover if you use the latest iPad Pro, and through that have better support for modeling in Blender. The main downside of Astropad is that on its own, you can only mirror your main display, not extend. You need extra Luna Display dongle to extend. I would say that generally EasyCanvas does the job well enough for most cases. And you can extend display right away, and only have to pay a one-time purchase fee.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

So I will say this... I use EasyCanvas the most because of the extended display option. But, I switch to a pen display (Wacom One) to get my cursor on hover for doing painting demos and recordings. But I do want to get the Luna Display dongle, in which case I won't need to switch to the pen display

[@5nealthy]

@@EyekooDrawsStuff I appreciate the thorough response! I've been debating using Easy Canvas or getting a Wacom tablet, but I think the best choice would be using the iPad for my 2d software, and Wacom Intuos for my 3D needs. I'll probably look into Astropad if in the future, but Easy Canvas' one time payment works for me for now. Thanks again for your thoughts 😁

[@lumichlle1422]

love the vibes :3

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Ok, thanks 😄

[@SketchPaint]

Thanks for this video i needed this. Im curious to know, since you use a windows pc why did you choose the ipad over samsung tablet for your art? Im torn between buying m2 12.9 or s9ultra. Only reason is for procreate but i rather go for the one with the best pen and drawing experience. Would like to know why you choose ipad over samsung

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Thanks for the comment. Glad the video was helpful. And great question... I would say it almost doesn't matter which you choose in terms of pen quality and drawing experience. With Galaxy tab, you have option to try a couple of other pens with Wacom's EMR if S Pen is too slim. The extra screen real estate and storage options from the S9 Ultra is pretty appealing, and there are really good apps available. Software on the iPad Pro though is really good too of course. If you intend to do any animation or video editing, I'd go with this because you'll have Procreate Dreams and DaVinci Resolve. If you're not in a rush, you may want to wait to see what the next iPad Pro model offers... Rumors suggest possible minor increase in screen size, M3 chip... But maybe only releasing in March/April. Long wait if you are wanting something now.

[@ArtbyJoeZ]

What about another peripheral device for macros regarding blender functionality? Thanks for the review. Not paying $80 a year for astropad. That’s BS.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Yeah, adding peripherals is definitely an option. If you're using something like a Tourbox for example, you're good to go. I hear you. I guess it's all relative and each person will need to weigh it up differently. I pay more for my streaming service of choice, so why not spend on a useful bit of software if I'm going to use it most days of the week. But I'm using a range of other tablets for my work, and not only the iPad with my laptop, so EasyCanvas is enough for my current needs. That said, I sure wouldn't mind if Astropad was a little less (they do run occasional specials like on Black Friday), or if they offered a once-off payment option.

[@andrefrierson]

I used a Samsung tablet and it was excellent for drawing. The pen would stutter once in a blue moon but i completed my work

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Which tablet were you using? Was it with a wired connection or wireless?

[@francoraviglione2686]

Thanks for the video!! Does the one time purchase offer all features too? Could you please tell me what stand for your ipad are you using ? It looks amazing! Will it fit a intuos pro tablet M too ?

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Thanks for the questions. Yes, the one-time purchase offers all the features. The stand I'm using is the SKKY X38 (bought on Shopee MY). A similar option is the Hoverbar Duo by TwelveSouth. It will fit the Intuos Pro M (2017). Clamp opens just wide enough. Interesting though, haven't come across someone before who would use this kind of stand with a screenless tablet :-)

[@francoraviglione2686]

@@EyekooDrawsStuff Thanks! I'm mostly looking for something that could be portable since I travel a lot and I know that you too xD Oh yeah, I don't like having my screenless tablet flat on the desk, so normally I tilt it a little bit, I would normally use a huion stand to do that :) But this time I was looking for an option for my ipad too :)

[@francoraviglione2686]

@@EyekooDrawsStuff Oh btw I totally forgot to ask xD How easycanvas would compare to Astropad? I'm undecided between the two regarding how will the pencil would feel. I plan to use the app to work at photoshop and clip studio paint mostly and I'm set on only buying a one time purchase app :) (this is why I don't have clip studio on my ipad xD ). Thanks a lot for all your videos and feedback :D I'm still rocking an old intuos pro M and your video about it made me feel confident about keeping it :)

[@jennydowde9996]

Hi...thank you for the video but do you know of one that would show me step by step how to install Easy Canvas on iPad and PC? I did find one that got me so far but when it told me to start the program on my PC I can't. I would assume that once installed it would appear as an icon somewhere but it doesn't appear anywhere. The instructions I did find said tthis: Start the Program: "ezcvs_agent.exe" on your PC. That file does not appear in the Display EL Hub list of files. I asked the author of that tutorial for help but he said he doesn't use EasyCanvas anyore so that was very helpful. I have also asked for help via the EasyCanvas support page but there has been no reply. They seem to have disappeared off the face of the map. Sorry for the long tirade but you could be my last resort. Thanks.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Hi there. ah, yeah, I’ve never received a reply from Devguru EasyCanvas support. Actually messaged them this week as well because of suddenly having issues connecting to my Galaxy Tab. anyway… since you have the application installed on your computer, you should just find the EL Display Hub from your Start menu and run that. install the EasyCanvas app ( or subscription version) on your iPad via the App Store. connect a usb cable between your computer and iPad. Make sure both are connected to same WiFi network. open Easy Canvas on the iPad. it should do the rest on it’s own from this point. if it fails, uninstall application from all devices, reboot, and try installing again. let me know if this works.

[@jennydowde9996]

Thanks for replying. I got so frustrated that I uninstalled the program yesterday...it's only a three day trial these days and I was running out of time before I had to pay. Didn't want to pay until I knew it worked. I'll download it again at some point and try again. Regarding the Display EL Hub from Start menu...that was listed in Program Files but nothing happened when I clicked on it. I didn't try it from the Start menu. I plug the cable into the front of my CPU but have since read to use a port on the back...is this absolutely necessary? I have also messaged the developers...no response. I think they have decided to ignore us....except when they want us to pay for the program of course. Really bad PR! Thanks again for your help.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

@@jennydowde9996 ah,sorry about that. I saw that while I was putting my video together, they did update their website...maybe there will be an update to the software too. Might just be that their team is small and not English-speaking, so it's difficult to provide support. Give Astropad a try. Trial period is 14 days. It's a bit more expensive though seeing as it is subscription-based. But they have been actively improving the software and we're quick to respond when I had queries. Can only mirror display though unless you have their Luna Display dongle

[@therosesbud]

I got the app to work. However the pen accuracy is very off unless I’m in the very middle of the tablet. Makes using it for anything very hard to use

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

I had this happen too. Go into the EL DIsplay Hub application on your computer and play with the resolution settings.

[@filiphajek4639]

Thanks a lot for the great video! I use a combination of MacMini+iPad and easycanvas seems to work fine. Just didn’t figured out, how to get a full coverage of the iPad screen (2224 x 1668) when mirroring a 1920 x 1200 monitor connected to MacMini. Do I have to use iPad as my “Main” monitor? Or any hints how to set up screen resolution for easycanvas mirroring?

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Hi there. Hm, my experience of MacOS is limited. You could try to set the ipad as your primary display and then mirror, but I think you might just have to accept the 'black bars' and unused space with the resolution rations being quite different. Extending should be fine though to get full coverage instead of mirror.

[@Talentocubano]

I installed the app in my iPad Pro and Mac but only see my Mac desktops screen but when I open blender can see any software and can control anything.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Hm, sorry I can't really help much there. I had some difficulty with EasyCanvas on MacOS, but I think the problem was more because I am not very familiar with the system, so I might have missed something in the setup process.

[@muhammedendesutku2714]

thank you

[@DoodleDan]

Could I, for example, use a painting app on my phone and display that to my tablet and draw on the tablet with it's pen capability? basically the phone is a lot stronger so I could use a bigger canvas, more layers, you get the idea.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

No, that won't work with EasyyCanvas. There are Android-compatible display tablets though if you have the right phone (must have usb 3.1 with DisplayPort 1.2)

[@Poi-ul4lr]

Seems to work well on Windows but on Mac the double tap undo doesn't work, pan/zoom/rotate is very buggy. Astropad is the only one with double tap undo but it's expensive :/

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

I've had issues trying to get it to work at all on MacOS. I have very little experience with Macs in general so I assume I'm doing something wrong in the setup process. Astropad is more expensive, yes. But you are also getting much more with it in terms of being able to customize things. Depending on where you are in the world, the price isn't too different from a streaming service, which I think is manageable for something that helps with my work. But, I wish they could still add extended display support through software rather than only hardware, even if the quality is a little lower than what is possible with Luna Display

[@justanothercatinside]

Does it accept rotation?, because I'm mad with the rotation of the new pro pen, and most of apps appear to not accept it. I'm fine with tilt, but I'm HUNGRY for rotation detection

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

I believe Astropad supports it. EasyCanvas don't seem to be interested in updating their software to support the newer features.

[@mikep9862]

Great video. Does the hover feature still work in applications like Photoshop? Thank you so much

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Hey, thanks for the question. No, Apple pencil hover is not supported by EasyCanvas. Astropad does though. On the Galaxy Tab, you will see a small cursor while hovering however this is somewhat separate from your actual computer cursor which won't move. until you touch down with pen

[@user-os5oj3qr3b]

@@EyekooDrawsStuffcan I use with a Mac or is this only for pc?

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

@@user-os5oj3qr3b it's also for Mac. I has difficulty setting this up though and if I remember correctly only got a mirrored screen. They may have updated the software a bit since I last tried but I haven't checked again. You can get a 3-day trial of the software so give it a try

[@user-os5oj3qr3b]

@@EyekooDrawsStuff thank you I will try it and let you know, the pc version has all the features?

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

@@user-os5oj3qr3b PC and Mac should have same features. What is missing is cursor tracking with the Apple pencil 2 though. They havent built support for Pencil Hover.

[@Thatoneninja22]

I cant seem to get mine to connect even with a usb its sorta frustrating

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Are you on Mac or Windows? Android tablet or iPad? I also had occassional issues, but if possible, uninstall EasyCanvas from tablet, and EL Display Hub from computer, and then try again. Try different USB-C cables and ports if you can too.

[@munischief]

Is easy canvas the subscription one or the one payment? Is there any difference between them?

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

No difference in the offering. Take the one-time payment option (do not download easy canvas sub app... When trial ends for that it will want you to buy subscription)

[@MathiasHuu]

Do you think the samsung s9 ultra, is worth buying instead of the ipad pro 2022 (or the 2024 coming out in april), for the main usage of school and art?

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Hm, good question. I don't see any reason to wait and spend more on the 2024 iPad Pro, so personally I'd rule that one out. It's a tough call between the two options though. Both will give a great drawing experience. The Tab S9 Ultra will give you a little extra screen real estate and expandable storage, but the iPad Pro has a solid track record with long-term use. Maybe app options are something to consider - If you are very specifically wanting to work in Procreate and Procreate Dreams, well then the choice is easy. I tend to use Infinite Painter and Magma though, which are available on Android and iPadOS.

[@huele6370]

I hate Apple and its overpricing, but when it comes to tablet, always choose an Ipad, a used Ipad is much more affordable, while still going strong. If I’m buying a used Android, I would hesitate, tho. You don’t need the newest ipad, just the Ipad pro M1 is already so good in the long run.

[@xaki17.15]

Hallo. Dhen I installed the application I encountered a problem: hen I just connect the iPad to the PC, finger gestures work. But as soon as I touch the iPad Apple pencil screen, the gestures stop working and in the future the device only responds to the Apple pencil. And it doesn’t matter whether the lock icon is closed or open. Have you ever had a similar problem? How did you solve it?

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Another user commented earlier with exactly the same problem... seems like a new thing. I haven't encountered it. Which iPad model are you using and which Apple Pencil? I think you'll have to notify them of the bug

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

I've switched over to using Astropad and haven't used EasyCanvas in a little while now

[@xaki17.15]

@@EyekooDrawsStuff Thank you for such a quick response. 2023 ipad pro 12.9 m2 and apple pencil 2. And yes, I already wrote to support, let's see if they solve this problem.

[@user-gy2dc9jy3v]

Its amazing video and really convincing me to purchase since i do not want to pay for monthly subscription csp in my ipad, i tried it with the 3 day trial first, and somehow it doesnt detect it as second display nor working and pressure, so when i try to sketch the beginning and the end of my lines is not sharp at all, and i only have option to use it as duplicate display, do u have any recommendations on how to fix this? Cause ngl im so confused with the support web and seeing the app updated two years ago making me wonders are the developers gone 😭?

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Strange that your pen pressure is not working. Just checking, you are using an official Apple Pencil, right? For using as an extended display, you will have to open the EL Display Hub on your PC and adjust the display to Extended. If it doesn't switch when you set that, the next step should be to check your PC display settings and set it to extend. Sometimes a restart or two of both devices will help fix things up. The pressure issue I'm not sure about

[@user-gy2dc9jy3v]

@@EyekooDrawsStuff yes, i wear the apple pen 2 with ipad pro 6th gen, the display things i just tried with your help, it works! ☺️ but still wonder why my pressure not working 😔 i see several comments before commenting here, do u get reply from developer regarding some issues if u email em? And thankyou so much for answering real quick 😭 the 3 days trial sure put pressure on me decided to purchase or not

[@user-ds3bh6oe5s]

please can you say is it after 3 days charged 15 usd?

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

@@user-ds3bh6oe5s after the 3 day trial, yes, you will be charged. Price might vary in different countries

[@sergiocabezuelo663]

Heya! Im trying zbrush on ipad with easycanvas.. i just wonder if there is any way to use my 2 fingers as zoom

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

The one downside to EasyCanvas is the lack of ongoing development and compatibility. Two-finger zoom doesn't seem to work in 3D applications. Doesn't work in Blender either. I think it's worth trying a trial of @Astropad as they specifically dedicated time to improving 3D app compatibility. And even more so if you have Apple Pencil Hover. In Astropad, two-finger press+hold = middle mouse button hold

[@sergiocabezuelo663]

@@EyekooDrawsStuff thanks a lot!!!!!!

[@noyoucantseeme]

I can't move my canvas while using easycanvas and Idk why. I can draw the brush but if I want to move the canvas or zoom it won't work and I'm so confused why...

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Does this happen is all drawing software or only one? My older version of Photoshop for example doesn't respond well to touch gestures

[@noyoucantseeme]

@@EyekooDrawsStuff so far I only tested one software, did you found any solutions for this?

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

@@noyoucantseeme no, I I don't use Photoshop much any more so there was no need to hunt for a solution. Try Clip Studio Paint and see if/how well that responds to your gestures. For me it's pretty smooth

[@noyoucantseeme]

@@EyekooDrawsStuff I use clip studio paint and that's the problem actually. I don't use Photoshop

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

@@noyoucantseeme Hm, odd... I'm really not sure what the issue might be. just to be clear, are you trying to move the canvas with touch gestures specifically, or are you using shortcuts/spacebar, hand tool?

[@meraki7520]

How to do this in Photoshop using ur ipad as drawing pad ?

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Exactly the same way as shown in the video. Get the EasyCanvas app for iPad, download desktop client (EL display hub from Easy&Light website) and then your pretty much sorted

[@catboyedward]

it’s stuck on “waiting for connection” what do i do?

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Did you connect with a USB? Are you on the same WiFi network? Do you have a VPN on? That sometimes interferes

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Have you enabled USB debugging?

[@cherrygirl8204]

Hi I hope you can answer this, is Easycanvas work with windows 11 in wifi mode? I start the trial and I saw work with cable and in the software on pc only show wifi off there’s any button to turn on there…how can I connect) I hope you can answer please, thank you

[@systempreferences4198]

it can work with wifi. First, you must connect with cable after that app will connect with wifi auto.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Yeah, must first be connected with cable. Also check that your computer is discoverable on the WiFi network. But I recommend only using cable for best performance

[@cherrygirl8204]

Is weird…I mean I connect with cable a lot and when trying to to launch the app always look for searching never connect 😢 I’m using windows 11 I hope this is not a problem for that 😰

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

@@cherrygirl8204 very weird. I'm using Windows 11 as well. Just tested with the Huion Kamvas Slate android tab and it worked. Have you tried different cables and plugging into different computer ports? Try uninstall, reboot, and install again, and see if that helps. Also check for general updates to windows that maybe need to be done

[@cherrygirl8204]

@@EyekooDrawsStuff finally it work wireless, just I notice since I have 2 monitors and using this I probably need to shut down one monitor if not the program suddenly disconnect , I don’t know if this could happened to you?

[@acb238]

How expensive is the one off purchase?

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

It's about 10USD last I checked

[@user-ds3bh6oe5s]

if I downloaded usual version this app without subs and take 3 days trial I do not pay after?

[@user-ds3bh6oe5s]

I mean automatically

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Ah, I understand what you are asking now. Um, I do not quite remember but I think you are not charged for one-off purchase automatically at the end of the 3 day trial.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

If you don't have to input your card information before the trial, then I think you will be fine to test for 3 days without worrying about an accidental charge

[@user-ds3bh6oe5s]

@@EyekooDrawsStuff thank you

[@adalieswietonsakurafox]

My iPad can’t use usb I have the old iPad charger 😢 also my Mac is a 2009 desktop doesn’t use usb

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

If you have iPad and Mac, you may be able to try Sidecar but only as a second screen, not as a drawing tablet.

[@adalieswietonsakurafox]

@@EyekooDrawsStuff Ok thank you the help!

[@drewnes64]

It works well, but for some reason I can't get the finger gestures to work. Does anyone else have this issue? I want to be able to zoom and rotate. Tried unlocking and activating touch in PS.

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

What version of PS are you using? Do the gestures work in other applications? Try Clip Studio Paint, or Magma in your browser.

[@drewnes64]

@@EyekooDrawsStuff Thanks for the Magma rec! I try it in any app and it works UNTIL I use the pencil, then the finger gestures stop working until I restart the app.

[@MaximPiatakov]

is there any app like this but free?

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

What device are you using?

[@Uterr]

Nah. that "hook on a start of a stroke" is not about tilt. Every iPencil has this problem. It is just some software fixes it and some not.

[@pumpkintomatoe]

Does hover work?

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

Nope. Pretty sure I mentioned that in the video🤔

[@pumpkintomatoe]

@@EyekooDrawsStuff Thank you so much! And I'm sorry if I missed it, I was listening to it on the go.

[@Lantement]

From your knowledge, what Procreate is missing? As a digital artist since 4 years I never open my pc for drawing one, the efficiency of Procreate is hard to beat and for this reason there is no single android tablet usefull for drawing

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

The Galaxy Tab S range is great for drawing if you don't want to go with Apple products. I'm busy testing the Tab S9FE and really like it so far. Haven't tested the higher end tablets in the range though. I agree that Procreate is difficult to beat. It's really well designed, intuitive, and very well optimized in terms of performance. What is it missing though? Perhaps a few tools but one might consider that minor. A lasso fill tool for example... I'm really surprised they haven't built this in. Just combines selection and bucket fill to speed up certain types of work. Comparing with computer use... As much as the iPad can definitely be used exclusively for my own art making workflow, with live streaming (which I do regularly) I have a bit of an issue, so I need the laptop for that.

[@BeatBall]

PC is just op overall, As an Animator, You can have all your files references in one place, Use mouse keyboard flawlessly, This would be really useful

[@EyekooDrawsStuff]

@@BeatBall I think also being able to adapt your setup to how you want to work is easier with a PC, with everything that can be customized and the peripherals you can have. Mobile tablet certainly makes for a versatile companion in the setup

[@gideonakor]

clearly, you’re not the target audience

[@dellafsemiga]

Not all artist just draw.