Setting Up Astropad Studio

Astropad Studio is designed to mirror your computer screen to your iPad for an innovative graphics tablet experience. Astropad Studio works with a variety of macOS and Windows apps and is optimized for drawing or writing with the Apple Pencil and touch-based Magic Gestures.

Astropad Studio Overview

For more detailed instructions, visit our Getting Started Guide.

1. Download the Astropad Studio iPad App

Install the Astropad Studio iPad app from the Apple App Store.
Set up an account and subscription using your Apple ID or through our website.

2. Download the Astropad Studio Desktop App

For Mac:

Download the Astropad Studio Mac app from the Astropad Studio downloads page.
Open the .dmg file and move the app to your Applications folder.

For convenience, you can keep the Mac app in your dock. Right click the Astropad icon, select "Options", then “Keep in Dock”.

For Windows:

Download the Astropad Studio Windows app from the Astropad Studio downloads page.
Open the .exe file and install the app.

You can keep the Windows App in your start menu or taskbar. Right-click the Astropad icon, and select either "Pin to Start" or "Pin to Taskbar".

3. Open Both Apps

Launch the Astropad Studio app on your iPad and computer.
On iPad, tap Get Started to create an account or Log In if you already have one.

Note: The Log In link is located below the button labeled "Try Free & Subscribe".

4. Connect Your Devices:

Wi-Fi Connection:

Make sure both your computer and iPad are on the same wireless network. If both your Mac and iPad are on the same network with a good signal, they should connect automatically.

If your devices do not connect automatically, we recommend trying a Manual Wi-Fi Connection.

At the connection screen, click “Connect info” and a new window will be shown with connection options. Click “Wi-Fi Manual Connect", and a QR code will open on your Mac’s screen for your iPad to scan.

Take your iPad, making sure the Camera is “Enabled” for Astropad Studio, and allow it to scan the QR code.

USB Connection:

Use your iPad's USB cable to connect it to your computer. You can also use any other cable that supports data transfer and is compatible with your iPad if you do not have the original cable that came with your iPad.
Astropad Studio should detect the cable and connect automatically.

Additional Steps for macOS Users:

macOS Sonoma and Later:

Accessibility and Screen Recording will need to be enabled for Astropad Studio in newer macOS versions to function.

Astropad Studio does not record or save any display or input data. Display and input data is strictly transferred between your connected devices.

Enable Accessibility: System Preferences > Privacy & Security > Accessibility. Check the box next to Astropad Studio.
Enable Screen Recording: System Preferences > Privacy & security > Screen & System Audio Recording. Check the box next to Astropad Studio under Screen & System Audio Recording.

Older macOS versions:

macOS Mojave (10.14) or Later:

Enable Accessibility: Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy tab > Accessibility. Check the box next to Astropad Studio.

macOS Catalina (10.15) or Later:

Enable Screen Recording: Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy tab > Screen Recording. Check the box next to Astropad Studio.