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PadCanvas or Presentify?
Both draw over your whole Mac screen. The difference is where the pen lives: Presentify works from the Mac’s own keyboard and mouse, PadCanvas from the iPhone, iPad or browser in your hand.
Quick answer
Choose Presentify if you present at your Mac and want keyboard shortcuts, cursor highlighting and a one-time price. Choose PadCanvas if you want to draw away from the Mac, from an iPhone, iPad, Apple Pencil or a browser, with Live view of the screen and other people joining. Presentify can use an iPad through Sidecar, Astropad or Duet; PadCanvas is the iPhone and iPad app.
At a glance
| PadCanvas | Presentify | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you draw | On your iPhone, iPad (Apple Pencil) or a browser | On the Mac, with the mouse, trackpad and keyboard shortcuts |
| iPad | Its own iPhone and iPad app | Through Sidecar, Astropad or Duet, with the iPad acting as a Mac display |
| Stand-out tools | Spotlight, zoom, text, images, Live view of the Mac screen, guests from a browser | Cursor highlight, click animations, spotlight, zoom, whiteboard, Stream Deck |
| Price (UK) | 7 days free, then £4.99 a year | £14.99 once on the Mac App Store, also on Setapp |
| Needs | An Apple silicon Mac with macOS 14 or later | macOS 13 or later |
Presentify facts come from its Mac App Store listing and website, checked 11 October 2026. Prices change, so check before you buy.
When Presentify is the better fit
- You present sitting at the Mac and like keyboard shortcuts.
- You want cursor highlighting and click animations for tutorials.
- You’d rather pay once.
- You use a Stream Deck.
When PadCanvas is the better fit
- You want to walk around and point from your phone or iPad.
- You want to draw with Apple Pencil without turning the iPad into a second display.
- You want to see the Mac’s screen on your device (Live view) while you draw.
- Other people should be able to draw too, from their own phone, tablet or laptop.
Can you use both?
Yes. They’re separate Mac apps, so you can keep both and use whichever suits the moment: Presentify at the keyboard, PadCanvas when you pick up your iPhone or iPad.
Questions
Does Presentify have an iPad app?
Not its own. Its listing says it works with an iPad connected to a Mac through Sidecar, Astropad or Duet. PadCanvas has its own iPhone and iPad app.
Which is cheaper?
Presentify is £14.99 once on the Mac App Store (checked 11 October 2026). PadCanvas is free for 7 days, then £4.99 a year, with the iPhone and iPad app included.
Can I draw on my Mac from an iPhone with Presentify?
Presentify’s website doesn’t mention an iPhone app or drawing from an iPhone. PadCanvas is built for that.
Try it on your own screen
Seven days free, then £4.99 a year. PadCanvas for iPhone and iPad is included (UK App Store).
Requires an Apple silicon Mac (M1 or later) with macOS 14 or later, and an iPhone or iPad with iOS or iPadOS 16 or later. Apple Pencil works on compatible iPads.