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PadCanvas or Screen Annotator?
These two are the closest match: each pairs a Mac app with an iPad app so you can draw over the Mac’s screen. The differences are which devices, which connections and how you pay.
Quick answer
Both show your Mac’s screen on an iPad and let you draw over it. Screen Annotator’s iPad Companion is a £9.99 one-time purchase on top of its free Mac app, and connects over your local network; its listing names iPad, Mac and Apple Vision. PadCanvas also works from an iPhone or a browser, connects over USB, Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth, lets other people join, and costs £4.99 a year after a free week.
At a glance
| PadCanvas | Screen Annotator | |
|---|---|---|
| Draw from | iPhone, iPad (Apple Pencil) or a browser | iPad (its listing also names Apple Vision) |
| Connections | USB cable, Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth | Your local network |
| Mac screen on the device | Yes, with Live view over USB or Wi‑Fi | Yes |
| Other people drawing | Yes, from their own phone, tablet or laptop, once you allow them | Not mentioned in its listing |
| Price (UK) | 7 days free, then £4.99 a year, iPhone and iPad app included | Mac app free; iPad Companion £9.99 once |
| Needs | Apple silicon Mac with macOS 14; iOS or iPadOS 16 | macOS 14.6 and iPadOS 17.6 (App Store requirements) |
Screen Annotator facts come from its App Store listing, checked 11 October 2026. Prices change, so check before you buy.
When Screen Annotator is the better fit
- You only ever draw from an iPad.
- You’d rather pay once.
- You want to draw from Apple Vision Pro.
When PadCanvas is the better fit
- You want to draw from an iPhone as well as an iPad.
- School or office Wi‑Fi blocks devices from reaching each other: PadCanvas can use a USB cable or Bluetooth instead.
- Students, colleagues or clients should be able to draw from their own devices.
- You present Google Slides and want Previous and Next on your device.
- Your iPad can’t update to iPadOS 17.6: PadCanvas needs only iPadOS 16.
Questions
Does Screen Annotator work with an iPhone?
Its App Store listing names iPad, Mac and Apple Vision, not iPhone (checked 11 October 2026). PadCanvas works with iPhone and iPad.
Which works on office or school Wi‑Fi?
Networks that keep devices apart block any Wi‑Fi connection. PadCanvas can also connect with a USB cable or Bluetooth. Screen Annotator’s listing describes the local network.
What does each cost?
Screen Annotator’s Mac app is free and its iPad Companion is £9.99 once. PadCanvas is free for 7 days, then £4.99 a year, with the iPhone and iPad app included. Prices from the UK App Store, checked 11 October 2026.
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.