Compare
PadCanvas or ScreenBrush?
ScreenBrush is a long-standing Mac drawing overlay with an optional Plus upgrade and a free iPhone and iPad remote. Here’s how it compares with PadCanvas.
Quick answer
ScreenBrush is free on the Mac App Store, and ScreenBrush Plus (£6.99) adds shapes, text and undo. Its free ScreenBrush Remote app adds a laser pointer, Keynote and PowerPoint slide changes and remote drawing over Wi‑Fi. PadCanvas is built around drawing from the device itself, with Live view of the Mac’s screen, Apple Pencil, USB and Bluetooth connections and guests from a browser, for £4.99 a year after a free week.
At a glance
| PadCanvas | ScreenBrush | |
|---|---|---|
| Mac app | 7 days free, then £4.99 a year | Free; ScreenBrush Plus £6.99 adds arrows, shapes, text and undo |
| Phone or tablet | PadCanvas for iPhone and iPad, included, or any browser | ScreenBrush Remote, free for iPhone and iPad |
| Connections | USB cable, Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth | Wi‑Fi |
| Mac screen on the device | Yes, with Live view | Not mentioned in its listings |
| Changing slides | Google Slides in Chrome | Keynote and PowerPoint, with the Remote as a clicker |
| Needs | Apple silicon Mac with macOS 14 or later | macOS 10.11 or later; the Remote needs iOS 12 or later |
| Latest version (as listed) | 1.0 (30), October 2026 | Mac 1.9.3 (November 2024); Remote 1.4 (December 2022) |
ScreenBrush facts come from its Mac App Store listing and the ScreenBrush Remote listing, checked 11 October 2026. Prices change, so check before you buy.
When ScreenBrush is the better fit
- You want to start free.
- Your Mac is older: ScreenBrush supports macOS 10.11 and later, while PadCanvas needs an Apple silicon Mac.
- You want your iPhone to change Keynote or PowerPoint slides.
When PadCanvas is the better fit
- You want to draw on the device with Apple Pencil while seeing the Mac’s screen.
- Wi‑Fi blocks devices from reaching each other: PadCanvas can use a USB cable or Bluetooth.
- Other people should draw from their own phone, tablet or laptop.
- You present Google Slides and want Previous and Next on your device.
Questions
Is ScreenBrush free?
The Mac app is free, with ScreenBrush Plus for £6.99 (UK App Store, checked 11 October 2026). ScreenBrush Remote for iPhone and iPad is free.
Can ScreenBrush Remote change Keynote slides?
Yes: its listing describes it as a clicker for Keynote and PowerPoint. PadCanvas changes Google Slides in Chrome, not Keynote or PowerPoint.
Which one shows my Mac screen on my iPad?
PadCanvas does, with Live view over USB or Wi‑Fi. The ScreenBrush listings don’t mention it.
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.