If you like technical or design drawing, you might be tempted to get the Wacom graphics tablet. But, before spending $99, consider using your Android device as a drawing board. All you need is a cheap stylus and a third-party app to mirror your Windows PC screen to your Android device. Here’s how.
Use your phone as a PC drawing board
In this example we will be using the Chrome Remote Desktop app
Created by Google, it is a popular alternative to TeamViewer. It allows you to manage and control your personal computer from a remote device. In our case, we will use this application to access a Windows PC from an Android smartphone. All you need to do is install the Chrome Remote Desktop app on both devices and make some changes to the settings. Let’s start.
Step 1: Go to the Chrome Remote Desktop web app
. Since we want to remotely access the computer, click on the “Remote SupportTop right.
2nd step: Log in to your web browser.
If you are not signed in to your web browser, the web application will ask you to sign in to your Gmail account. If you are already logged in, this step will be skipped.
Step 3: Download Chrome Remote Desktop Host on your computer.
After that, click on the tab “Remote Support” Top of the page. In the Remote Assistance tab, click the button. To download
within the “heading”Acquire help. This will download the Chrome Remote Desktop app to your computer.
Installing the Chrome Remote Desktop app is mandatory for remote control of your Windows PC.
Step 4: Install the Chrome Remote Desktop Host app on your PC
The Chrome Remote Desktop Host app is an MSI installer that you can double-click to install. Once you install the app, you can forget about it, because you won’t need this app during this process.
Step 5: Enable remote access on Chrome Remote Desktop.
Return to the Chrome Remote Desktop web app
. You will reach the tabRemote access. After that, click on the button “usein the “This Device” section.
Step 6: Configure a desktop name and PIN.
Now you need to define a name for the computer. You can enter any name as needed or leave the default name and click the next. Now you also need to enter a 6-digit PIN which will be required when connecting to the remote device. Finally, click on the button “beginningTo start hosting the connection.
Don’t forget the 6-digit PIN code as you will need it when connecting to the remote computer.
Step 7: Install the Chrome Remote Desktop app on your Android device.
To control your Windows PC from your Android device, you will need the same Chrome Remote Desktop app
on an Android phone.
Download Chrome Remote Desktop
Step 8: Connecting to a Computer
If you don’t see your desktop, make sure you’re signed in to the same Google Account on both devices.
Your computer’s name will appear in the Chrome Remote Desktop app on your Android device. In my case, the desktop name is “DESKTOP-D5355SM” and it appears in the Android app. To connect to the device, tap the device name. A pop-up window will appear asking for the PIN code that was configured in step 6.
This connection requires that you have an active internet connection. For the best experience and minimum latency, it is recommended that both devices be on the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 9: start drawing
After your Android device is connected to the PC, switch to landscape mode for a better experience. Make sure the display and zoom are set correctly. If the image is magnified, the screen constantly follows the strokes of the stylus which is uncomfortable.
I used it on Photoshop, Photopea and MS Paint. Response time was minimal and I could monitor how to draw on the desktop.
alternatives available
VNC is a good alternative to Chrome Remote Desktop. You can set up a VNC server on your phone and then connect via VNC Viewer on your Android device. It works like Chrome Remote Desktop and lets you connect to your Android device remotely. Another paid alternative is iDisplay. It will cost you around $14.99. However, it also works via USB and offers a much lower response time compared to the wireless option.
Eventually, when you hone your skills, you’ll need to get a Wacom graphics tablet, but until then, have fun. For more issues or questions, let me know in the comments below. Discover 5 useful ways to reuse your tablet and use it for other purposes.
