The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a versatile device that can be used in a variety of ways, including as a laptop, a tablet, and a digital canvas. In Canvas Mode, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 becomes a portable studio that is perfect for drawing, sketching, taking notes, and editing photos and videos.
What is Canvas Mode?
Canvas Mode is a unique feature of the Surface Laptop Studio 2 that allows you to use the device as a digital canvas. In Canvas Mode, the screen is angled down so that it is parallel to the keyboard, and the keyboard is deactivated. This makes it easy to use the Surface Pen 2 to draw, sketch, and write on the screen.
How to switch to Canvas Mode
To switch to Canvas Mode on the Surface Laptop Studio 2, simply pull the screen forward until it is parallel to the keyboard. The keyboard will automatically deactivate, and the screen will rotate to the appropriate angle.
5 ways to use the Surface Laptop Studio 2 in Canvas Mode
Here are 5 ways to use the Surface Laptop Studio 2 in Canvas Mode:
- Drawing and sketching: Canvas Mode is perfect for drawing and sketching, as the angled screen provides a comfortable drawing surface. You can use the Surface Pen 2 to create a variety of different types of drawings, from simple sketches to complex illustrations.
- Taking notes: Canvas Mode is also a great way to take notes. You can use the Surface Pen 2 to write directly on the screen, and you can easily switch between different colours and pen widths. You can also add images and diagrams to your notes.
- Editing photos and videos: Canvas Mode can be used to edit photos and videos, as the angled screen provides a good view of your work. You can use the Surface Pen 2 to make precise edits to your photos and videos, and you can also add text, annotations, and other effects.
- Creating presentations: Canvas Mode can be used to create presentations, as the angled screen makes it easy to share your work with others. You can use the Surface Pen 2 to annotate your slides and to draw diagrams and illustrations.
- Gaming: Canvas Mode can be used to play games, as the angled screen provides a more immersive gaming experience. You can use the Surface Pen 2 to control some games, and you can also use it to draw and sketch in-game.
Tips and tricks for using Canvas Mode
Here are a few tips and tricks for using Canvas Mode:
- Use the Surface Pen 2 to switch between different colours and pen widths. You can do this by pressing the button on the top of the pen and then selecting the desired colour or width from the menu that appears.
- Use the Surface Pen 2 to erase your mistakes. To do this, simply press down on the eraser button on the top of the pen.
- Use the Surface Pen 2 to zoom in and out of your work. To do this, simply double-tap on the screen with the pen.
- Use the Surface Pen 2 to rotate your work. To do this, simply press and hold the pen on the screen and then drag it in the desired direction.
- Use the Surface Pen 2 to write and draw in different languages. To do this, simply open the Language settings on your Surface Laptop Studio 2 and select the desired language.
Detailed information on how to use Canvas Mode for specific tasks
Here is some more detailed information on how to use Canvas Mode for specific tasks:
Drawing and sketching
To draw and sketch in Canvas Mode, simply use the Surface Pen 2. The Surface Pen 2 is a very versatile tool that can be used to create a variety of different drawing and sketching effects.
To get started:
- Open a drawing app of your choice, such as Microsoft Whiteboard, Adobe Fresco, or Sketchbook Pro.
- Select the desired brush or pen tool.
- Start drawing or sketching on the screen.
You can use the Surface Pen 2 to create a variety of different effects, such as:
- Lines: To draw a line, simply press the tip of the Surface Pen 2 on the screen and then drag it in the desired direction.
- Curves: To draw a curve, simply press the tip of the Surface Pen 2 on the screen and then drag it in the desired direction. As you drag the pen, you can adjust the curvature of the line by tilting the pen.
- Shapes: To draw a shape, simply press the tip of the Surface Pen 2 on the screen and then draw the desired shape. You can draw a variety of different shapes, such as circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles.
- Colours: To change the colour of your drawing, simply press the button on the top of the Surface Pen 2 and then select the desired colour from the menu that appears.
- Pen widths: To change the width of your pen, simply press the button on the top of the Surface Pen 2 and then select the desired width from the menu that appears.
You can also use the Surface Pen 2 to erase your mistakes. To do this, simply press down on the eraser button on the top of the pen.
Taking notes
To take notes in Canvas Mode, simply open a note-taking app of your choice, such as Microsoft OneNote, Google Keep, or Evernote. Then, start writing on the screen with the Surface Pen 2.
You can use the Surface Pen 2 to create a variety of different note-taking effects, such as:
- Text: To write text, simply press the tip of the Surface Pen 2 on the screen and then start writing. You can use the Surface Pen 2 to write in a variety of different fonts and sizes.
- Drawings: You can also use the Surface Pen 2 to add drawings to your notes. To do this, simply select the desired drawing tool from the note-taking app and then start drawing on the screen.
- Images: You can also add images to your notes. To do this, simply select the image insertion tool from the note-taking app and then select the desired image from your computer.
You can also use the Surface Pen 2 to organise your notes. To do this, simply select the desired note and then drag it to the desired location. You can also create different sections in your notes by dragging and dropping the section divider.
Editing photos and videos
To edit photos and videos in Canvas Mode, simply open a photo or video editing app of your choice, such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, or Adobe Premiere Pro. Then, start editing your photo or video using the Surface Pen 2.
You can use the Surface Pen 2 to make a variety of different editing changes to your photos and videos, such as:
- Adjusting brightness, contrast, and saturation: To adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation of your photo or video, simply use the corresponding sliders in the editing app.
- Cropping and resizing: To crop or resize your photo or video, simply select the crop or resize tool from the editing app and then drag the edges of the photo or video to the desired size.
- Adding text and annotations: You can also use the Surface Pen 2 to add text and annotations to your photos and videos. To do this, simply select the text or annotation tool from the editing app and then start writing or drawing on the screen.
- Applying filters and effects: You can also use the Surface Pen 2 to apply filters and effects to your photos and videos. To do this, simply select the desired filter or effect from the editing app and then click on it to apply it to your photo or video.
Drawing and annotating in Canvas Mode
To draw and annotate in Canvas Mode, simply open the desired app and start drawing or writing on the screen with the Surface Pen 2. You can use the Surface Pen 2 to create a variety of different effects, such as:
- Lines: To draw a line, simply press the tip of the Surface Pen 2 on the screen and then drag it in the desired direction.
- Curves: To draw a curve, simply press the tip of the Surface Pen 2 on the screen and then drag it in the desired direction. As you drag the pen, you can adjust the curvature of the line by tilting the pen.
- Shapes: To draw a shape, simply press the tip of the Surface Pen 2 on the screen and then draw the desired shape. You can draw a variety of different shapes, such as circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles.
- Colours: To change the colour of your drawing, simply press the button on the top of the Surface Pen 2 and then select the desired colour from the menu that appears.
- Pen widths: To change the width of your pen, simply press the button on the top of the Surface Pen 2 and then select the desired width from the menu that appears.
- Eraser: To erase your mistakes, simply press down on the eraser button on the top of the pen.
You can also use the Surface Pen 2 to annotate your work. To do this, simply select the desired annotation tool from the app you are using and then start writing or drawing on the screen. You can use the Surface Pen 2 to annotate a variety of different types of documents, such as PDFs, images, and presentations.
Here are some additional tips for using the Surface Pen 2 to draw and annotate in Canvas Mode:
- Use the Surface Pen 2 to double-tap on the screen to zoom in and out.
- Use the Surface Pen 2 to press and hold on the screen and then drag the pen to move around the screen.
- Use the Surface Pen 2 to right-click on the screen to open the context menu.
- Use the Surface Pen 2 to press and hold on the eraser button to clear the entire screen.
With the Surface Pen 2 and Canvas Mode, you can create amazing drawings, annotate documents, and express your creativity in new and exciting ways.
The Best Type of Screen Protectors for Microsoft Laptop Studio 2
1. Nano Glass Screen Protector:
- High Transparency: Nano glass screen protectors are known for their exceptional transparency, ensuring that your laptop's display remains clear and vibrant.
- Durability: They offer excellent scratch resistance, protecting your laptop's screen from daily wear and tear.
- Smooth Touch Experience: Nano glass screen protectors provide a smooth and responsive touch experience, closely mimicking the feel of your laptop's original screen.
2. Anti-Glare Screen Protector:
- Glare Reduction: Anti-glare screen protectors are designed to minimise reflections and glare, making it easier to use your laptop in bright or outdoor environments.
- Scratch Protection: They offer some level of scratch protection, safeguarding your screen from minor scratches.
- Privacy: Some anti-glare screen protectors may also double as privacy screens, preventing people from viewing your screen from side angles.
3. Antiviral Screen Protector:
- Hygienic: Anti-viral screen protectors incorporate technology that inhibits the growth of bacteria and viruses on the screen's surface, making it ideal for shared or public environments.
- Screen Protection: They provide a certain level of scratch resistance and smudge protection, similar to standard screen protectors.
- Health Benefits: These protectors can contribute to a cleaner and more hygienic screen, which is particularly relevant in the context of public health concerns.
4. Premium Film Screen Protector:
- Clarity: Premium film screen protectors are designed to maintain excellent screen clarity and touch sensitivity.
- Ease of Application: They are relatively easy to apply and remove, and they often come with installation kits to minimise bubbles and misalignment.
- Scratch Resistance: They offer good scratch resistance, protecting your screen from minor scratches.
When selecting a screen protector for your Microsoft Laptop Studio 2, consider your specific needs. If you prioritise scratch resistance and clarity, Nano Glass or Premium Film protectors are solid choices. For outdoor or bright environments, an Anti-Glare protector can be beneficial. If hygiene is a concern, an Antiviral protector can help maintain a cleaner screen.
Check out ScreenShield to check out our options!