Best DIY Accessories to Enhance Your iPad Experience (Budget-Friendly Ideas)

[Danieldsouza]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been exploring ways to get more out of my iPad without spending too much on expensive branded accessories. While there are plenty of official options available, I was curious about DIY or alternative accessories that can improve productivity, usability, or even add new functionality.

Here are a few ideas I’ve been experimenting with:

• Custom iPad Stand:

Using simple materials like acrylic sheets or even sturdy cardboard, you can create an adjustable stand for better viewing angles—great for watching content or attending video calls.

• External Keyboard Setup:

Instead of going for high-cost keyboard cases, pairing a compact Bluetooth keyboard can be a more flexible and affordable solution.

• Stylus Alternatives:

Not everyone needs a premium stylus. There are budget-friendly capacitive stylus options that work well for note-taking and casual drawing.

• Portable Power Solutions:

For longer usage, especially while traveling, a reliable power bank setup can make a big difference.

• DIY Cable Management:

Simple clips or 3D-printed holders can help keep your charging setup neat and organized.

I’m particularly interested in combining iPads with small electronics or DIY projects (like Raspberry Pi-based setups or sensor integrations) to extend their capabilities beyond just media consumption.

Would love to hear from the community:

What accessories (DIY or otherwise) have improved your iPad experience?
Any unique setups or creative solutions you’ve tried?

Looking forward to your suggestions!

 

[FreakinEurekan]

If you have access to a 3D printer there are lots of things of course… I’ve printed “sleeves” that hold a tablet and fasten it to an arm, for example.

I also use an inexpensive Bluetooth keyboard when I want to type extensively on the iPad, which isn’t all that often.

For a “stand” I use a 3rd party case. Sure, you could 3D print or otherwise make one, but unless you’re gonna carry both the iPad and the stand around with you, that means the stand is in just one location. Having one built into the case is a lot more convenient.

Lots of 3rd party pencil options available for cheap.

 

[Danieldsouza]

If you have access to a 3D printer there are lots of things of course… I’ve printed “sleeves” that hold a tablet and fasten it to an arm, for example.

I also use an inexpensive Bluetooth keyboard when I want to type extensively on the iPad, which isn’t all that often.

For a “stand” I use a 3rd party case. Sure, you could 3D print or otherwise make one, but unless you’re gonna carry both the iPad and the stand around with you, that means the stand is in just one location. Having one built into the case is a lot more convenient.

Lots of 3rd party pencil options available for cheap.

That’s a great setup—especially the 3D printed sleeve idea, sounds super practical for hands-free use

I totally agree with your point about portability. A fixed stand (even a well-designed DIY one) tends to stay in one place, whereas a case with a built-in stand is just more convenient for everyday use. I’ve tried both approaches, and the “always attached” option definitely wins for regular usage.

On the 3D printing side, I’ve been experimenting a bit with custom holders and mounts too. If you have access to a printer, it opens up a lot of possibilities like adjustable stands, cable organizers, or even clip-on modules for different setups. I’ve been using PLA-based filaments (like eSun PLA+) since they’re easy to print with and hold up well for lightweight accessories like tablet stands and sleeves.

Same with the Bluetooth keyboard, I also prefer a compact one instead of a bulky case keyboard. It gives more flexibility depending on the situation.

And yeah, the third-party pencil options are surprisingly good now for casual use. Not as feature-rich as the Apple Pencil, but definitely good enough for notes and basic sketching.

Out of curiosity have you tried printing any adjustable-angle stands or modular attachments? I’m thinking of experimenting with a foldable design next.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Out of curiosity have you tried printing any adjustable-angle stands or modular attachments? I’m thinking of experimenting with a foldable design next.

No, commercially-available cases with stands are too inexpensive and I don’t have any ideas that would be better.

I did print a stand for my MacBook Pro but it’s not “adjustable;” I printed it to hold the Mac with the screen open as wide as it’ll go - which isn’t all that wide honestly but it works.