Start with a basic rectangle for the monitor
The fastest way to draw a recognizable computer is to start with the monitor, which is straightforward a rectangle with a smaller rectangle inside it. Draw a large rectangle first — this is the outer edge of the screen. Make it wider than it is tall, roughly in a 4:3 or 16:9 ratio depending on whether you want a classic or modern look.
Inside that rectangle, draw a second, slightly smaller rectangle about half an inch from the outer edge. This inner rectangle is the actual screen area. The space between them is the bezel, the plastic frame around the screen. Round the corners slightly if you want a modern computer, or keep them sharp for a more technical look.
Add a small rectangle at the bottom center of the monitor for the stand or base. This can be as straightforward as a thin rectangle, or you can make it wider and more stable-looking by drawing a trapezoid that's wider at the bottom than at the top.
Key Takeaways
- A computer drawing starts with a rectangle for the monitor, a smaller rectangle inside for the screen, and a base shape at the bottom.
- The keyboard is a flat rectangle with small squares inside to show individual keys, positioned below and slightly forward of the monitor.
- A mouse is drawn as a small oval or rounded rectangle with a curved tail, placed to the side of the keyboard.
- Adding details like screen content, shadows, and perspective lines makes your drawing look more realistic and finished.
- Practicing the basic shapes first, then adding details, is faster and more accurate than trying to draw everything at once.
Draw the keyboard below the monitor
Position the keyboard below the monitor, slightly forward and to one side to show depth. Draw a flat rectangle that's wider than it is tall — keyboards are typically much wider than they are deep. Leave a small gap between the bottom of the monitor stand and the top of the keyboard to show they are separate objects.
To make the keyboard look realistic, divide it into sections. Draw a vertical line down the middle, then add horizontal lines to create rows. Within those rows, draw small squares or rectangles to represent individual keys. You do not need to draw every single key — just enough to suggest a keyboard. The left side usually has more keys clustered together, while the right side has a numeric keypad with larger spacing.
Add a slight curve or angle to the keyboard to show it is tilted toward the viewer. This is optional but makes the drawing feel more three-dimensional. Keep the lines light at first so you can erase and adjust before you finalize them.
Add a mouse to the right or left side
Draw the mouse as a small oval or rounded rectangle positioned to the right or left of the keyboard. A mouse is roughly the size of your palm, so make it much smaller than the keyboard. The shape should be wider at the front (closest to the viewer) and slightly narrower at the back.
Add a curved tail coming out of the back of the mouse — this is the cord. Make the tail curve slightly as it extends toward the keyboard or monitor, since cords rarely hang perfectly straight. If you are drawing a wireless mouse, you can skip the cord or add a small circle on top to represent a scroll wheel.
Draw a small circle or oval in the center of the mouse to show the scroll wheel, and add a line down the middle of the mouse to suggest the left and right click buttons. Keep these details straightforward — too many lines will make the mouse look cluttered.
Create depth with perspective and shading
To make your computer drawing look three-dimensional, use perspective lines. Imagine the monitor is tilted slightly toward you. Draw the top edge of the monitor slightly shorter than the bottom edge, and angle the sides so they appear to recede into the distance. The keyboard should sit at an angle below the monitor, not perfectly flat on the page.
Add shading to show which surfaces catch light and which are in shadow. The screen area is usually darker than the bezel, so fill it in lightly with pencil or leave it white with a thin border. The keyboard keys cast small shadows on the surface below them. The underside of the monitor stand is darker than the top. Shading does not have to be perfect — even light pencil strokes create the impression of depth.
Add a thin shadow beneath the entire computer setup to ground it on a surface. This shadow should be darkest directly under the object and fade out as it extends away. A shadow makes the computer look like it is sitting on something rather than floating on the page.
Draw the monitor screen with content
The screen area inside the inner rectangle can be left blank, filled with a solid color, or drawn with content. If you want to add detail, draw straightforward shapes to suggest what is on the screen — a few horizontal lines to represent text, a small rectangle for an image, or a grid pattern for a spreadsheet.
Keep screen content straightforward and small. You are not trying to draw a detailed webpage or document — just enough to suggest that something is displayed. A few lines and shapes are more effective than trying to draw realistic text or images, which are difficult to render at small scale.
If you want the screen to look like it is turned on, leave the area inside the inner rectangle lighter than the bezel. If you want it to look off, make the screen area darker or fill it with a dark gray. This small choice changes how the viewer reads your drawing.
Add details like cables and a desk surface
Once the basic computer is drawn, you can add context to make it more interesting. Draw a cable running from the back of the monitor down to the keyboard or mouse. Draw a second cable from the keyboard or mouse to suggest a power connection. These cables do not have to be perfectly accurate — just a few curved lines are enough.
Add a desk or table surface beneath the computer. This can be as straightforward as a horizontal line at the bottom of your drawing, or you can draw a rectangle to show the desktop surface. A desk surface anchors the computer and makes the drawing feel complete.
If you want to add more realism, draw a small speaker next to the monitor, a desk lamp in the background, or a pen holder. These additions are optional but help tell a story about where the computer is and how it is used.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is making the monitor too small relative to the keyboard. In real life, the monitor is usually the largest and most prominent part of a computer setup. If your monitor looks tiny compared to the keyboard, the proportions will feel off. Step back and check that the monitor takes up roughly half the total height of your drawing.
Another mistake is drawing the keyboard perfectly straight and flat. Real keyboards sit at an angle, and showing that angle makes your drawing look more natural. Even a slight tilt improves the sense of perspective.
Avoid adding too much detail to the keys. Drawing every single key with perfect spacing is tedious and often looks worse than suggesting keys with a few straightforward lines and squares. Less detail, done cleanly, reads better than more detail done sloppily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use a ruler to draw a computer?
A ruler helps if you want straight edges and even proportions, especially for the monitor and keyboard rectangles. However, a ruler is not required — freehand rectangles that are slightly imperfect often look more natural and less stiff. Use a ruler if it helps you feel confident, but do not feel obligated.
How do I draw a laptop instead of a desktop computer?
A laptop is drawn as a single rectangle with a hinge down the middle. Draw one rectangle for the base (keyboard and trackpad), then draw a second rectangle above it tilted back at an angle to show the screen. The hinge is a straightforward line where the two rectangles meet. Add a small circle for the trackpad and small squares for keys, just like a desktop keyboard.
What if I want to draw a computer from the side view instead of straight on?
From the side, the monitor becomes a thin rectangle, and the keyboard becomes a long thin rectangle behind it. The monitor screen is no longer visible — you only see the edge of the screen and the bezel. This view is harder to draw because it requires more perspective, but it can look dramatic. Start with the basic shapes and adjust the angles until they look right.
How detailed should the screen content be?
Keep screen content minimal. A few horizontal lines to suggest text, a small rectangle for an image, or a straightforward grid is enough. The goal is to suggest that something is displayed without drawing a realistic webpage or document. Viewers will fill in the details with their imagination.
Can I draw a computer in color?
Yes. Computers are often black, silver, or white, but you can draw them in any color. Use a darker color for the bezel and keyboard, a lighter color for the screen area, and a medium tone for the stand and base. Color makes your drawing more visually interesting, but it is not necessary — a pencil drawing works just as well.