How to Build an iPad Teleprompter [DIY]

These are instructions on how to build a DIY (Do It Yourself) iPad teleprompter.

Our goal here wasn't to make the cheapest solution possible but rather a quality solution that would be portable and functional. The prices listed below are from Amazon for professional grade equipment. You could likely drop the cost significantly by searching for better deals, buying used, or utilizing lower quality equipment. The total cost excluding a tripod or iPad (which we assume you have) is $467.82.

Materials Required:
● Tripod [Assumed You Have One]
● iPad [Assumed You Have One]
● Manfrotto 131DDB Accessory Arm [$123.89]
● Manfrotto 234 Monopod Tilt Head [$23.16]
● Manfrotto 234RC Monopod Tilt Head Quick Release [$40.95]
● 60/40 Beamsplitter Glass [$100]
● Manfrotto 243 Car Window Pod [$32.89]
● Manfrotto 492 Mini Ball Head [$46.90]
● Manfrotto 844 Utility Tray [$48.95]
● 2 x 3/8-Inch Female to 1/4-Inch Male [2 x $8.04]
● 3 x 1/4 to 3/8 Thread Adapter [3 x $4.00]
● 3/8 Female to Female Adapter [$1.00 Home Depot]
● 2 x 3/8 Washers [2 x $1.00 Home Depot]
● Black Cloth [$5.00]
● Velcro Tape [$5.00]
● iPad Teleprompting App [$9.99]


Step One
Begin by attaching the Manfrotto Accessory Arm to your tripod's quick release plate. The plate should be attached to the arm's middle mount. If your plate does not have a 3/8 screw then you will need an extra 1/4 to 3/8 thread adapter.




Attach the quick release plate back to the tripod.


Step Two
Set the Manfrotto 234 Monopod Tilt Head at a 90 degree angle and attach a 3/8-Inch Female to 1/4-Inch Male and a 1/4 to 3/8 Thread Adapter to the ends as shown.


Attach the tilt head to the end of the accessory arm then spin on the Manfrotto 844 Utility Tray.


Step Three
Screw the 3/8 female to female coupler to the accessory bar mount closest to the utility tray using a 3/8 washer.


Using a 1/4 to 3/8 thread adapter, attach the Manfrotto 243 Car Window Pod With 492 Mini Ball Head to the other end of the 3/8 coupler.


Insert the Beamsplitter Glass into the Car Window Pod and fasten it securely as shown.


Step Four
Fasten the Manfrotto 234RC Monopod Tilt Head Quick Release to the last accessory arm mount using a 3/8 washer and another 3/8-Inch Female to 1/4-Inch Male adapter.




Mount your camera using the quick release plate from the tilt head.


Step Five
Use velcro tape and some black, opaque, non-reflective material to fashion a hood which blocks any light between the glass and the lens.


Step Six
Download a TelePrompter app from the App Store. ProPrompter and Teleprompt+ are popular choices. Place the iPad on the utility tray and begin!