Yes, you will need a computer. The tablet really just enables you to draw electronically (as opposed to drawing and then scanning into a computer, etc). So you're "drawing" on the tablet with the provided stylus, but the picture is showing up on the computer screen in whatever program you are using. You won't see it when you look down at the tablet. I'm not sure if you would be able to use something like an ipad or similar device in place of a computer. I've never tried.