How to Use Sidecar to Extend Your Mac Display
Posted on 19th June 2023
How to Use Sidecar to Extend Your Mac Display
The new Sidecar feature in Mac OS Mojave allows you to use your iPad as a second screen to your Mac. This can be really useful if you want to increase your productivity by having more screen real estate, or if you want to use specific iPad apps on your Mac. In this article, we’ll show you how to set up and use Sidecar on your Mac and iPad.
Before you can use Sidecar, you’ll need to make sure that your Mac and iPad are compatible. Sidecar is only available on Macs that are running Mac OS Mojave and iPads that are running iOS 13. You’ll also need to make sure that your Mac and iPad are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Once you’ve checked that your devices are compatible and connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you can start using Sidecar. To do this, open the Sidecar preference pane on your Mac. You can find this by going to System Preferences > Sidecar.
In the Sidecar preference pane, you’ll see a few different options that you can configure. The first option is “Connect to:” Here, you can choose whether you want Sidecar to connect to your Mac or your iPad. If you have multiple devices connected, you can also choose which one you want to use.
The next option is “Input.” Here, you can choose whether you want to use your Mac’s keyboard and trackpad, or your iPad’s touchscreen as input for your Sidecar session. If you’re using your iPad as a second screen for productivity purposes, we recommend using your Mac’s keyboard and trackpad.
The last option in the Sidecar preference pane is “Connection Type.” Here, you can choose whether you want to connect your Mac and iPad using a wired connection or a wireless connection. If you’re using Sidecar for productivity purposes, we recommend using a wired connection. This will give you the best performance and minimize latency.
Once you’ve configured the Sidecar preference pane to your liking, you can start using Sidecar. To do this, simply open the app or document that you want to use on your second screen. For example, if you want to use Sidecar with Photoshop, simply open Photoshop on your Mac.
Once the app or document is open, you should see it appear on your iPad’s screen. You can then start using it just like you would on your Mac. If you’re using your iPad’s touchscreen as input, you can use pinch-to-zoom and other gestures to control the app or document on your second screen.
If you want to stop using Sidecar, you can disconnect it from the Sidecar preference pane on your Mac. Alternatively, you can just close the app or document that you’re using on your second screen.
What is Sidecar?
Sidecar is a new feature in macOS Catalina that allows you to use your iPad as a second display for your Mac. This is great for creative professionals who want to have more screen real estate, or for anyone who wants to be more productive on their Mac.
How to Use Sidecar
To use Sidecar, you need to have a compatible Mac and iPad. Sidecar is compatible with the following Mac models:
- iMac (27-inch, Late 2015)
- iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014)
- iMac Pro (2017 and later)
- Mac mini (2018)
- Mac Pro (2019)
- MacBook Air (2018 and later)
- MacBook Pro (2016 and later)
As for the iPad, Sidecar is compatible with the following models:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad (6th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
Once you have a compatible Mac and iPad, you can set up Sidecar by following these steps:
- Make sure your Mac and iPad are signed in to the same iCloud account. You can do this by going to the System Preferences on your Mac, and then clicking on the iCloud preference pane. On your iPad, go to Settings and then iCloud. Enter your iCloud credentials if you’re not already signed in.
- Connect your iPad to your Mac using a Lightning to USB cable or a USB-C to USB cable. If you’re using a Lightning to USB cable, you’ll also need to connect the iPad to a power source.
- On your iPad, go to Settings > General > Sidecar. On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Displays > Sidecar. If you don’t see the Sidecar preference pane, click on the “Show All” button at the top of the System Preferences window.
- Select your iPad from the “Devices” menu. You should now see your iPad’s display appear on your Mac’s screen. You can now use your iPad as a second display for your Mac.
Sidecar Features
Sidecar has a few features that you should know about. First, you can use your iPad’s touchscreen to interact with your Mac. This is great for creative professionals who want to use their iPad as a drawing tablet.
Second, Sidecar also supports Apple Pencil. This means you can use your Apple Pencil to interact with your Mac, just like you would with an iPad.
Third, Sidecar also supports the use of a keyboard. This means you can use your iPad as a keyboard for your Mac. This is great for anyone who wants to be more productive on their Mac.
Fourth, Sidecar also supports AirPlay. This means you can wirelessly mirror your Mac’s display to your iPad. This is great for presentations or for watching movies on your iPad.
Finally, Sidecar also supports multiple displays. This means you can use your iPad as a second display for your Mac, and then use an external display as a third display. This is great for anyone who wants to have a lot of screen real estate.
Sidecar Limitations
Sidecar has a few limitations that you should be aware of. First, Sidecar only works with certain Mac and iPad models. Second, Sidecar only works with certain apps. Third, Sidecar has a few bugs that Apple is still working out.
Conclusion
Sidecar is a great new feature in macOS Catalina that allows you to use your iPad as a second display for your Mac. This is great for creative professionals who want to have more screen real estate, or for anyone who wants to be more productive on their Mac.
