If you’re a Mac user looking to increase your productivity or just want to have a second screen to work on, Apple has made it incredibly easy to extend or mirror your Mac’s screen to an iPad with its Sidecar feature. Sidecar was introduced in macOS Catalina and allows you to seamlessly use your iPad as a second display for your Mac.
To set up Sidecar, both your Mac and iPad need to be running on macOS Catalina or later and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. You’ll also need to make sure that Handoff is enabled on both devices. Once you’ve met those requirements, follow these simple steps to extend or mirror your Mac’s screen to an iPad with Sidecar:
1. Open the AirPlay menu on your Mac:
Start by clicking on the AirPlay icon in the menu bar on your Mac. This icon looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom.
2. Select your iPad from the list of available devices:
In the AirPlay menu, you should see a list of available devices you can connect to. Your iPad should appear in this list. Click on your iPad to start the connection process.
3. Choose how you want to use your iPad:
After selecting your iPad, you’ll see the option to either mirror your Mac’s display on your iPad or extend your Mac’s display to your iPad. Choose the option that suits your needs.
4. Start using your iPad as a second display:
Once you’ve made your selection, your iPad’s screen will start displaying the content from your Mac. You can now drag windows and applications from your Mac to your iPad, making it easy to multitask or have additional screen real estate for your work.
Using your iPad as a second display with Sidecar can be incredibly useful in a variety of situations. For example, you can use it to keep your email or messaging apps open on your iPad while you work on your Mac, or use it to display reference materials while you write or design on your Mac.
In addition to extending or mirroring your Mac’s screen to your iPad, Sidecar also allows you to use your Apple Pencil with compatible apps on your iPad. This can be particularly useful for tasks that require precise input, such as drawing or photo editing.
Overall, Sidecar is a powerful feature that enhances the way you can use your Mac and iPad together. Whether you’re looking to increase your productivity or just want a more seamless workflow between your devices, Sidecar is a great tool to have in your arsenal. So give it a try and see how it can improve your work or leisure activities!
