With
a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, you may use Sidecar to turn your iPad
into a second display, allowing your computer to communicate with your tablet
and extend the same desktop environment.
This capability, though, is only available on select
Mac and iPad models, which is a shame if you have an older device or a Windows
PC. Many business listings
on all of the devices that can't run Sidecar, a few third-party apps can assist
cover the hole.
Sidecar on macOS is the best
option
Sidecar is, without a doubt, the greatest way to
turn your iPad into a second display. If you have a Mac and an iPad from the
last five years or so, you should give it a shot first. (Skip to the following
section if your gadgets are older than that.)
To use your iPad as a display, either connect it to
your Mac through USB or turn on Bluetooth, WI-FI, and Handoff if you want to do
it wirelessly. On both devices, you must be logged in with the same Apple ID.
Select your iPad from the list by clicking the Airplay
button in your Mac's menu bar. The symbol will change, and if you click the business listings
menu again, you'll be presented with a variety of options. You can mirror or
extend your Mac's display, show or conceal the iPad's Sidebar and Touch Bar, or
disconnect your tablet.
Sidecar can be used cable or wirelessly, but if you
want to switch between the two, you must utilize the Airplay menu to disconnect
and reconnect. It should function wirelessly as long as the iPad is within 10 meters
(30 feet) of the Mac, and you can even sign papers and draw in approved apps
with your Apple Pencil.
Splash top Wired XDisplay is a
low-cost, cross-platform option
If Sidecar isn't compatible with your Mac or iPad or
if you use Windows or Android, Splash top Wired XDisplay is a third-party tool
that can turn your tablet into a second monitor. It only works when connected
by USB.
Splash top Wired XDisplay is made up of two parts free listing: a desktop
agent that runs in the background on your PC or Mac and a tablet app for iPadOS
or Android.
After you've installed both the desktop and tablet
apps, make sure the desktop software is running on your computer, then connect
your tablet to your computer via USB cable and activate the XDisplay app. It
will connect to your computer and present you with a blank desktop on your
tablet. You may rearrange your monitors under the Display settings on your
computer, drag windows to your tablet, and otherwise use it as a second monitor
to increase productivity.
A stand is recommended to keep your tablet propped
up. Something like this works well if you're using it with a laptop, while a
more adjustable stand is best for desktop use.
A More Expensive, But Better
Option: Duet Display
It has a tablet app that connects to a companion
programmed on your computer, similar to Splash top. The desktop app for Duet
Display is free, but the iOS and Android apps will cost you. The normal version
of the app only works when connected through USB, but it adds a Touch Bar to
any Mac, supports iPad keyboards, and gives your Windows or Mac apps on the
tablet screen touch control.
After you've installed both the desktop and tablet
apps, make sure the Duet Display desktop programmed is running in the background
on your computer, then connect your tablet to your computer via USB and
activate the Duet Display mobile app. It should immediately connect to your
computer, and a desktop should appear, ready to use.
Finally, on your PC, click the Duet Display button
to access a few other options, such as the frame rate and resolution your
tablet uses. The default settings worked OK for me, but if you're using an
older laptop, decreasing the resolution, frame rate, or power usage in this
window might help.
If you have a Duet Air subscription, you can connect
Duet Display wirelessly by heading to Advanced Settings, clicking the Wireless
tab (in Windows) or the Air tab (in Mac) (in macOS). Your tablet should appear
in the list, and you can connect to it by clicking on it. (If it doesn't
appear, manually connect to it by typing in the IP address of your tablet.)
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