Want to turn your iPad into a drawing tablet for your Mac? It’s simple and straightforward! First, make sure your iPad and Mac are compatible and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Then, enable Sidecar on your Mac to link your iPad. Finally, open your preferred drawing software on your Mac and start sketching on your iPad. This guide will walk you through each step in detail.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Use an iPad as a Drawing Tablet for Mac
Using your iPad as a drawing tablet for your Mac will let you unlock new creative possibilities without needing to invest in a separate drawing tablet. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Ensure Compatibility and Connectivity
Make sure your iPad and Mac are both compatible and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Check that your devices are updated to the latest operating systems. Your Mac should run macOS Catalina or later, and your iPad should have iPadOS 13 or later. Also, be sure both devices are signed into the same Apple ID.
Step 2: Enable Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff
Enable Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff on both your iPad and Mac for seamless connectivity.
These features help in establishing a connection between the two devices. You can find these settings in the System Preferences on your Mac and in the Settings app on your iPad.
Step 3: Open Sidecar on Your Mac
On your Mac, go to System Preferences, find the “Sidecar” option, and click on it.
Sidecar is the feature that makes your iPad function as a secondary display and drawing tablet. Once you click on Sidecar, you should see your iPad listed as an available device if everything is set up correctly.
Step 4: Select Your iPad in Sidecar
In the Sidecar window, select your iPad from the list of available devices.
This step will connect your iPad to your Mac, enabling it to act as an additional screen. Your iPad screen should now mirror your Mac’s display, allowing you to interact with it.
Step 5: Open Your Drawing Software
Open your preferred drawing software on your Mac, such as Adobe Photoshop or Clip Studio Paint.
Your iPad will act as a touch-sensitive drawing tablet, allowing you to draw directly on its screen while the software runs on your Mac. Use your Apple Pencil for precise input and enjoy your new digital canvas.
After completing these steps, your iPad will function as a fully-fledged drawing tablet for your Mac. You can start creating digital art right away, with the flexibility and precision of a professional drawing tablet.
Tips for Using an iPad as a Drawing Tablet for Mac
- Make sure both your iPad and Mac are sufficiently charged or connected to power sources.
- Use a stand for your iPad to keep it stable while drawing.
- Invest in a screen protector designed for drawing to protect your iPad screen.
- Customize Sidecar settings to optimize performance and usability.
- Regularly update your devices to ensure compatibility with new features and improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any iPad model as a drawing tablet for my Mac?
No, the iPad must be running iPadOS 13 or later, and not all older models support this OS.
Do I need to buy additional software to connect my iPad and Mac?
No, the Sidecar feature is built into macOS Catalina and later, so no extra software is needed.
Does the Apple Pencil work with all iPad models using Sidecar?
The Apple Pencil is compatible with iPads that support it, but make sure your iPad model is compatible with the version of the Apple Pencil you own.
Can I use Sidecar without Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can use a USB-C or Lightning cable to connect your iPad to your Mac for a wired connection.
Is there any noticeable lag when drawing on the iPad?
Some users may experience slight latency depending on their network speed and hardware capabilities, but generally, the experience is seamless.
Summary of How to Use an iPad as a Drawing Tablet for Mac
- Ensure Compatibility and Connectivity.
- Enable Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff.
- Open Sidecar on Your Mac.
- Select Your iPad in Sidecar.
- Open Your Drawing Software.
Conclusion
Turning your iPad into a drawing tablet for your Mac can enhance your digital art workflow without the need for additional hardware. By following these simple steps, you can take advantage of the powerful Sidecar feature to create a seamless and intuitive drawing experience. Whether you’re a professional artist or a hobbyist, using your iPad as a drawing tablet opens up a world of creative possibilities.
There are plenty of resources and forums where other artists share their experiences and tips for using Sidecar, so dive in and explore further. Try experimenting with different drawing apps to find the one that suits your style best. And remember, practice makes perfect, so keep sketching and honing your skills. Now, go ahead and unleash your artistic potential using your iPad as a drawing tablet for your Mac!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.