What is Sidecar on a Mac?

Sidecar is a revolutionary feature that has transformed the relationship between Mac and iPad, providing an innovative way to use your iPad as an additional display for your Mac. Introduced initially in iPadOS 13 and MacOS Catalina in 2019, Sidecar has evolved significantly over the years. Whether you need a second screen for your Mac or want to use your iPad as a powerful graphics tablet, Sidecar offers a seamless and user-friendly experience.

How Sidecar Works

Sidecar enables your iPad to be used as a secondary display alongside your Mac, or even as a mirroring display. This feature is designed to enhance productivity and flexibility. To use Sidecar, both your Mac and iPad should be running compatible versions of macOS and iPadOS, respectively. Additionally, both devices must be signed into the same Apple ID to ensure the feature works correctly.

Benefits of Using Sidecar

Sidecar offers a multitude of benefits, from increasing screen real estate to enhancing the creative process. For instance, it allows you to:

Mirror your Mac's display: Sidecar can mirror the content on your Mac on the iPad, making it a larger, sometimes higher-resolution display for viewing or editing tasks. Create a secondary display: You can extend the desktop of your Mac to the iPad, useful for organizing files or working on multiple applications simultaneously. Use an iPad as a graphics tablet: With Sidecar, your iPad can act as a powerful and flexible drawing tablet, especially useful for artists and designers.

Recent Enhancements: Universal Control

To take Sidecar to the next level, Apple introduced Universal Control with macOS Big Sur and iPadOS 15. Universal Control allows you to

Magically control any screen: You can control multiple Macs and iPads seamlessly with just one set of mice and keyboard. Share files and apps: Simple drag-and-drop sharing, or use AirDrop to share files and applications across devices. Work across devices without interruption: Enhanced tethering for a more fluid and intuitive workflow.

Getting Started with Sidecar on a Mac

Setting up Sidecar is straightforward. Follow these steps:

Ensure Compatibility: Check that both your Mac and iPad are running the latest versions of macOS and iPadOS. Sign In with Your Apple ID: Ensure both devices are signed into the same Apple ID. Enable Sidecar: On your Mac, go to the System Preferences Sidecar to enable the feature. On your iPad, go to the Settings Sidecar. Connect: Click on the iPad thumbnail in the Sidecar preferences on your Mac to establish a connection.

Conclusion

With the introduction of Sidecar and Universal Control, Apple has blurred the lines between Mac and iPad, allowing for a seamless and powerful computing experience. Whether you’re a professional, a creative, or just someone looking to enhance their productivity, Sidecar provides a valuable tool to maximize the capabilities of both devices. By understanding and utilizing Sidecar, you can unlock a new level of efficiency and creativity in your workflow.