How to Connect Your iPad to Your Mac for Drawing with Sidecar

Transform your iPad into a powerful digital canvas for your Mac with Sidecar, allowing you to use your Apple Pencil and iPad as a high-precision drawing tablet for your macOS applications. This seamless integration enhances your creative workflow by providing a natural, tactile drawing experience.

What is Sidecar?

Sidecar is an Apple feature that allows you to extend or mirror your Mac's desktop to your iPad, turning your iPad into a secondary display. For artists, this means you can use your iPad's touch capabilities and Apple Pencil pressure sensitivity directly within Mac drawing applications like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Affinity Designer, or Clip Studio Paint, mimicking the feel of a professional drawing tablet.

System Requirements for Sidecar

To ensure a smooth connection and optimal performance, both your Mac and iPad need to meet specific compatibility criteria.

• Mac: Generally, Macs from 2016 or later running macOS Catalina (10.15) or newer.
• iPad: All iPad Pro models, iPad (6th generation) or newer, iPad mini (5th generation) or newer, and iPad Air (3rd generation) or newer, running iPadOS 13 or newer.
• Apple Pencil: An Apple Pencil (1st or 2nd generation) is required for drawing functionality.

For detailed compatibility, refer to Apple's official support documentation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Connect Your iPad for Drawing

Connecting your iPad to your Mac for drawing is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to set up Sidecar.

Prerequisites for a Smooth Connection

Before you begin, ensure the following conditions are met:

• Same Apple ID: Both your Mac and iPad must be logged in with exactly the same Apple ID. This is crucial for Apple's Continuity features, including Sidecar, to function.
• Two-Factor Authentication: Ensure that two-factor authentication is enabled for your Apple ID. This adds an extra layer of security and is a requirement for Sidecar.
• Proximity: Keep your devices close to each other, ideally within 10 meters (30 feet).
• Wireless On: Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth should be enabled on both your Mac and iPad.
• Trust Devices: If prompted, ensure both devices trust each other.
• No Hotspot: Your Mac should not be sharing its internet connection via personal hotspot.

Establishing the Connection

You can connect your iPad wirelessly or via a wired USB connection. A wired connection is often recommended for drawing to minimize latency and ensure a stable experience.

1. Connecting Wirelessly:

• On your Mac:
  1. Go to the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen.
  2. Click on "System Settings" (for macOS Ventura or later) or "System Preferences" (for macOS Monterey or earlier).
  3. If you have macOS Ventura or later: Select "Displays" from the sidebar. Click the "+" (Add Display) dropdown menu and choose your iPad.
  4. If you have macOS Monterey or earlier: Find and click on "Sidecar". In the Sidecar preference pane, locate the "Connect to" box (or similar dropdown) and select your iPad from the list.
• On your iPad: Your iPad screen should automatically switch to become an extension of your Mac's desktop. A sidebar will appear on your iPad display with common Mac functions.

2. Connecting with a USB Cable (Recommended for Drawing):

• Connect your iPad to your Mac using a compatible USB charging cable.
• Once connected, follow the same software steps as for a wireless connection above. The wired connection will automatically take precedence, offering a more stable and responsive drawing experience.

Optimizing Your iPad for Drawing with Sidecar

Once connected, you can configure your iPad's display and utilize your Apple Pencil effectively.

Display Modes: Extend or Mirror

After connecting, an icon for your iPad will appear in the menu bar of your Mac. Click this icon to manage display settings:

• Extend Display: This is the most common mode for artists. Your iPad acts as a separate screen, allowing you to drag application windows (like your drawing app) onto it. This is ideal for having your drawing canvas on the iPad while keeping tools and palettes on your main Mac screen.
• Mirror Display: Your iPad will display the exact same content as your Mac's primary display. This can be useful for presentations or demonstrations but is less common for dedicated drawing workflows.

Using Apple Pencil and Touch Bar

• Apple Pencil: Your Apple Pencil will automatically function as a precise input device on your iPad's Sidecar display. It supports pressure sensitivity and tilt, making it excellent for sketching, inking, and painting in your Mac's drawing software.
• Sidecar Sidebar: On your iPad's display, a sidebar provides quick access to common Mac modifier keys (Command, Shift, Option, Control) and other functions like undo, keyboard display, and disconnect. You can customize its position.
• Touch Bar: If your Mac has a Touch Bar, or if the application you're using supports Touch Bar features, a virtual Touch Bar may appear at the bottom or top of your iPad's screen when using Sidecar.

Recommended Drawing Apps for Sidecar

While Sidecar lets you use any Mac app, some are particularly well-suited for drawing with an Apple Pencil:

• Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator: Industry standards for raster and vector art.
• Affinity Photo & Designer: Powerful, budget-friendly alternatives to Adobe.
• Clip Studio Paint: Popular among comic and manga artists for its extensive drawing features.
• Corel Painter: Known for its realistic brush simulations.
• Concepts: Excellent for sketching and ideation.

Troubleshooting Common Sidecar Issues

If you encounter problems, try these solutions:

• Check Requirements: Re-verify all prerequisites (Apple ID, two-factor authentication, macOS/iPadOS versions).
• Restart Devices: A simple restart of both your Mac and iPad can often resolve connection issues.
• Toggle Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on again on both devices.
• Update Software: Ensure both your Mac and iPad are running the latest versions of macOS and iPadOS.
• Cable Check: If using a wired connection, try a different USB cable and port.
• Firewall Settings: Check your Mac's firewall settings to ensure it's not blocking incoming connections from your iPad.

Why Use Sidecar for Your Art?

Using Sidecar transforms your iPad into a versatile and portable drawing tablet, offering:

• Precision: Leverage the Apple Pencil's accuracy and pressure sensitivity.
• Familiar Software: Continue using your favorite desktop drawing applications.
• Flexibility: Work wirelessly or wired, and easily switch between extending your display or mirroring it.
• Cost-Effective: Utilize existing Apple hardware without needing a dedicated drawing tablet.