How to Switch Between Universal Control and Sidecar on Mac and iPad

Are you tired of constantly switching between your Mac and iPad to complete your work? Fortunately, Apple has introduced two impressive features that can make your life easier: Universal Control and Sidecar. These features enable you to use your iPad as a second display for your Mac and control both devices with a single keyboard and mouse. In this article, we will explain how to switch between Universal Control and Sidecar on your Mac and iPad.

Requirements

Before diving into the steps for switching between Universal Control and Sidecar, it’s essential to understand the requirements for using these features. To use Universal Control, you will need a Mac running macOS Monterey and an iPad running iPadOS 15. Additionally, both devices must be signed in to the same iCloud account, have Bluetooth enabled, and be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

For Sidecar, you will need a Mac running macOS Catalina or later and an iPad running iPadOS 13 or later. As with Universal Control, both devices must be signed in to the same iCloud account, have Bluetooth enabled, and be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. It’s worth noting that Sidecar requires an Apple Pencil for certain drawing and annotation features.

Setting up Universal Control

Setting up Universal Control is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Ensure that both your Mac and iPad are running the latest software updates.
2. Sign in to the same iCloud account on both devices.
3. Connect your Mac and iPad to the same Wi-Fi network.
4. On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Displays and click on the “Arrangement” tab.
5. Drag your iPad icon from the sidebar and place it beside your Mac’s display.
6. On your iPad, swipe down from the top right corner to open the Control Center and tap on “Screen Mirroring.”
7. Select your Mac from the list of available devices.

Once you’ve completed these steps, your iPad will act as a second display for your Mac, and you can use your Mac’s keyboard and mouse to control both devices.

Using Universal Control

Universal Control offers several functionalities that can improve your workflow. Here are some of the features you can use:

1. Drag and drop files between your Mac and iPad using your mouse or trackpad.
2. Copy and paste text, images, and files between your devices.
3. Use your iPad as a touchpad to control your Mac’s cursor.
4. Open apps on your iPad directly from your Mac’s Dock.
5. Use your iPad’s keyboard to type on your Mac.

To use Universal Control efficiently, try these tips:

1. Use the same keyboard shortcuts on both devices to avoid confusion.
2. Customize the settings for your iPad’s touchpad to ensure optimal performance.
3. Use the “Show Sidebar” option in Finder to access files on both devices.
4. Use your iPad’s keyboard shortcuts to navigate your Mac’s interface.
5. Use Universal Control in conjunction with other features, such as Continuity Camera, to streamline your workflow.

Setting up Sidecar

Setting up Sidecar is a straightforward process that requires only a few steps. Follow these instructions to get started:

1. Make sure your Mac and iPad are signed in to the same iCloud account.
2. On your Mac, click the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
3. Click on the Sidecar icon.
4. Choose your iPad from the list of available devices.
5. If your iPad is not listed, make sure it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac and that Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.
6. Once your iPad is connected, you can choose whether you want it to be on the right or left side of your Mac screen.

Using Sidecar

Once Sidecar is set up, you can start using it to increase your productivity. Here are some functions of Sidecar:

• You can use your Apple Pencil to draw and annotate documents on your iPad.
• You can use your iPad as a second display for your Mac, which can be useful for multitasking.
• You can use your iPad as a touch bar to access frequently used tools and shortcuts.
• You can use your iPad to mirror your Mac screen, which can be useful for presenting or sharing your screen with others.

To use Sidecar efficiently, try these tips and tricks:

• Customize your touch bar to include the tools and shortcuts you use most frequently.
• Use split view to see multiple apps at the same time on your iPad screen.
• Use your Apple Pencil to take handwritten notes or mark up documents.
• Use Sidecar to present your screen to others during meetings or presentations.

With Sidecar, you can turn your iPad into a powerful tool for productivity and creativity. By following these steps and tips, you can get the most out of this feature and streamline your work process.