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The easiest way to use an iPad as a drawing tablet for a Mac is Apple Sidecar. It displays a Mac app such as Photoshop, Affinity Photo, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, or ZBrush on the iPad, where you can draw with a compatible Apple Pencil. Start with a USB connection for the most reliable drawing experience, then switch to wireless Sidecar if you prefer a cable-free setup.
What “iPad as a drawing tablet” can mean
There are three different setups people commonly mean:
- Screen tablet: the Mac canvas appears on the iPad and you draw directly over it with Apple Pencil. This is the main Sidecar and Astropad Studio workflow.
- Second display: the iPad extends or mirrors the Mac desktop. You can use Apple Pencil to point, click, select, annotate, and draw in compatible Mac applications.
- Screenless pen tablet: you draw on the iPad while looking at the Mac display, similar to a Wacom Intuos. Astropad Slate and traditional graphics tablets are designed for this approach.
Sidecar does not run the Mac version of Photoshop or another Mac application natively on iPadOS. It streams the Mac display to the iPad. If you switch to a native iPad app such as Procreate, the Sidecar session is suspended until you return to it. See Apple’s Sidecar documentation.
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- WHY APPLE PENCIL - With pixel-perfect precision, tilt sensitivity, and low latency, Apple Pencil (USB-C) makes note-taking, signing documents, and drawing easy at an affordable price. It pairs and charges via USB-C and can magnetically attach to your iPad.
- COMPATIBILITY - Apple Pencil (USB-C) works with iPad Pro 13-inch (M4 and M5); iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation); iPad Pro 11-inch (M4 and M5); iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation); iPad Air 13-inch (M2, M3, M4); iPad Air 11-inch (M2 and M3); iPad Air (4th and 5th generation); iPad (A16), iPad mini (A17 Pro), iPad mini (6th generation); and iPad (10th generation).
- EASY AND NATURAL - Write, sketch, and draw with pixel-perfect precision. Apple Pencil (USB-C) does it all with low latency and tilt sensitivity. Apple Pencil pairs and charges via USB-C and features a flat edge that attaches magnetically.
- TRANSFORMS IPAD INTO A CANVAS - Draw, sketch, color, take notes, and mark up documents. Use built-in apps like Notes and Freeform, or choose from over a million more apps available on the App Store. And for pros, use Apple Pencil hover on iPad Pro and iPad Air to preview your mark before you make it.
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX - Apple Pencil (USB-C)
What you need for Sidecar
Compatible Mac
- macOS Catalina 10.15 or later
- MacBook Air introduced in 2018 or later
- 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K display, Late 2015
- All other Mac models introduced in 2016 or later
Compatible iPad
- All iPad Pro models
- iPad, 6th generation or later
- iPad mini, 5th generation or later
- iPad Air, 3rd generation or later
- iPadOS 13 or later
Apple lists compatibility by model generation, so verify your exact Mac and iPad rather than assuming that any recent-looking device supports Sidecar.
Account, connection, and Pencil requirements
- Sign in to the same Apple Account on both devices.
- Enable two-factor authentication.
- For wireless Sidecar, turn on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Handoff on both devices.
- Keep the devices within approximately 10 metres (30 feet).
- The iPad must not be sharing its cellular connection, and the Mac must not be sharing its internet connection.
- Use an Apple Pencil compatible with your particular iPad. Pencil compatibility varies by iPad model and Pencil generation; check Apple’s Apple Pencil information.
You can use Sidecar without Apple Pencil as a conventional second display, but Pencil is what makes it practical for drawing, retouching, handwriting, and markup.
How to connect an iPad to a Mac with Sidecar
1. Prepare the devices
Install the latest available macOS and iPadOS updates. Sign in to the same Apple Account, confirm two-factor authentication, and enable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Handoff if you plan to connect wirelessly.
For serious drawing sessions, connect the iPad directly to the Mac with a data-capable USB cable. A charge-only cable will not work for Sidecar data, and the iPad must trust the Mac when connected over USB.
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- Open Control Center from the Mac menu bar.
- Click Screen Mirroring.
- Select your iPad.
On some macOS versions, display controls are also available under Apple menu > System Settings > Displays. On macOS Monterey, use Apple menu > System Preferences > Displays.
3. Extend or mirror the Mac display
Choose an extended desktop if you want to place the drawing canvas on the iPad while keeping tool panels, reference images, or other windows on the Mac. Choose mirroring when you need the same Mac view on both screens.
Rank #2
- Compatibility: The stylus pencil only works with iPads from 2018 onwards, including iPad Air 11 inch (2026-2024, M4/M3/M2), iPad Air 13 inch (2026-2024, M4/M3/M2), iPad Pro 11 inch (2025-2024, M5/M4), iPad Pro 13 inch (2025-2024, M5/M4), iPad A16/11th (2025), iPad 10th Gen (2022), iPad Pro 11 inch (2022-2018), iPad Pro 12.9 inch (2022-2018), iPad Air 5th/4th/3rd, iPad Mini A17 Pro/7th/6th/5th, and iPad 9th/8th/7th/6th. Please verify your model in [Settings > General > About] before purchasing.
- Tilt Sensitivity: The iPad Stylus features tilt sensitivity, allowing you to create varying line thicknesses and shadows by adjusting the angle of your pencil for apple ipad 10th generation.
- Palm Rejection: You can comfortably rest your hand on the screen without gloves while using the stylus pen for ipad.
- Magnetic Adsorption: The iPad pencil 10th generation magnetically attaches to iPads released from 2018～2026 just like 2nd generation for Apple Pencil. Note: Does not support magnetic charging.
- Type-C Fast Charging: Fully charges the ipad pencil in just 15 minutes for up to 9 hours of use. Note: Sleeps after 5 minutes of inactivity to save power.
To move an application window, hover over its green full-screen button and select the option to move the window to the iPad. You can also drag the window between displays. To return it, use the green-button menu and choose Move Window Back to Mac.
4. Open your Mac drawing application
Launch the Mac version of your preferred software, then move its window to the iPad. Examples include:
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- Affinity Photo and Affinity Designer
- Clip Studio Paint
- Sketchbook
- Adobe InDesign
- Maxon ZBrush
The iPad is displaying and controlling the Mac application; it is not running that Mac application as an iPad app.
How to draw with Apple Pencil
Select a brush, pencil, eraser, or other tool in the Mac application, then touch the visible canvas with Apple Pencil. Pencil can also point, click, select, write, and mark up Mac content.
Keep the Mac keyboard nearby for application shortcuts. Sidecar’s sidebar can provide common modifier keys such as Command, Option, Control, and Shift, along with undo, keyboard, and disconnect controls. You can place the sidebar on the left or right side of the iPad or turn it off.
Sidecar also supports documented multi-touch gestures:
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Rank #3
- 【Compatible with 2018-2026 iPad & iPad Pro】The stylus supports for iPad series 2018-2026 model: iPad Pro 13" (M4), iPad Pro 12.9"(3rd/4th/5th/6th), iPad Pro 11"(All Generations), iPad Air M4/M3/M2/5th/4th/3rd Gen, iPad 11th/10th/9th/8th/7th/6th, iPad Mini 7th/6th/5th Gen. Please confirm your devices before you place an order, another model is invalid
- 【Not compatible with models before 2018】The stylus doesn't support iPad pro 1st&2nd, iPad pro 10.5", iPad pro 9.7", iPad 1 to 5 Gen, iPad mini 1 to 4 Gen, iPad Air 1st/2nd Gen versions of iPad. Not Compatible With iPhone, Android, Microsoft devices.iPad 10gen cannt use magnetic attraction.
- 【Precise and Smooth】1.5mm pen tip can replace your finger to execute finer instructions, it easy to install and tear off the tips on your stylus pen without any tool. No lag/offset/breaking point！Compared with the ordinary stylus pen, it has higher sensitivity, more accurate signal, more comfortable hand. Not easy to break!【 Note 】The stylus pen no pressure-sensitive design.
- 【Palm Rejection Design】Stylus pen with palm rejection technology, rest your hand naturally on the screen while writing or drawing, effortless interaction with your screen, gives you more accuracy and control against the screen. We commend you to use this pen on the iPad with a glass screen protector.
- 【Touch Switch & Fast Charging】Activate this stylus pen with a simple touch of the cap button. A quick 5-15 minute charge provides 15 hours of work time. Please note: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad for normal use, no pairing required.
- Scroll with two fingers.
- Pinch inward with three fingers to copy.
- Pinch inward twice with three fingers to cut.
- Pinch outward with three fingers to paste.
- Swipe left with three fingers, or double-tap with three fingers, to undo.
- Swipe right with three fingers to redo.
Apple Pencil double-tap can work where supported by the Pencil and application, but its action is not universal. The result depends on the Pencil model, macOS settings, and the creative app.
Pressure sensitivity is application-dependent
Do not assume that Apple Pencil pressure will behave exactly like a dedicated Wacom stylus in every Mac application. Apple says that applications supporting drawing tablets can work with Sidecar, but pressure and other advanced stylus behavior depend on Sidecar, the application, its tablet settings, and the supported input events. See Apple’s Sidecar technical brief.
If pressure is missing:
- Test an application known to support pressure-sensitive tablets.
- Check the application’s tablet or stylus preferences.
- Update the application.
- Restart the application after connecting Sidecar.
- Compare USB and wireless connections.
- Test Astropad Studio or a dedicated tablet if pressure remains unreliable.
Best Sidecar settings for drawing
Use USB for long or latency-sensitive sessions
Wireless Sidecar is convenient and useful for travel, but it depends on local wireless conditions, consumes iPad battery, and can suffer from discovery problems or lag.
USB Sidecar is usually the better choice for extended painting sessions. It avoids many wireless connection problems and can keep the iPad charged through the Mac. Connect directly to the Mac when troubleshooting instead of using a hub or dock.
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An iPad screen can feel cramped when it shows a full Mac interface. Use the Mac for tool panels, palettes, reference images, and file management, and reserve the iPad for the canvas. Hide the Sidecar sidebar when you need more room.
Adjust orientation and display scaling
Use landscape orientation for a wider canvas. If the image is cropped or the interface is too small, open Apple menu > System Settings > Displays and adjust the display arrangement or resolution. Application zoom controls can also make the canvas more comfortable.
Rank #4
- WHY APPLE PENCIL PRO — Apple Pencil Pro is loaded with intuitive features for ultimate creative control. Gestures and haptics allow you to seamlessly create without missing a beat. And Apple Pencil Pro features pixel-perfect precision, tilt and pressure sensitivity, and low latency. Attaches magnetically for wireless pairing and charging.
- COMPATIBILITY — Apple Pencil Pro works with iPad Pro 13-inch (M5 and M4), iPad Pro 11-inch (M5 and M4), iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, and M4), iPad Air 13-inch (M2, M3, and M4), and iPad mini (A17 Pro).
- ADVANCED TOOLS — Apple Pencil Pro gives you ultimate creative control. Use gestures like squeeze and barrel roll to access tools, change brushes, and create strokes without missing a beat. Haptics allow you to feel shapes snap into place, and more. Use Apple Pencil hover on iPad Pro (M5 and M4) and iPad Air (M3 and M2) to preview your mark before you make it. And now you can use Find My to locate your Apple Pencil Pro.
- EASY AND NATURAL — Apple Pencil Pro does it all with pixel-perfect precision, tilt and pressure sensitivity, and low latency. Featuring a flat edge, Apple Pencil Pro allows you to change tools with just the tap of a finger. Apple Pencil Pro attaches, charges, and pairs magnetically.
- TRANSFORMS IPAD INTO A CANVAS — Draw, sketch, color, take notes, and mark up documents. Use built-in apps like Notes and Freeform, or choose from over a million more apps available on the App Store. And for pros, use Apple Pencil hover on iPad Pro and iPad Air (M2) to preview your mark before you make it.
Touch Bar settings
On macOS Ventura or later, go to Apple menu > System Settings > Desktop & Dock and enable Displays have separate Spaces if your application supports Sidecar Touch Bar controls. The exact controls depend on the application.
Sidecar versus Universal Control
| Feature | Sidecar | Universal Control |
|---|---|---|
| What appears on iPad | Mac desktop or Mac application | Native iPadOS apps |
| Main purpose | Extend or mirror the Mac display | Share a Mac keyboard, mouse, or trackpad |
| Draw directly in a Mac canvas | Yes, with compatible Pencil and application | No |
| Use Procreate natively | Not during the active Sidecar view | Yes |
Universal Control is useful for moving the pointer and files between separate Mac and iPad screens, but it does not display a Photoshop-for-Mac canvas on the iPad. Choose Sidecar when your goal is to draw in Mac software. Apple explains the distinction in its Universal Control documentation.
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The iPad does not appear in Screen Mirroring
- Confirm that both devices use the same Apple Account.
- Confirm that two-factor authentication is enabled.
- Turn on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Handoff.
- Move the devices closer together.
- Make sure neither device is sharing an internet or cellular connection.
- Check the exact Mac and iPad model requirements.
- Update both operating systems.
- Restart both devices.
- Try a direct USB connection.
Sidecar feels laggy
Switch to USB first. Then close bandwidth-heavy applications, reduce local network congestion, move closer to the Wi-Fi access point, disconnect and reconnect Sidecar, and restart both devices. A large document, complex brush, or effects-heavy Mac file can also make the application itself slow. There is no universal Sidecar latency figure because performance depends on the devices, connection, software, and workload.
Apple Pencil moves the pointer but does not draw
Check that you are using Sidecar rather than Universal Control, that the correct Mac window and drawing tool are selected, and that the Pencil is paired and charged. Confirm that the layer is editable and that the application supports the relevant tablet input. Test a simple brush in a new document, then inspect the application’s stylus settings.
The display is black, blank, or cropped
Disconnect and reconnect Sidecar, try USB, check display arrangement and resolution, hide the sidebar, rotate the iPad to landscape, and move nonessential panels back to the Mac. Mirroring can help identify whether the issue is limited to the extended-display arrangement.
The iPad disconnects
Use a different data-capable cable and connect directly to the Mac rather than through a hub. For wireless use, reduce competing network activity. Restart both devices and reconnect. USB is generally the safer option for long sessions.
Best Value
- 【2X Faster Charge】: Metapen Pencil A8 fully charges in just 30 minutes via USB-C and lasts up to 10 hours. 1-min charge = 50-min use; 4 min fast charge = 2 hour use. The LED indicator displays different colors based on battery level, reminding you to recharge in time. It automatically shuts down after 5 minutes of inactivity for better energy efficiency. Note: A8 does not support magnetic charging or wireless charging via iPad.
- 【More Durable Tips】: Made of high-quality polymer, the Metapen's tips pass a 20 km durability test—2X more durable than original iPencil tips(NOTE：The package comes with two nibs, one already installed and one as a spare). Their internal structure remains intact even after 3,000 impacts. Each Metapen A8 pen comes with two extra replaceable tips , saving costs for frequent users
- 【Metal Barrel & Palm Rejection】: Metapen A8 Aluminum Metal Barrel iPad stylus pen supports Palm Rejection, so no need for a glove, with metal barrel, this stylus pen can provide you with a better writing experience. You can rest your palm or fingers on the screen during sketching, drawing, or writing. All-metal aluminum barrel: 4x harder, 10x more wear-resistant than plastic.Metal weight, metal strength. Not plastic. 200 MPa flexural strength, survives 1.2m drops 50+ times. A stronger and more durable iPad A16 penicl for Child/Kids than plastic iPad pencil.
- 【Quick Connect and Double Magnets】: No need to connect via Bluetooth or apps. Simply double-tap the invisible touch switch on the rounded end of A8 to power ON/OFF. With two built-in magnets, the Metapen iPad Pen securely attaches to your iPad anytime, no more rolling away or getting lost. (NOTE: Wireless Charging is NOT Supported. NO magnetic attachment for iPad Air 3rd/M2/M3 Gen, iPad 6th/7th/8th/9th/10th/11th Gen, iPad mini 5th/7th, iPad Pro M4)
- 【Make Sure Your iPad Model is Compatible】: Metapen Pencil A8 is ONLY compatible with the iPad models 2018-2026: iPad 11/10/9/8/7/6 Gen, iPad Pro 13-inch M4, iPad Pro 11-inch 1/2/3/4/M4, iPad Air 3/4/5/M2/M3, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3/4/5/6 Gen, iPad Mini 5/6 Gen. NOTE: The Pencil A8 is NOT compatible with iPads before 2018, iPhone, Android or Microsoft devices. Please check your iPad model before ordering
Sidecar alternatives
| Option | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sidecar | Built into compatible macOS and iPadOS devices; extends or mirrors the Mac display. | Most Mac owners who already have a compatible iPad and Pencil. |
| Astropad Studio | Software that mirrors a Mac or PC display and adds drawing-focused controls. | Custom shortcuts, pressure controls, gestures, and Mac/PC support. |
| Astropad Slate | Turns the iPad into a screenless pen tablet or trackpad rather than primarily mirroring the canvas. | Users who prefer a Wacom Intuos-style workflow. |
| Luna Display | Uses a hardware unit and software to make the iPad a second display for Mac or PC. | Older Macs, PC compatibility, and specialized display setups. |
| Dedicated tablet | Purpose-built screenless tablet or pen display with its own drivers and calibration. | Professional, long-session work where consistency, calibration, and latency matter most. |
Astropad Studio
Astropad Studio is aimed specifically at drawing on a Mac or PC with iPad and Apple Pencil. It offers features such as custom shortcuts, gestures, and pressure controls, with USB and Wi-Fi connections. Astropad reports a 14-day free trial for new Studio accounts and offers subscription and lifetime-license options; verify current availability and pricing on its official product page or checkout page.
Choose it when Sidecar’s controls or application compatibility are not enough. It is unnecessary for an occasional second-screen or basic drawing workflow that Sidecar already handles.
Astropad Slate
Slate is not simply a more customizable version of Studio. Its purpose is a screenless pen-tablet and trackpad experience. Choose it when you want to draw on the iPad while viewing the artwork on the Mac display, not when you specifically want the canvas beneath the Pencil. See Astropad’s Slate and Studio comparison.
Luna Display
Luna Display uses required hardware in addition to software. Astropad describes support for Mac and PC connections, Apple Pencil, touch, and USB or Wi-Fi connections, subject to the applicable system requirements. It can be useful for older Macs or multi-device setups, but it is not a free software-only Sidecar replacement. Check the current Luna requirements.
Is an iPad better than a dedicated drawing tablet?
An iPad is particularly attractive when you already own one. It gives you a high-quality portable display, Apple Pencil input, and a standalone tablet when you are away from the Mac. Sidecar also avoids buying another tablet if your devices are compatible.
A dedicated tablet can be the better tool for intensive production. It avoids display streaming, usually provides dedicated drivers and calibration controls, and can offer more predictable long-session performance. Screenless models can also cost less than buying an iPad and Pencil solely for Mac drawing. Pen displays add direct-on-screen drawing but require another device, cable, and desk space.
Compare the total cost of an iPad and compatible Pencil with purpose-built options from manufacturers such as Wacom, Huion, and XP-Pen. Do not buy an iPad solely for Sidecar until you have considered whether a dedicated tablet better matches your work.
Quick Recap
Quick recommendation
- Already own a compatible iPad and Apple Pencil: start with Sidecar.
- Drawing for hours or working on a large project: use Sidecar over USB.
- Need custom shortcuts or pressure controls: try Astropad Studio during its trial.
- Prefer drawing without seeing the Mac canvas on the iPad: consider Astropad Slate or a traditional graphics tablet.
- Have an older Mac or need PC compatibility: compare Astropad Studio and Luna Display.
- Need the lowest latency and most consistent professional setup: choose a dedicated tablet or pen display.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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