Use iPad as just an input device for MBP with a second monitor?

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Use iPad as just an input device for MBP with a second monitor?

Apologies if this has been asked and answered, i've searched but haven't been able to come up with a good answer.

I have a MBP and use a monitor on my desk, i use an external keyboard but position my MBP so i can use the touchpad (and use my MBP pro screen as second monitor).

I am wondering if i could use the ipad with sidecar in this set up just as a pointing device (similar to wacom). I am not doing drawing, but have used a wacom in past as main "mouse" input and liked it as an option to give my hand a break from mouse/touchpad.

iPad, iOS 9

Posted on Jul 17, 2020 7:38 AM

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Answer 1

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LotusPilot

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302,288 points

Jul 17, 2020 9:25 AM in response to ekuhn

Sidecar appears to provide the functionality that you describe - subject to the minimum system requirements for the Mac. Here is excerpt from the linked Sidecar support page...

Use Apple Pencil

To point, click, select and perform tasks such as drawing, editing photos and manipulating objects on your iPad while it's extending or mirroring your Mac display, you can use your Apple Pencil instead of the mouse or trackpad connected to your Mac. You can also use it to write, sketch, and mark up documents while seeing the updates live on your Mac.

Sidecar also supports double-tap, which you can turn on in Sidecar preferences. Double-tap enables apps that support this feature to perform custom actions when you double-tap on the side of your Apple Pencil (2nd generation).

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Answer 2

LotusPilot

Level 10

302,288 points

Jul 17, 2020 7:42 AM in response to ekuhn

Information about Sidecar and its requirements can be found here:

Use your iPad as a second display for your Mac with Sidecar – Apple Support

If Sidecar doesn’t do what you need, perhaps consider Duet:

https://www.duetdisplay.com/

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Answer 3

ekuhn Author

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10 points

Jul 17, 2020 9:02 AM in response to LotusPilot

Thanks I had looked into that - but again it treats the ipad as another monitor from what i can tell. Really looking for a way to use iPad as a "dumb" input device, not add another monitor.

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Use iPad as just an input device for MBP with a second monitor?

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