An iPad is a handy tool to have around, but it always played second fiddle to my MacBook Pro for work and creative purposes. Don’t get me wrong; it makes for a useful backup laptop, it’s perfect for travel entertainment, and I love using it with the Apple Pencil for its sheer versatility. However, it always felt like a bit of a gimmick — until recently.
It never occurred to me to combine my two screens to create the ultimate mobile workspace. With my MacBook handling the heavy lifting and my iPad working in concert, I have streamlined my workflow and significantly improved productivity. Whether I’m writing remotely in a coffee shop or struck by musical inspiration while away on a trip, a few simple tricks have transformed the way I work and create.
Use Sidecar to turn your iPad into a handy second screen
Quickly and easily extend your Mac display for extra workspace
Apple’s built-in Sidecar feature is the easiest way to extend your Mac’s display via USB-C or Wi-Fi. To activate this feature, simply click the AirPlay icon on your Mac’s menu bar and select your iPad. This isn’t merely screen mirroring — like magic, your desktop will instantly spill over onto the iPad’s screen, significantly increasing your workspace.
This way, I can drag my guitar effects from Mainstage, or my reference window from Chrome, onto my iPad, freeing up my main display for core tasks. Latency is minimal, so I primarily use a wireless connection, and it operates almost as smoothly as a native monitor.
To adjust the arrangement of your screens, open System Settings -> Displays on your Mac. Drag and drop your iPad to the same position it sits on your desk for an intuitive user experience.
Transform your workflow with a creative canvas or control hub
Unlock new possibilities for design, editing, and productivity
While it works well as a passive second screen for research materials and quick reference, an iPad comes into its own when used as an interactive tool. When used with Photoshop or Illustrator, it becomes a realistic sketchpad. With the iPad positioned horizontally, you can paint or draw with an Apple Pencil and watch your creations come to life on the main display.
When I’m producing music, my iPad gets a lot of mileage as a mixing console that feels intuitive and lifelike, allowing me to ride faders and adjust knobs as if it were the real deal. There’s also the benefit of having multi-touch shortcuts while using Sidecar, which saves time and energy. For example:
- A two-finger swipe acts as a right-click in many apps.
- Pinch to zoom lets you quickly and easily resize content.
- A three-finger swipe left or right can undo and redo in many creative apps.
- Double-tap the Apple Pencil near the tip to switch tools on the fly.
Whatever your creative field, having a low-latency surface is likely beneficial, especially if you work in tight spaces or while on the go.
Arrange tools and information for quicker access and smoother tasks
Of course, an iPad is more than just a display — it’s a scaled-down computer in its own right. Whenever you’re not using it as a second screen, you can use it to run standalone apps that operate alongside your workflow.
For example, I can park my communication tools on the iPad, such as my office’s Slack channel, an ongoing Zoom call, email, or a work management platform, and remain focused on my work. You can also leave widgets running for at-a-glance information, such as world clocks, timers, productivity tools, notepads, or stock tickers. iPadOS also offers the Stage Manager app, which allows you to run multiple overlapping windows, giving you even more value from the combined monitor and tablet functionality.
Cable versus wireless connectivity — when performance matters
Choose the right setup to balance speed, stability, and convenience
Using a wired connection, either via Lightning or USB-C, while not as tidy, has its benefits. This method is virtually lag-free and is often ideal when performing tasks that demand a high degree of precision, such as video editing or digital painting.
Wireless connections are ideal for casual use, and this is the method I typically employ for most applications. Using Sidecar over a high-speed Wi-Fi connection is perfectly stable for web browsing, online meetings, and even many creative pursuits. However, whenever I’m on the go, I do keep a USB-C cable handy in case I encounter subpar WiFi or I need latency-free performance.
Extend your desktop and enjoy a happier and more productive workspace
If your iPad is gathering dust in a drawer, consider putting it to work as a second display and a standalone productivity booster. This versatile tool is more than just a second screen — it’s a powerful extension of your digital workspace. I love using Sidecar with my iPad as a means of dividing my workflow, but when you factor in multi-touch gestures, creative apps, handy widgets, and a rapid connection, it really comes into its own as a high-performing creative powerhouse.
Whether you are primarily sketching ideas, mixing musical masterpieces, or keeping reference materials at eye level, these iPad hacks not only extend your workspace and save you from fatigue, but they also offer dynamic tools that will inspire you and make you more efficient at the task at hand.
