How to Use macOS Catalina Sidecar: Everything You Need to Know

Sue Wayne

Jan 15, 2024 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions

This is a recent query posted by a Mac user about the latest macOS Catalina Sidecar feature. Yes – you have read it right, the feature can let you extend or mirror the display of your Mac. Though, if you have not used it before, then you might encounter some issues to start with. To help you, I have come up with this detailed guide on macOS Catalina Sidecar requirements with a stepwise tutorial to use it.

Part 1: What is the Sidecar Feature in macOS Catalina

Before we discuss how to connect macOS Catalina Sidecar, let's get to know its basic features and requirements. The feature is recently added in the MacOS Catalina's New Features latest macOS Catalina 10.15 update that can extend the display of your Mac. That is, you can open a dedicated window to the connected iPad to expand your workspace. Besides that, you can also mirror the display of your Mac to the connected iPad.

You can connect your Mac and iPad wirelessly or with a working cable (this will also charge your iPad). Though, you should know that the macOS Catalina Sidecar feature does not work with all Mac or iPad devices. You can have the following devices to meet the macOS Catalina Sidecar requirements.

Compatible iPad Models

• All models of iPad Pro
• 3^rd Generation iPad Air
• 5^th Generation iPad Mini
• 6^th Generation or newer iPad models

Mac Models

• Mac Pro 2019
• Mac Mini 2018 or newer models
• iMac Pro
• iMac 2016 or newer models
• MacBook Air 2018 or newer models
• MacBook 2016 or newer models
• MacBook Pro 2016 or newer models

Once your iPad is connected to Mac, you can use your Apple Pencil to navigate it or even draw on it. It works with a wide range of applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, ZBrush, and more. Just make sure that you follow these prerequisites:

• Both the devices should be linked to the same iCloud account.
• Also, Bluetooth, WiFi, and Handoff should be turned on
• Your Mac and iPad should be in the range of 10 meters at least for a seamless connection.
• The sharing of cellular data or internet connection should be disabled on both devices.

Part 2: How to Use macOS Catalina Sidecar Feature

If you have recently updated your Mac to the new macOS Catalina, then you must be excited to give the sidecar feature a try. To learn how to connect macOS Catalina Sidecar and use it, just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Make sure you are using a recent Mac/iPad

As you can see, the macOS Catalina Sidecar feature is not available on every Mac that supports the new update. I have already listed all the compatible Mac and iPad models that support the sidecar feature as of now. The MacBook and MacBook Pro should be of 2016 or a newer version, besides other Macs. You can just go through the above list and ensure that both iPad and Mac support the feature. If not, then the sidecar feature will not work on your system.

Step 2: Upgrade your Mac and iPad

If your devices are running on outdated macOS or iOS versions, then you need to update them first. Needless to say, you won't be able to access the macOS Catalina Sidecar feature if Mac is not running on the latest 10.15 OS.

1. Firstly, unlock your iPad and go to its Settings > General > Software Update. Here, you can see the latest iOS version's profile available. Tap on the "Download and Install" button to upgrade your iPad.

2. There are several ways to upgrade your Mac to new macOS Catalina. For instance, you can just go to the App Store, look for Catalina, and install the update.

3. If you want, you can also go to the official website of macOS Catalina and download the update on your Mac.

4. The easiest way to do it is by visiting Finder > About This Mac > Overview > Software Update. Just check the profile of macOS Catalina listed here and click on "Upgrade Now" to update your Mac.

Step 3: Open System Preferences on your Mac

Now when you are all prepped up, you can start using Sidecar on macOS Catalina and your iPad. Simply follow these easy steps to start using the macOS Catalina Sidecar feature:

1. Firstly, connect your iPad and Mac wirelessly or by using a cable. For an instant connection, you can just plug your iPad to Mac. Alternatively, you can turn on its AirPlay feature and connect both the devices.
2. Once both the devices are connected, go to your Mac's desktop and click on the Apple menu on the top. Visit System Preferences from here and open the Sidecar settings.
3. As the dedicated window for Sidecar would be opened, you can just connect your iPad to Mac from the "Connect to" field. Simply click on it and select your iPad from here. You can also access several other Sidecar features here.

Step 4: Launch Sidecar on Mac

That's it! Once you have connected your iPad and Mac, you can easily launch the Sidecar feature. On any window on your Mac, you can hover the mouse pointer on the full-screen button. From here, you can choose to move the window on the connected iPad and access it the way you like. You can also just mirror your Mac's screen on the iPad as well apart from extending the display.

Part 3: How Can I Customize Sidecar?

Since Sidecar is still a new feature on Mac, there aren't a lot of options for us to customize it. You can go to System Preferences > Sidecar to access its available options. Apart from the connected iPad, the following are the major changes you can make here.

• Show Sidebar – You can choose to disable or enable sidebar on your iPad or keep its placement on either left or right.
• Show Touch Bar – This will let you display Touch Bar either at the bottom or the top of the iPad (or disable it).
• Double-tap on Apple Pencil – There is a custom action on Apple Pencil (2^nd generation) that you can simply enable from here as well.

Part 4: Other Features of macOS Catalina Sidecar

By now, you would be able to learn how to connect macOS Catalina Sidecar to your iPad and get things started. To use the feature like a pro, you can quickly go through the following add-on functions of it.

• Apple Pencil

You can take the assistance of Apple Pencil to select anything, point, and even draw. Yes, there are all kinds of apps that support editing and sketching using Apple Pencil on Sidecar.

• Gestures

If you have a multi-touch iPad, then you can use the following gestures with macOS Catalina Sidecar.

• Swipe with two fingers to scroll
• Pinch in with three fingers to copy
• Pinch in with three fingers twice to cut
• Pinch out with three fingers to paste
• Swipe left/right with three fingers to undo/redo

• Touch Bar

Even if your Mac does not have a Touch Bar feature, you will get it nevertheless using Sidecar on iPad. Just tap on it while working on your iPad to access all sorts of shortcuts from here.

• Sidebar

Most of the functions on your iPad would be listed on its Sidebar. It will also have important keys like Command and Shift so that you don't have to use your iPad's keyboard. To access the keyboard, you can just tap on its icon on the sidebar. Also, you can show/hide your Mac's dock and access the menu options. You can also go full screen from here or just discontinue the Sidecar feature as well.

Now when you know about macOS Catalina Sidecar and all the amazing features that it offers, you can easily use it like a pro. Just make sure that you have compatible devices with updated firmware to access sidecar on macOS Catalina. It works flawlessly with tools like Photoshop or Illustrator that would help you with sketching, editing, or revamping of images. Go ahead and unleash your creative spirit or just share this guide with your friends to teach them how to connect macOS Catalina Sidecar to iPad as well.

People Also Ask

What to do when my iPad isn't listed in the AirPlay menu for Sidecar?

Just go to Mac's System Preferences > Sidecar and choose your iPad from the "Connect to" field. If your iPad is not listed here, then make sure its Bluetooth and WiFi features are on. You can also use a cable to connect your iPad and Mac through a wired connection. Needless to say, your iPad should be compatible with the Sidecar feature and running on the latest iOS version beforehand.

Is it possible to enable Sidecar on incompatible Macs in Catalina?

I'm sorry, but the Sidecar feature only works on the compatible Mac systems that have macOS Catalina installed. Since not every iPad or Mac supports the Sidecar feature, you can go through the list of the compatible devices (listed above) to resolve any confusion in advance.

Does Sidecar works in Portrait Mode on macOS Catalina?

As of now, Sidecar only supports landscape mode and will not be available in a portrait mode. This is because it works as an extension of Mac's screen or mirrors it, which is already in the landscape mode by default. Though, if you want, you can change the position of the Touch Bar or Sidebar on iPad's display to customize it.