Two monitors are better than one AT with a mac executing macOS Catalina or a later version, you can transform your iPad into a second screen thanks to Sidecar, which allows your computer to chat with your tablet and extend the same environment ofdesk.

However, this feature is limited to certain Mac and iPad models only, which is a disappointment if you have an older device or a Windows PC.Fortunately, some third -party applications can help fill the void on all devices that cannot perform Sidecar.

The ideal option: SideCar on macOS

Sidecar is undoubtedly the best option to transform your iPad into a second screen.So if you have a Mac and an iPad of the past five years approximately, you will want to try it first.(If your devices are older than that, go directly to the next section)).

To connect your iPad as a screen, connect it to your Mac via a USB port, or, to do it wireless, make sure that Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Internet technologies are activated.Handoff are activated.You must also be connected to the same Apple identifier on the two devices.

Click the AirPlay button in your Mac menu bar and select your iPad from the list.The icon will change, and by clicking again on the menu, you will have access to a number of options.You can reflect the screen of your Mac or extend it, display or hide the sidebar and the touchbar that appear on the iPad, or disconnect your tablet.

You can use SideCar with or without wireless, but if you want to go from one to the other, you must log out and reconnect using the AirPlay menu.Apple claims that the application should work wirelessly as long as the iPad is less than 10 meters from the Mac, and you can even use your Apple Pencil to sign documents and draw in supported applications.

The cheap and multiplatform option: splashtop wired xdisplay

If your Mac or your iPad is not supported by Sidecar -or if you use Windows or Android -, you can use the XDPLAY program.Splashtop Wired XDISPLAY is a third -party application that allows you to transform your tablet into a second screen.It only works when it is connected by USB, and is not the most fluid option I have used, but it will make the work adequately for a low price.

Splashtop Wired Xdisplay is made up of two elements: an office agent that works in the background on your PC or Mac, and an application for laptops.iPados or Android that works on your tablet.(The iPad application seems to be free, while the Android application is $ 7 - although there is a price to pay.Free trial version that works for 10 minutes at a time)).

After installing computer and tablet applications, make sure that the computer app is running on your computer, connect your tablet to your computer with a USB cable, then launch the XDISPLAY application on your tablet.It will establish a connection with your computer and a virgin office will appear on your tablet.You can reorganize your monitors from your computer display settings, slide windows on your tablet and use it as second monitor to improve your productivity.

I recommend having a stand to keep it in place, something like ... This works very well if you use your tablet with a laptop, while a more adjustable support is ideal for use on the desktop.

Splashtop Wired Xdisplay works quite well, at least in my experience using an iPad and a Windows PC.There is a certain noticeable latency, and I had some problems with the blocking in mirror mode on one of my computers, but for the price of free, it's worth trying.(The Android application at 7 dollars has more mixed opinions, and if you have to pay, I think it's worth paying a little more and using our paid recommendation, Duet Display, below)).

A more expensive, but better alternative: Duet Display

If you want such a fluid as possible experience, duo display is the best application I tested to transform an iPad into a second screen.

Like Splashtop, it has an application for your tablet that connects to a companion application on your computer.The Duet Display office application is free, but the computer support application is free.iOS and Android Applications cost $ 10.The standard version of the application only works when connected by USB, but it adds a touch bar to any Mac, supports the iPad and mobile phones.keyboards and add tactile control of your Windows or Mac applications on the tablet screen.

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If you want more features, there is also a "duet air" subscription in the application that adds wireless connectivity, the remote desktop, and improved graphics for $ 20 per year, and a "duet pro" subscriptionwhich adds drawing features for $ 30 per year.

Once you have installed desktop and tablet applications, make sure that the Duet Display desktop application works in your PC, then connect your tablet via USB and launch the Duet Display Mobile Application.It should connect immediately to your computer and you will see an office appear, ready to be used.

Finally, click on the Duet Display icon on your PC to access a few other parameters, such as the image frequency and the resolution used by your tablet.For me, the default settings have worked well, but if you find it a bit slow on an older laptop, reduce resolution, image frequency or energy consumption from this window canto help.

If you have subscribed to the Duet Air subscription, you can connect wireless display by opening the desktop application, going in advanced settings and clicking on the wireless tab (under Windows)) or on the Air tab (under macOS)).Your tablet should appear in the list, and you can click on it to connect.(If it is not displayed, you can connect manually by entering the phone number of your tablet.IP adress.))

Duet Display is perhaps more expensive than its competitors, but according to my experience, it is by far the most fluid experience.If you regularly use your iPad as a second screen, the price is worth the candle.