Turn Your iPad Into a Drawing Tablet for Your Mac

If you already have an iPad and a Mac you do not have to buy a drawing tablet for digital art. Apple’s Sidecar feature can make your iPad a pressure-sensitive drawing surface for your Mac. This allows you to use Apple Pencil with apps that work on the Mac.

This setup can help artists, photographers, designers, students and people who often work with images. Of using a mouse or trackpad you can draw with the Apple Pencil on the iPad. The artwork shows up. Changes on the Mac as you work. Apple says that Sidecar is good for drawing and editing in apps on the Mac.

This is how to set it up and use your iPad as a drawing tablet, for Mac.

What You Need

Before getting started, make sure your devices support Sidecar.

You need:

• A compatible Mac
• A compatible iPad
• A compatible Apple Pencil
• A Mac running macOS Catalina 10.15 or later
• An iPad running iPadOS 13 or later
• The same Apple Account signed in on both devices
• Two-factor authentication enabled
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Handoff turned on for wireless Sidecar

Apple lists that supported iPads are iPad Pro models, iPad generation or newer iPad mini 5th generation or newer and iPad Air 3rd generation or newer. Apple says that supported Macs are MacBook Air models from 2018 onward. Most other Mac models, from 2016 onward.

If you desire a reliable connection while drawing you can connect the iPad to the Mac with a USB cable.

Also Read: iPad vs Android Tablet: Which One Should You Buy in 2026?

Step 1: Connect Your iPad to Your Mac

The easiest way to turn your iPad into a drawing tablet is through Sidecar.

First, make sure your Mac and iPad are close to each other and signed in to the same Apple Account.

On your Mac:

1. Open the Apple menu.
2. Select System Settings.
3. Click Displays.
4. Click Add Display.
5. Select your iPad.

You can also open Control Center, select Screen Mirroring, and choose your iPad.

Once connected, your iPad can act as an additional display for your Mac.

Step 2: Choose Extend or Mirror Display

After connecting the iPad, you can decide how you want to use it.

Extend Your Mac Display

This is generally the better option for drawing.

Your Mac remains your main screen while the iPad becomes an additional workspace. You can move your drawing application or canvas onto the iPad and use the Apple Pencil to work on it.

For example, you could keep your artwork on the iPad while keeping reference images, browser windows, or other tools on your Mac.

Mirror Your Mac Display

Mirroring shows the same content on both screens.

This can be useful when you want to see exactly what is happening on the Mac while drawing on the iPad. However, extending the display often provides a more flexible workspace.

Apple specifically supports both extending and mirroring through Sidecar.

Step 3: Open a Drawing App on Your Mac

Now open the Mac application you want to use for drawing or editing.

Sidecar works with compatible creative applications. Depending on your workflow, you can use apps such as Adobe creative software, Affinity Photo and other Mac applications that support drawing input.

Apple highlights workflows such as drawing in Adobe InDesign, editing photos in Affinity Photo 2 and working with 3D models in Maxon ZBrush using Apple Pencil through Sidecar.

Once your app is open, move its window to the iPad.

You can drag the window toward the edge of the Mac display until it moves to the iPad. You can also use the window menu to move it to the iPad.

Step 4: Start Drawing With Apple Pencil

This is where the setup becomes particularly useful.

With the drawing canvas displayed on your iPad, pick up your Apple Pencil and start drawing directly on the screen.

The Apple Pencil can be used to point, select, sketch, write and mark up content while the Mac handles the application. Your work appears on the Mac as you draw.

This feels much more natural than trying to draw with a mouse because you can use the Pencil directly on the iPad’s screen.

For artists, the biggest advantage is the familiar hand-to-screen movement. You can sketch lines, make selections and edit artwork without constantly moving between a mouse and keyboard.

Step 5: Use the Sidecar Sidebar

Sidecar provides a sidebar on the iPad with useful Mac controls.

Depending on your setup, you can access modifier keys such as:

• Command
• Control
• Shift
• Option

You can also use controls for showing or hiding the Mac menu bar and Dock.

This means you do not always need to reach for the Mac keyboard when working on the iPad. Apple Pencil or your finger can be used to interact with these controls.

For drawing workflows, this can make shortcuts more convenient, particularly when your Mac keyboard is positioned farther away from the iPad.

Step 6: Adjust the Display Position

If you are using your iPad beside your Mac, make sure the virtual display arrangement matches your physical setup.

On your Mac, open:

System Settings > Displays > Arrange

Then position the iPad where it physically sits.

For example, if your iPad is on the left side of your Mac, place its display on the left in the arrangement settings.

This makes moving the pointer and windows between the two screens much more natural.

Step 7: Connect With USB for a More Stable Setup

Sidecar can work wirelessly, but a wired connection can be useful for longer drawing sessions.

Connect the iPad directly to the Mac using a compatible USB cable. Apple supports using a USB connection for Sidecar and notes that it can also help keep the iPad charged while you work.

For serious drawing sessions, using a cable can also help avoid some of the connectivity issues that may occur with wireless connections.

If you prefer wireless operation, Apple requires the devices to be within about 10 meters (30 feet) and have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Handoff enabled.

Sidecar vs Universal Control: Which One Should You Use?

It is easy to confuse Sidecar with Universal Control, but they serve different purposes.

If your goal is to use your iPad as a drawing tablet for a Mac, Sidecar is the feature you want.

Universal Control is designed to let one Mac keyboard, mouse or trackpad control multiple nearby Apple devices while each device continues displaying its own apps.

Interestingly, Universal Control can still be useful alongside a drawing workflow. For example, Apple says you can sketch with Apple Pencil on the iPad and then use your Mac’s mouse or trackpad to drag the drawing into an app such as Keynote on the Mac.

Tips for a Better Drawing Experience

Use a Stand

Place the iPad on a stable stand at a comfortable angle. Drawing for extended periods with the iPad flat on a desk can become uncomfortable.

Keep the Mac Nearby

Although Sidecar gives you a second screen, the Mac is still running the main application. Keeping both devices positioned comfortably makes it easier to switch between the keyboard, Mac display and iPad.

Use a USB Cable for Long Sessions

If you plan to draw for several hours, a wired connection can be convenient because the iPad can remain connected to the Mac while you work.

Keep Your Devices Updated

If Sidecar behaves unexpectedly, check for available macOS and iPadOS updates. Apple recommends keeping supported devices updated when troubleshooting Sidecar problems.

Turn Off Unnecessary Wireless Connections

If wireless Sidecar feels unstable, check your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection and make sure both devices are close together. VPN or network-related settings can also interfere with some Continuity features.

What If Sidecar Is Not Working?

If your iPad does not appear under Displays, check the basics first.

Make sure:

• Both devices use the same Apple Account.
• Two-factor authentication is enabled.
• Wi-Fi is turned on.
• Bluetooth is turned on.
• Handoff is enabled.
• The devices are close enough for wireless Sidecar.
• Your Mac and iPad meet Sidecar’s compatibility requirements.

If you are facing continuous problem in wireless connection then try to connect iPad to Mac using USB cable. Apple also recommends checking network conditions and updating macOS and iPadOS when troubleshooting Sidecar.

Is an iPad Good Enough to Replace a Drawing Tablet?

Many casual artists and creative users say yes.

If you already own an iPad and Apple Pencil Sidecar offers a way to draw directly inside Mac applications without buying another graphics tablet.

It is especially useful if you want a setup and occasionally work with illustrations, photo editing, annotations or design projects.

However professional artists, with specialized workflows may still prefer a dedicated drawing display or graphics tablet. Those devices can offer working areas additional shortcut controls and features designed specifically for professional creative work.

For creative work however the iPad-Mac combination is surprisingly capable.

Final Thoughts

You can turn your iPad into a drawing tablet for Mac easily if you use the Sidecar feature from Apple. Once you connect the two devices you can move a Mac application that works with Sidecar over to the iPad. Then you can use your Apple Pencil to draw, sketch or edit your work.

I think the best part about this is how easy it makes things. If you already own an iPad and an Apple Pencil you do not need to go out and buy a graphics tablet right away. You can just turn the iPad and Apple Pencil into a Mac drawing setup using things you already have.

To get the results you should use Sidecar when you want the iPad to act as a drawing surface, for Mac apps. However if you want to keep using your apps on the iPad and just want to use your Mac keyboard or mouse on the iPad then Universal Control is the better choice.

FAQs

Q1. Can I use an iPad as a drawing tablet for Mac?

Yes. You can use Apple’s Sidecar feature to turn a compatible iPad into a second display and draw in supported Mac applications using Apple Pencil.

Q2. Do I need Apple Pencil to use an iPad as a drawing tablet?

Apple Pencil is recommended for drawing because it provides a natural writing and sketching experience. Sidecar can also be controlled with touch for certain tasks.

Q3. Is Sidecar free on Mac and iPad?

Yes. Sidecar is a built-in Apple feature on compatible Mac and iPad models, so there is no separate Sidecar subscription or app to purchase.

Q4. Can I connect my iPad to Mac with a cable?

Yes. You can connect your iPad to your Mac using a compatible USB cable. A wired connection can be useful for longer drawing sessions and keeps the iPad connected while you work.

Q5. Is an iPad better than a dedicated drawing tablet?

It depends on your needs. An iPad is a convenient option if you already own one, while dedicated drawing tablets can offer larger workspaces and specialized controls for professional artists.

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