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With the release of macOS Sequoia 15.1, Apple introduced a feature for Sidecar that many users have been waiting for a long time: the ability to use the iPad in portrait mode as an extended screen for your Mac. Previously, Sidecar was only available in landscape mode, and many users had to resort to cumbersome third-party apps to enable flexible screen rotation. In this article, you will learn step by step how to use Sidecar on your iPad in portrait mode and what small hurdles you need to be aware of.
Since the introduction of Sidecar with macOS Catalina, Apple users have had an easy way to extend their Mac screen to their iPad. The flexibility of this tool has been further improved with the new updates in macOS Sequoia and iPadOS. If you use the iPad as a second screen for your Mac, you can now benefit from the extended portrait view.
What is Sidecar?
Sidecar is a tool from Apple that allows you to wirelessly extend your Mac screen to an iPad. Whether you need additional workspace for creative tasks or just want to be more multitasking-capable, Sidecar is the ideal solution for Apple users who want to work seamlessly between their devices. With the October updates, Sidecar has become even more versatile: For the first time, you can now use the iPad in portrait mode, which offers new opportunities for productivity and creativity.
Requirements for use in portrait format
To use Sidecar in portrait mode, certain software requirements must be met:
- macOS Sequoia 15.1 or later on your Mac
- iPadOS 18.1 or later on your iPad
Without these versions, the portrait mode feature in Sidecar will not be available. Make sure you have the latest updates installed before you begin setup.
How to set up Sidecar: step-by-step instructions
- Open System Preferences: On your Mac, go to System Preferences and select the Display menu item.
- Add device: Click on the plus sign under the image of your screen. A dropdown menu opens with various devices to choose from. Your iPad is also listed here.
- Choose iPad as your display: Find your iPad from the list of devices that appear and select it. Make sure the iPad is turned on, but it will still appear even if it's turned off, as long as it's linked to your Apple account.
- Enable Extended Display: After selecting the iPad, you'll see the "Use as" option. Here, select Extended Display from the dropdown menu to use the iPad as an extension of your Mac screen.
screen layout and positioning
Your Mac screen now extends to the iPad. In the display settings you have the option to set the position of the screens. By default the iPad is displayed to the right or left of the Mac screen. With the Arrange function you can adjust the screen position to suit your preferences. This arrangement makes navigating between Mac and iPad much easier.
Rotate the iPad orientation to portrait mode
The real highlight: physically turn your iPad into portrait format and the display on the iPad automatically adjusts. This allows you to use the iPad as a vertical screen, which is particularly helpful for long texts or certain design tasks.
Sidecar in portrait format: A valuable tool for more flexibility
The new Sidecar update brings a handy feature that significantly expands the flexibility of iPad use. Whether for productive work or creative projects, the ability to use the iPad in portrait orientation opens up more options for Mac users than ever before. With these steps, you can use your iPad in portrait orientation as a second screen and take full advantage of the extended display option. Always keep your software up to date to benefit from future optimizations and bug fixes and get the most out of your Apple hardware. Looking for the best accessories? Visit our Amazon Storefront and discover a wide variety of products from top providers, including HomeKit-compatible ones! (Photo by Unsplash / Daniel Romero)
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