Hey creative soul! You have a MacBook and an iPad, but you still haven't entered the magical world of Sidecar? Then it's time to turn your bed (or your work corner) into a professional digital art studio. In just a few clicks!
In this guide, we explain how you can push the boundaries of technology and step into the digital art world of your dreams.
What is Sidecar and How Does It Work?
Sidecar is a great feature that Apple offers you. It allows you to use your iPad as a second screen for your MacBook, allowing you to use both devices at once. Yes, you heard it right: your iPad will now be your MacBook's best art assistant! If you are interested in digital art, this feature was created for you!
Sidecar provides a great advantage especially for those who deal with creative works such as drawing, design, editing. Why?
- Enjoy multitasking : open your reference images on your iPad, work in Procreate or Photoshop on your MacBook. Two screens to work on without limiting your imagination!
- Screen expansion : No more screen space constraints! Whether you’re watching a YouTube tutorial on one screen, working on another, or drawing, keep all your tools in sight.
- Quick switch : No need to do anything while drawing, instantly switch to MacBook and edit the project. It's all ready in an instant!
Essential Equipment: Your Studio's Must-Haves
You don’t need a lot of equipment to use Sidecar, but you do need to make sure that the devices you have are compatible. Here’s what you’ll need to set up a professional digital art studio at home with Sidecar:
Basic Equipment:
- Compatible MacBook : 2016 and later MacBook models support Sidecar.
- iPad (6th generation and later) : So if you have a new generation iPad, you're set!
- Apple Pencil (Preferably 2nd generation) : It's like your magic wand when drawing.
- Strong WiFi connection : Because when the connection drops, you will feel like you are creating a work of art that tests your patience.
Bonus Equipment:
- iPad stand : Neck pain? No more. With this stand, you can use your iPad at the right angle and provide a healthy sitting position.
- MacBook stand : Bring your MacBook to eye level and make bad posture a thing of the past.
- Charging cables : Remember, creative minds experience charging problems at the most inopportune times.
Meet ProCord to eliminate cable problems!
Setup Steps: Your Digital Art Studio Step by Step
To expand your art world, here is a step-by-step Sidecar setup guide:
- System Requirements :
- macOS Catalina or later : Make sure your MacBook is up to date.
- iPadOS 13 or later : Your iPad must also be up to date with this system.
- Sign in with the same Apple ID : Make sure you are signed in to the same Apple account on both your devices.
- Bluetooth and WiFi must be turned on : Without these two technologies, your Sidecar dreams will be ruined!
- Connection Setup :
- Open Control Center on your MacBook.
- Click on Screen Mirroring .
- Select your iPad from the list.
- That's it! Your digital art studio is now ready. 🎉
Best Practices: Use It Like a Profiler
Sidecar is a great technology, but it does require some fine tuning to get the most out of it. Here are some tips to keep in mind when using Sidecar:
Workspace Layout :
- Where to put the iPad : Put the iPad on the left side (or on the right side if you’re left-handed, of course!). Create a layout that’s both practical and ergonomic.
- MacBook at eye level : If you keep your MacBook at eye level, your neck will be comfortable and you will see all drawing processes clearly.
- Light is important! : The lighting arrangement in your workspace is very important. Be sure to use natural light to avoid drawing like a vampire. 😉
Application Suggestions :
- Procreate (for drawing on iPad): A favorite for drawing lovers.
- Photoshop (for editing on MacBook): A must-have in the digital world, this app is great for editing and enhancing your drawings.
- Reference apps (For inspiration): You can use great apps for visual references to inspire your projects. Pinterest is the best at this!
Troubleshooting: Technology Can Be Confusing Sometimes
Will everything be perfect? Probably not. Here are some common problems you may encounter while using Sidecar and their solutions:
Frequently Encountered Problems :
- Disconnection : Sometimes your WiFi connection can be weak and Sidecar can lag.
- Lag : If your WiFi connection isn't strong, you may experience a slight delay when switching from your Apple Pencil or MacBook to your iPad.
- Apple Pencil sensitivity problems : Loss of sensitivity can often be caused by software updates or connectivity issues.
Solutions :
- Restart devices : Classic but effective! Restarting your devices solves many connection issues.
- Check your WiFi connection : A strong internet connection is always a must!
- Turn Bluetooth off and on : Even though they work side by side, sometimes Bluetooth needs to be restarted.
- Make system updates : Up-to-date software minimizes such problems.
Pro Tips: From Master Digital Artists
Here are a few tips we learned from professional artists that might come in handy when using Sidecar:
- Learn the shortcut keys : If time is of the essence, learning the shortcut keys on your MacBook and iPad will give you a huge speed boost.
- Customize the Sidecar menu : Highlight your frequently used tools in the Sidecar menu to streamline your workflow.
- Screen calibration : It is very important that both screens display the same color tones. So do not neglect screen calibration.
- Take regular breaks : Staring at the screen for long periods of time can strain your eyes. Take a short break every 20 minutes by looking away from the screen. Your eyes will thank you!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: How is battery life affected when using Sidecar?
A: Yes, these two devices do consume a bit of power. Don't forget to keep your charging adapters nearby!
Q: Can I get the full benefit of Sidecar without using Apple Pencil?
A: Apple Pencil is not required, but if you are into digital art, using this magic pen will make your drawing experience incredibly easy.
Q: Will there be any lag issues?
A: If you have a strong WiFi connection, you won't experience lag. However, this problem is inevitable with weak connections, so a stable internet connection is the most important condition.
Conclusion
Creating a professional digital art studio at home by combining your MacBook and iPad with Sidecar is much easier and more fun than you think! The setup process is simple and easy to use. By following the steps in this guide, you can create an environment that will take your creativity to the top.
While you are doubling your creativity, don't forget that the best works are often created at 3am with a cup of coffee! So, start your digital art journey and discover the benefits Sidecar has to offer!
