Are you a multitasker? Yes? You will love Apple’s Universal Control feature, and for good reason. Thanks to this feature, you can seamlessly work on your iPad and Mac together.
Sounds intriguing? Here’s what you need to know about this feature.
What is Universal Control?
Universal Control is the latest feature introduced by Apple that allows users to control multiple devices using a single trackpad or mouse and keyboard. The purpose of the feature is to make it much more convenient and effortless for users to work on their Apple devices. For example, there’s no need to switch between your iPad and Mac, but you work on them in tandem.
Steps to use Universal Control
To use Universal Control, you must first enable the feature. Then, go to System Settings > Displays > click Advanced on macOS Ventura or later > click next to Allow Your Pointer to Move Between Any Nearby Mac or iPad and Push Through the Edge of a Display to Connect a Nearby Mac or iPad.
You can enable this feature on your iPad by going to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff > enable Cursor and Keyboard.
With this feature enabled, all you need to do is place your Mac and iPad nearby, and you should be able to move the cursor through the edge of one device and see it pop up on the screen of the other device. That’s how you know your devices are connected.
Then, you can drag files around by simply dragging and dropping them. For example, you can drag images, text, or documents from your Mac and drop them on your iPad and vice versa. There’s no need to use AirDrop or upload data to iCloud and sync it.
Please note that for the Universal Control feature to work, you must make sure both devices are on the same network and Bluetooth is turned on. The Handoff technology must also stay turned on. In addition, both devices must log into the same Apple ID and iCloud account. It is recommended to use two-factor authentication to protect your account. For more information, click https://setapp.com/how-to/universal-control-on-macos.
What are the Advantages of the Universal Control Feature?
- Second display
Coders, graphic designers, photographers, and video editors require more screen real estate to complete their work precisely. If you have an iPad and need more screen space to complete your project, you can use your iPad’s screen as a second display to your Mac.
The benefit? You don’t have to spend money purchasing an external monitor.
Furthermore, the Universal feature is even better than the Sidecar feature. In the latter, your Mac’s screen will be mirrored on your iPad. However, in the former, you will get two separate screen spaces. Therefore, you can keep all the tools and windows open on one device and use the other device for sharing files or attending a Zoom call. Therefore, you will get an organized workspace for your project.
- Quick sharing of files
The Universal Control feature enables the quick sharing of files from one device to another. You do not have to AirDrop them or even upload your files, images, or documents to iCloud and then download it on your other device.
When both devices are connected, you can instantly drag and drop files, images, documents, and text. Therefore, if you are working on a research paper or any project that demands the transfer of a lot of information, you can utilize this feature.
- Keyboard for iPad and touchpad for Mac
Thanks to this feature, you get a touchpad for your Mac. You can use your iPad’s touchpad to control your Mac. Similarly, you can use your Mac’s keyboard and trackpad/mouse to control your iPad.
This will allow you to navigate your devices and streamline your projects easily. Also, the Mac keyboard shortcuts will work in a similar fashion on your iPad. For example, the Command + Tab will open an App Switcher window on your iPad, just as it does on your Mac.
Which Devices are Compatible?
The Universal Control feature is available on iPads running iPadOS 14 or above and macOS 11.0 or higher.
If the devices are compatible, you can use one Mac and two iPads, two Macs and one iPad, or one of each with this feature.
The Bottom Line
Ready to take your productivity to the next level? You cannot miss the Universal Control feature that Apple has released to help boost their users’ productivity and efficiency. With this feature, you can fully use your Mac and iPad. You can avoid extra investment, such as external monitors, to expand your Mac’s display.
Start using the feature after checking the compatibility of your device. For example, if your system is not running the latest macOS version, go to System Settings and click Software Update.
