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If you’re looking to become more productive on your computer, a second monitor may be the answer. By adding a second display you may be able to get more done, boosting your efficiency and reducing the time you need to complete tasks.
Second monitors can be expensive, can consume a lot of space and aren’t mobile. But if you use your iPad as a second monitor, you can utilize tech you already own, use minimal desktop space plus have it with you on the go.
The Duet Display app, developed by former Apple engineers, allows you to use your iPad as a second monitor for your Mac computer. This handy app not only saves you money by not having to purchase a second monitor, it works smoothly so you don’t have to worry about lagging or stuttering on your computer or your iPad.
This video demonstrates Duet Display in action:
Getting Started with the Duet Display App
Using this app is about as simple, smooth and intuitive as an app can be. To use the Duet Display app you must get the app for both your Mac computer and your iPad.
- Get the Duet Display app for Mac at the Duet website.
- Then get the Duet Display app for iPad/iPhone.
The good news is that the Duet Display app is free for your Mac. The bad news is that the app currently costs $15.99 for your iPad. $15.99 is very expensive for an app, but very inexpensive for a second monitor!
[note] Note that Duet Display also works on your iPhone, but you would probably want to use it only on the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus to have a large enough display to see the screen. [/note]
Installing Duet Display on Your Mac
When you download the app for your Mac, you will see the icon either on your desktop or in Launchpad. Double click the icon to open the file. You will have to restart your Mac.
When Duet Display is installed, you will see the Duet icon in the top menu bar of your Mac. →
Click on that icon to get information about the app and adjust the settings.
Installing Duet Display on your iPad
Download the Duet Display app and open it. You’ll see instructions to get started:
Tap Got It and connect your iPad to your Mac with either your lightning or 30-pin cable, depending on which model iPad you own.
Using the Duet Display App to Turn Your iPad into a Second Monitor
After you have the Duet Display app open and your iPad connected with a cable to your Mac, you’ll see a flicker on your Mac screen and then your display will appear on your iPad. You can use your mouse or touchpad to move a window from your Mac onto your iPad. Drag the window to the right side of the screen of your Mac and watch it appear on your iPad.
Controlling the iPad
Because your iPad is now a second monitor, the controls are different than if you were using a regular iPad app.
You can control the window that is open on your iPad with the keyboard and cursor from your computer. Move your cursor over to the iPad screen by moving it past the right side of your computer screen and you will see the cursor appear on the iPad screen. Click on the iPad screen to be able to use the keyboard on that screen.
The touch screen of the iPad will work in a limited way within the Duet Display app. Tap with one finger to click as you with the left mouse button. Tap with two fingers to right-click. The iPad keyboard does not work in the Duet Display app, you must use your Mac keyboard.
You can watch videos on your iPad as a second monitor within the Duet Display app. Sound will play out of the Mac speakers.
Cord Connection
Duet Display uses a cord to link your iPad to your Mac. Those who aren’t fans of cords may wonder why Duet doesn’t use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to connect the devices.
By using a corded connection Duet is more stable and smooth, you don’t have to wait for the connection or worry about it dropping. The cord also supplies some power to your iPad, prolonging its charge. Further, the corded cable is more secure, you don’t have to worry about hackers trying to get into your Mac wirelessly by using the Duet Display app.
Ideas for Using Duet as a Second Screen
According to the developer, adding a second monitor can boost productivity up to 48%. You can use a second monitor to:
- Edit images
- Edit videos
- Research topics
- Use maps
- Watching videos
- Keeping up with sports scores and stock prices
Your Thoughts
Have you ever used a second monitor to be more productive? Did you know you could use your iPad as a second monitor? What would you use a second monitor for? Let us know in the Comments section below!
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Carolyn is away from all monitors, but articles will continue to be published here at The Wonder of Tech while she’s away. She will return to respond to comments and to use her iPad as a second monitor on March 16.
Hi Carolyn
duet App looks awesome. I haven’t tried such app before and want to use it on my ipad. It can be very useful for me specially researching on stocks and watching live stock prices at the same time. Only hurdle is the price of app. I would like to try it before buying full app. Is there limited or trial version available for ipad?
Hi Carolyn
Very wonderful review and you covered all the main features of the duet display app.
I badly need to watch videos simultaneously doing other blogging chores of routine type. For listening podcast I just need another window of browser but for watching videos I need another monitor that also covers space and create a little congestion.
So this app is a wonderful solution to watch videos and do several other work with a handy display.
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Carolyn,
Wow! this one sounds like a really wonderful app.
While I badly need a second monitor to organize and complete all the tasks in time, the duet display seems to be the answer.
As a tech blogger myself, I am really intrigued by the product. While all seems pretty good, I only a bit skeptical about the limited access through iPad touch screen. But definitely worth a try.
Thanks for sharing this one. Have a nice day!
Hi Carolyn,
I’ve never yet used a second monitor. I feel it can be a distraction instead of increasing productivity. Not sure how it can boost productivity.
Had come across Duet Display about a month ago, but I don’t own a Mac or an iPad, so didn’t go into much detail. A few friends have these, so I’ll inform them. Thanks for reminding about this app.
So, you did a great job od scheduling a month of posts before you went for a vacation. Cool. 🙂