How to enable Universal Control on Mac and iPad

Universal Control: Seamlessly Manage Your Mac and iPad with One Keyboard and Mouse

Since May 2022, Apple's Universal Control, initially unveiled in 2021, has graduated from beta. This means Mac users can now effortlessly control their Macs and iPads (or even multiple Macs) using a single keyboard, mouse, and trackpad. This article details how to activate and optimize Universal Control for maximum productivity.

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Understanding Universal Control

Universal Control lets you manage multiple Apple devices—Macs and iPads—using the same peripherals. This functionality is available for compatible devices within a 30-foot (10-meter) radius and on the same Wi-Fi network.

Why is this useful? Modern users frequently switch between tasks and devices. Universal Control streamlines this process, creating a more efficient workspace. Unlike Sidecar, Universal Control maintains separate workspaces; there's no screen mirroring, and each device retains its individual files and apps.

Enabling Universal Control

On Mac:

1. Open System Preferences (or System Settings).
2. Navigate to Displays.
3. On macOS Ventura or later, click Advanced.
4. Enable "Allow your pointer and keyboard to move between any nearby Mac or iPad" and "Push through the edge of a display to connect a nearby Mac or iPad."

On iPad:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General > AirPlay & Handoff.
3. Enable Cursor and Keyboard.

Once enabled and devices are in proximity, simply move your cursor to the edge of one screen to seamlessly transition control to another.

Optimizing Universal Control

Universal Control significantly improves workflow efficiency. Consider these tips:

• Drag and Drop Files: Transfer files between your Mac and iPad effortlessly. Enhance this with apps like Yoink for smoother file transfers.

• Maximize Screen Real Estate: Use multiple displays strategically. For instance, keep notes on one screen while using another for tasks requiring more screen space.

• Automatic Reconnection: Enable automatic reconnection for seamless transitions between devices and workspaces.

Customizing Universal Control

Customize Universal Control using these methods:

• System Settings: Access System Settings > Displays > Advanced to enable automatic reconnection.

• Sidecar Integration: Combine Universal Control with Sidecar for managing more than two devices simultaneously.

• Transloader: Use Transloader to initiate remote downloads on your Mac from your iPad or iPhone.

• BetterTouchTool: Unlock advanced customization of your input devices. Create custom actions triggered by specific gestures or keystrokes.

1. Open BetterTouchTool.
2. Select your input device.
3. Choose application-specific or global triggers.
4. Add actions and triggers.

Compatibility Requirements

• Operating System: iPadOS 15.4 or later and macOS Monterey 12.3 or later.
• Mac Models: MacBook 2016 or later, MacBook Pro 2016 or later, MacBook Air 2018 or later, Mac mini 2018 or later, iMac 2017 or later, iMac Pro, Mac Pro 2019 or later, Mac Studio.
• iPad Models: All iPad Pro models, iPad Air 3rd generation or later, iPad 6th generation or later, iPad mini 5th generation or later.
• General: Same iCloud account, within 30 feet, same Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled, Handoff enabled, VPN off.

Conclusion

Universal Control revolutionizes cross-device workflow. Combine it with productivity-enhancing apps like Transloader, Yoink, and BetterTouchTool to unlock its full potential. Explore these and more apps through Setapp's 7-day free trial.

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