How to View Your Mac's Display With an iPad

There are two wireless protocols that help you view your Mac display on your iPad – AirPlay with mirroring apps and ad hoc networks on remote desktop apps. These two display methods have very different features, so it is important to select an app that best fits your needs. AirPlay mirroring apps, such as DisplayPad or AirDisplay, allow you to extend your Mac screen space using your iPad. Remote desktop apps, such as VNC Mocha or LogMeIn, allow you to view and completely control your Mac computer from your iPad.

Mirror your Mac display on your iPad by purchasing the DisplayPad app from the App Store. This app is priced at $3 as of November 2013. After installing the iPad app, visit the developer's webpage (link in Resources) to install the desktop client on your Mac. Restart your computer and launch DisplayPad on your iPad. Click on the DisplayPad icon on your Mac toolbar; the icon looks like a small dot surrounded by crescent-shaped waves. Choose your iPad from the list of available devices.

AirDisplay is another mirroring software solution for your iPad and Mac. Launch the App Store on your iPad and purchase AirDisplay, priced at $10 as of November 2013. Visit the Avatron Software developer website (link in Resources) and download the drivers for Mac. Open AirDisplay on your iPad. Click the AirDisplay icon on your Mac toolbar; the icon looks like two gray, overlapping rectangles. Select your iPad from the list of available devices.

This is a remote desktop app that will allow you to control your Mac computer from your iPad. Download and install VNC Mocha Lite for free from the App Store. Click on your Apple icon menu on your Mac computer and select "System Preference." Select "Sharing" and check off "Screen Sharing" and "All Users." Write down the displayed IP address. Connect your iPad to Wi-Fi and launch VNC Mocha Lite. Select "Edit Connection" and type in your Mac IP address, Mac username and desktop password. Return to the Configure menu and tap "Connect."

This is another remote desktop app for the iPad. Download the free LogMeIn app from the App Store on your iPad. Visit the LogMeIn website (link in Resources) and create a new account so that you can log into remote desktop services. After you sign up, you will be prompted to download and install the free LogMeIn desktop client for Mac. Sign into the LogMeIn app on your iPad and choose your Mac from the list of available connections.