What you need
- A Mac running Inkquation and an iPad that supports Sidecar.
- An Apple Pencil compatible with, and paired to, that iPad.
- The same Apple Account on both devices, with two-factor authentication.
Inkquation runs on your Mac. Sidecar displays its Mac editor on your iPad.
Getting started
Connect with Sidecar
On your Mac, open System Settings → Displays and select your iPad from the menu for adding a display. Use it as an extended display to keep reference material on the Mac while writing on the iPad. USB and wireless connections are available.
Move the note editor to your iPad
Launch Inkquation on your Mac, open a note, and drag its editor window onto the iPad display. Check or change the direction in Arrange under your Mac’s display settings.
Write with Pencil. Use the keys.
Write in the note on your iPad with Apple Pencil. In Inkquation’s Settings → Shortcuts, apply Left-Hand Operation to switch tools with Q, W, E, and R. If you write with your left hand, customize the keys for your right hand.
Set up your Apple Pencil controls
Open Settings → Apple Pencil in Inkquation.
Reduce small wobbles in strokes
Smooth strokes in Sidecar is on by default and applies to pen and highlighter strokes. Try it on and off to choose the feel you prefer. Changes apply to new strokes.
Switch tools with a double-tap
On a compatible Pencil, assign actions such as switching to the eraser or opening the color palette. Enable double-tap in your Mac’s display settings, then double-tap the Pencil’s side while Inkquation’s Apple Pencil settings are open to unlock the controls.
Squeeze with Pencil Pro
The default action opens a palette near the pen tip for tools, colors, and sizes. To unlock its settings, squeeze and release Pencil Pro while Inkquation’s Apple Pencil settings are open. Squeeze is available only with Apple Pencil Pro.
If something gets in the way
My iPad is missing from the display menu
Check Apple’s Sidecar requirements first. For wireless use, enable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Handoff on both devices and keep them nearby. Over USB, trust the Mac when your iPad asks.
I see the editor but cannot write
Check that Apple Pencil is paired to the iPad. Open the note editor in Inkquation, select the pen, and try writing. If the iPad is showing its Home Screen, return to the Sidecar screen.
Slow handwriting looks jagged
Slow lines and small waves remain a handwriting-quality issue over Sidecar. Compare new strokes with smoothing on and off. Trying USB can help isolate connection conditions, but a connection change or smoothing may not resolve the issue.
Resting my hand moves the page
In Inkquation’s Apple Pencil settings, check the palm-rejection mode and the option to suppress scrolling and zooming while the pen is touching. Adjust the rejection delay if unintended input happens just after lifting the pen.
If the problem continues, include your Mac, iPad, and Pencil models; macOS, iPadOS, and Inkquation versions; USB or wireless connection; and the action that causes the problem when contacting us.
Ask about your setup