📋 Quick Summary
Luna Display no longer necessary to extend display in Astropad Studio
Astropad Studio v5.5 or later required to extend display without Luna
Compatible with Mac and Windows
Mirror Mode: The iPad mirrors what is on the computer screen
Extend Mode: The iPad becomes a second display for the computer, providing a separate workspace
🖥️ Do I need Luna Display to use Extend Mode in Astropad Studio?
You do not need Luna Display to use your iPad as an extended pen display in Astropad Studio, as long as you have version 5.5 or later installed on your computer and iPad.
With Astropad Studio 5.5 or later, the ability to extend your display is included in the software with no extra hardware needed.
⚠️ Note: If you are using a version older than Astropad Studio 5.5, you will need Luna Display to use Extend Mode.
📍How do I change my current Display Mode?
Switching between Mirror and Extend will be done in the Astropad Studio PC or Mac app:
Open the Astropad Studio apps on your computer and iPad.
Connect your computer and iPad wirelessly or via USB.
Once connected, the Astropad Studio Display Settings should appear on your computer's display, like the image below.
Select Mirror or Extend in the Display Settings.
If you select Extend, you will have the option to select which side of your computer the iPad is on.
📝 Note: We recommend matching the Arrangement setting to how you actually have your iPad arranged by your computer to ensure natural cursor movement between displays.
📊 Mirror Mode vs Extend Mode
🪞Mirror Mode
Mirror Mode is Astropad's original display mode and it sets your iPad's screen to match exactly what is displayed on your computer's monitor.
💡Tip: If you have a multi-monitor setup, you can select which monitor your iPad mirrors using Move & Zoom in the Astropad Studio sidebar.
✅ Pros of Mirror Mode
Computer and iPad will match exactly.
Customize how much of your computer's display you see on the iPad with Move & Zoom; great for detail work on larger projects.
Cursor is not easily lost on a single display.
🚫 Cons of Mirror Mode
Aspect ratio is not adjusted between devices, resulting in black bars on the top and bottom of the iPad screen.
Mirroring is not ideal for ultra-wide or large monitors; details become tiny.
Difficult to have reference material displayed while drawing since it is all on one screen.
👥 Extend Mode
Extend Mode is the newer display mode for Astropad Studio and this sets your iPad to become an extension of your computer's screen, much like plugging in a second monitor or a pen display.
In Extend Mode, your computer cursor and any program windows can move freely between your devices. For example, you can work in Photoshop on your iPad while your references are open in a browser on your computer's display.
✅ Pros of Extend Mode
Doubles your available workspace.
Aspect ratio is automatically adjusted to your iPad's screen resolution, eliminating black bars.
No additional hardware needed.
True pen display experience with extensive customization.
🚫 Cons of Extend Mode
Only available in Astropad Studio 5.5 or later.
May not perform as well over Wi-Fi while extended; USB is recommended.
Cannot use Astropad's Move & Zoom feature to focus on a specific part of the screen.
Even with an adjusted aspect ratio, items can still sometimes be small.