ATLAS

ATLAS / SUPPORT

A little setup.
A lot of reach.

ATLAS brings your own Mac desktop to an iPad or a compatible monitor attached to that iPad. The Mac stays responsible for running your applications.

Development preview. The iPad App Store release is in preparation. See Mac companion availability and signing status.

Set up your Mac

  1. Install and open ATLAS Host. Keep your Mac awake and unlocked.
  2. Allow Screen Recording in macOS Settings. Allow Accessibility for keyboard and pointer control. ATLAS does not automate these permissions.
  3. Enter the Mac’s explicit private IPv4 address and enable direct local-network connections, or use its Tailscale IPv4 address with Tailscale connected on both devices.
  4. Click Start host. Copy its pairing secret; keep it private.

Pair your iPad

  1. Open ATLAS → Connection.
  2. Enter the Mac address and paste the pairing secret. On first pairing, use the same address you intend to save.
  3. Tap Connect and approve the session on the Mac.
  4. For later connections, leave the secret blank to use the saved pairing. The Mac can allow saved pairing without a new approval if you enable that option.
It is stuck finding my Mac

Confirm the host is running and the address is current. Enable Local Network for ATLAS in iPad Settings. For different networks, keep Tailscale connected on both devices. Remove a stale optional Wi-Fi address if it belongs to another network. Do not forward ATLAS ports to the public internet.

The monitor has borders

ATLAS preserves proportions. A full monitor requires a matching desktop/output aspect ratio and a mode supported by the hardware. It will not stretch or crop your desktop. The optional experimental virtual-display feature in the Mac companion uses private Apple APIs, is off by default, and can break after macOS updates. Native iPad apps and the Home Screen are not extended by ATLAS.

Keyboard or mouse shortcuts go to iPad

Connect accessories to the iPad and choose Keyboard: Mac in the session controls. Some shortcuts remain reserved by iPadOS. Try Option + Space for Mac search, Option + Tab for Mac app switching, or use the Search and Dock buttons. Key and pointer state is released when the session loses focus.

How do I move files between devices?

With matching development builds, enable Allow file transfer with paired iPad in ATLAS Host. On iPad, open session controls → More → Files.

iPad to Mac: choose a file from Files, or paste an accessible file URL. Wait for Sent, then press Command + V in Finder to copy it into the desired folder. A received copy is also kept in Downloads/ATLAS.

Mac to iPad: copy one file in Finder, tap Paste from Mac in ATLAS, accept the incoming file, then use Save or share to put it into Files.

One regular file at a time, up to 256 MB. Zip folders first. A transfer can be cancelled and is checksum-verified. Interrupted transfers need to be restarted. File handoff has automated coverage; physical-device validation is still pending.

Does it stay connected when I switch apps?

ATLAS uses a finite background task for brief switches. iPadOS can suspend the app; ATLAS reconnects on return if the session expired. Continuous background desktop output is not promised.

How can I lower latency?

Use stable nearby Wi-Fi or wired networking where available. Lower streaming quality on a constrained connection. Responsiveness mode adds immediate pointer feedback and limits queued frames. A distant or relayed network adds unavoidable round-trip time. No fixed frame-rate or Sidecar-equivalent latency is promised.

Compatibility

Build targets: iPadOS 17.4 or later, macOS 13 or later. Mac companion builds include Apple silicon and Intel. Actual external output and refresh rate depend on the iPad, adapter and monitor. Older iPads can present an app-specific remote desktop externally without gaining system-wide Stage Manager support. Individual hardware combinations require testing.

Need a hand?

Contact Support@bartlabs.in. Never send your pairing secret or passwords.