Getting started with Luna Display

Luna Display turns any iPad or Mac into a second display for your computer. Luna seamlessly extends your workspace across devices —with full support for external keyboards, Apple Pencil, and touch interactions.

launch luna in 3 steps

1. Open the Luna apps. You’ll need the primary desktop app and the secondary app (for your iPad or secondary desktop).
2. Plug in the Luna hardware into your primary desktop.
3. Connect! Your devices will automatically connect over your existing WiFi network or USB cable.

After successfully connecting your Primary Desktop to your iPad or Secondary Mac, the screen on the Secondary Device will become an extension of your Primary desktop screen.

system requirements

Luna works in multiple Modes — Computer-to-iPad, Computer-to-Mac, and Headless Mode. Make sure your devices are compatible with each Mode:

• Primary Mac: 2011 model or later, running macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later.
• Primary PC: Microsoft Windows 10 64-bit, build 1809 or later.
• iPad: iOS 12.1 or later. 32-bit devices are not supported.
• Secondary Mac: macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later

Connecting over WiFi or cable

How to connect with WiFi

1. Make sure both of your devices (computer and iPad) are connected to the same WiFi network.
2. Plug Luna into your primary computer.
3. Launch the apps on both your primary computer and secondary device. Luna Display will automatically wirelessly connect.

Improving wireless performance:

• Use a modern wireless router that supports 802.11ac
• Use the 5GHz frequency band when possible
• Move closer to your router, or move your router to improve signal

How to connect with USB Cable

If your WiFi connection is unavailable or unreliable, connecting over USB cable is a great option:

1. Plug Luna into your primary computer.
2. Plug your iPad-compatible USB cable into another computer port (separate from the Luna hardware).
3. The cable will provide a constant and consistent connection between your devices.

USB connection is only available for Computer-to-iPad Mode.

How to connect with Ethernet or Thunderbolt cable

Ethernet or Thunderbolt connection is only available for Mac-to-Mac Mode.

1. Plug Luna into your primary computer.
2. Plug an Ethernet or Thunderbolt cable into both your primary and secondary computers. 

You can also connect both computers directly to your router with an Ethernet cable.

screen settings & arrangements

After successfully connecting, a menu with Luna Display’s Settings will appear.

Here, you can set the Luna screen display arrangement of the Secondary device to the left or right side of your Primary Mac desktop. Or select Custom to quickly access Display settings and resolution in macOS System Preferences.

Enabling Retina Display

When starting up Luna Display for the first time, the Retina Extension feature is turned off. To enable Retina in Mac-to-iPad Mode, you will need to install the Luna Display Retina Extension.

A window will prompt you to install the Luna Display Retina Extension. In macOS System Preferences, go to Security & Privacy, and under the General tab make sure Allow apps downloaded from is selected for Astro HQ, LLC by clicking the Allow button. After that step, the extension will immediately install.

Adjusting Screen Resolution

When Retina is enabled, the screen resolution on the iPad sets to Luna Display’s HiDPI option by default to automatically accommodate for both Retina and screen size of the iPad. Screen resolution settings can be adjusted by accessing Displays in macOS System Preferences.

accessing the sidebar

To access the Luna Display Sidebar, place your finger on the outer frame of your iPad, then swipe toward the middle of the iPad screen.

In the Sidebar, you can quickly adjust preferences under Display and Arrangements. The Sidebar also has a status icon showing which connection method is in use.

To hide the Sidebar again, place your finger on the Sidebar and swipe towards the edge of the iPad screen.

more ways to use luna

Interested in the versatility of Luna Display with other setup configurations? See more information in our setup guides:

• Headless Mode: How to Set Up an iPad as the Main Display for Mac Mini
• Mac-to-Mac Mode: Using your Mac as a Second Screen with Luna Display
• Teleprompter Mode: Use your iPad as a Teleprompter

Troubleshooting

Need an extra hand configuring your ideal workspace? We’re here to help!