In editing, the screen ends before the project does. The timeline, media browser, inspector, viewer, and audio meters all compete for the same space, and on a MacBook, that means opening and closing panels constantly. A second screen puts an end to this back-and-forth: the viewer goes to one side and the timeline stays full-size on the other.
If you already have an iPad or iPhone, that second screen is already with you. WiPhoneMonitor turns your device into an extra display for your Mac, via cable or Wi-Fi, and the Professional edition streams in Retina at 60 frames per second.
What to move to the second screen in each program
Final Cut Pro
The Window menu has an option to show the browser, viewer, or timeline on the secondary screen. The most common arrangement is the media browser and viewer on the iPad, with the timeline occupying the entire Mac screen.
Adobe Premiere Pro
Any panel can be undocked and dragged to the second screen. The Program Monitor, Source Monitor, audio meters, and Project panel are the ones that benefit most from being off the main screen.
DaVinci Resolve
The Workspace menu has a Dual Screen mode, which splits the interface between the two screens. With it, the viewer and scopes are on one screen and the timeline on the other.
On iPhone
The iPhone screen is too small for a timeline, but it handles things that just need to stay in view well: audio meters, the marker list, the inspector, the script, or client chat.
In extend mode, macOS recognizes the iPad or iPhone as an additional monitor, and it is with these macOS monitors that these programs work. The 7-day free trial allows you to set up the arrangement within your program, with your own project, before you pay.
Where a second screen helps, and where it doesn't replace a reference monitor
It helps organize your work at all times: more timeline in view, fewer overlapping panels, the preview always open. It's also great for showing the edit to a client sitting next to you.
For final color correction, it doesn't. The image reaches the iPad compressed as video to travel through the cable or network, and an iPad screen is not calibrated like a reference monitor. Use the second screen for editing and organizing, and check the final color on a calibrated monitor.
Why the Professional edition for editing
| Basic | Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Battery Saver | Up to Retina |
| Frame rate | 30 fps | 60 fps |
| Connection | USB Cable | USB Cable or Wi-Fi |
| Adaptive quality | No | Full, with integrated benchmark |
| Macs per license | 1 | 3 |
| Support | Email and WhatsApp |
In editing, the two most important factors are the first two. Retina resolution makes clip names, timecode numbers, and small text in panels legible. 60 frames per second makes timeline scrolling, the cursor, and playback fluid, whereas 30 fps can feel choppy. The 3-Mac license covers your editing workstation and the MacBook you take to shoots.
The Professional edition costs R$ 299.90 annually or R$ 599.90 for a lifetime license, paid once, in Brazilian Reais, via Pix or credit card. Compare the three editions.
7-day free trial
The trial unlocks the app so you can set up the second screen with your own editing software and project before you pay.
No credit card required. The key arrives by email in a few moments. See the step-by-step installation guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the iPad as a color reference monitor?
It is not recommended. The image reaches the iPad compressed to travel through the cable or network, and the iPad screen is not calibrated like a reference monitor. Use the iPad for the timeline, panels, and preview, and check the final color on a calibrated monitor.
Does it work with Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve?
In extend mode, macOS recognizes the iPad or iPhone as an additional monitor, and editing programs work with the monitors that macOS recognizes. To be sure with your specific program and project, set up the second screen during the 7-day free trial before buying.
Basic or Professional for video editing?
For keeping panels that don't change much on the second screen, like the script or marker list, Basic is sufficient. For the timeline, viewer, and anything that moves, use the Professional edition for its Retina resolution and 60 frames per second.
Do I need the internet to use the iPad as a second screen for editing?
No. When using a cable, the image does not pass through any network. When using Wi-Fi, the devices must be on the same local network, but the image does not pass through the internet. This allows you to edit on location with no signal.