Writing / Field note

Using an Ipad as extra monitor with hyprland in arch linux

I have a decent multi monitor setup at both work and home. However, with my recent travel to visit tech colleges around cities like butwal and pokhara where I met with colleges, companies and tech offices. I realized I needed an extra monitor to work efficiently and a bit more productive setup. Also because my eyes are getting old. 

First we'll need to create a headless virtual output. 
hyprctl output create headless myvirtual
This will create a headless virtual output called myvirtual, we'll use this output later.
2025-03-22-093613_hyprshot.png
2025-03-22-093613_hyprshot.png
You can confirm that the headless virtual output was created using 
hyprctl monitors
2025-03-22-093822_hyprshot.png
2025-03-22-093822_hyprshot.png

Update your hyprland config `nvim ~/.config/hypr/hyprland.conf` and add the following to adjust your resolution and position
monitor=myvirtual,2420x1668@60,1900x0,1
2025-03-22-093908_hyprshot.png
2025-03-22-093908_hyprshot.png

Now we want to run a VNC server that exports this headless output monitor. 
Start by installing a vnc server. 
sudo pacman -S wayvnc

Start the wayvnc server 
wayvnc -o myvirtua 0.0.0.0:59000

From the ipad, Install any VNC client. I am choosing to go with Real VNC
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IMG_0338.PNG

and connect to your linux ip
IMG_0339.PNG
IMG_0339.PNG

Then you should have your Ipad connected as an external monitor .
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IMG_0340.PNG
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