DeskPad

DeskPad creates a virtual display and mirrors it inside its application window. It is designed for presentations and screen-sharing workflows that switch between several applications: share the dedicated virtual workspace instead of exposing an entire large physical monitor that may be hard for viewers to read.

Display workflow

Launching DeskPad behaves like connecting another monitor. macOS arranges windows using its display configuration, and you can move the applications you want to demonstrate onto the virtual display. Change its resolution in system preferences; the DeskPad application window adjusts accordingly. The virtual display is a local workspace, not a remote-desktop service or an additional physical monitor.

Pointer feedback

When the pointer moves onto the virtual display, DeskPad highlights its title bar in blue and brings its window forward so you can see which display you are working on. Version 1.3.2 fixes an invisible cursor on the virtual display under macOS Sequoia.

Installation and permissions

Install the official release binary or use brew install --cask deskpad. The recorded Homebrew package requires macOS 13 or later. Screen Recording permission may be needed for the virtual display to appear correctly: open System Settings, Privacy & Security, Screen Recording and enable DeskPad. The official troubleshooting guide recommends toggling the permission off and on if necessary, then restarting the application.

Project and version scope

DeskPad is maintained in the Stengo/DeskPad repository. This listing covers recorded version 1.3.2, not an inferred future release. The backend currently records two versions, 1.3.2 and 1.3.1; both have official release notes. The attached image is the project's real screenshot, not a generated demonstration.

Sources

• Official repository, README and usage
• Official 1.3.2 release
• Official 1.3.1 release
• Homebrew cask