About MetaServer

MetaServer is the companion app for Mac and Windows. It receives commands from MetaGrid Pro over Wi-Fi or USB and executes them on your computer — keyboard shortcuts, MIDI messages, menu commands, Apple Shortcuts, and more.

How It Works

MetaServer runs in the background and listens for connections from MetaGrid Pro. When a button on your iPad fires a macro, MetaServer translates it into an action on your computer.

MetaServer handles:

• Keyboard shortcut execution
• MIDI port management and message routing
• Menu command triggering (Mac)
• Apple Shortcuts and Keyboard Maestro integration (Mac)
• Active application detection for automatic profile switching
• Custom icon serving from a local folder
• DAW integration file management

Connection Methods

MetaServer supports two connection methods:

• Wi-Fi — Both devices must be on the same network. Supports up to 4 iPads simultaneously.
• USB — Connect your iPad with a certified USB cable. Lower latency and no network dependency.

You can use both methods at the same time. Each computer in MetaGrid Pro's picker shows two transport buttons (USB and Wi-Fi); you choose which one to connect over. Auto-reconnect uses the same transport you used last time, falling back to the other if it isn't available.

Windows: Install Apple iTunes before connecting an iPad via USB. iTunes provides the drivers required for iOS device communication.

Where MetaServer Lives

Mac

MetaServer lives in the menu bar. The icon shows connection status and gives quick access to connected devices and warnings. Click the icon to open or close the main MetaServer window. See Menu Bar & System Tray.

Windows

MetaServer lives in the system tray next to the clock. Right-click the icon to access the Console, Setup window, and status. See Menu Bar & System Tray.

System Requirements

Mac

macOS 13 (Ventura) or later. Requires Accessibility, Automation, and Local Network permissions. See System Access & Permissions.

Windows

Windows 10 or later. Apple iTunes must be installed for USB connections. No additional permission setup is required.

Differences Between Platforms

A few capabilities are Mac-only because they rely on macOS APIs without a Windows equivalent today:

• Status & Devices page — live device list and connection-quality metrics (Mac only).
• System Access & Permissions page — Accessibility / Automation / Local Network configuration (Mac only).
• Menu Commands action, Apple Shortcuts action, Keyboard Maestro integration — all Mac-only.

A few things are Windows-only:

• Console — the log viewer opens as a separate window rather than as a settings pane.
• Setup tabs — Network, MIDI Ports, Files, Settings, and Scene switch are organised as tabs in one setup window.