Multi-Display Management

Connecting External Displays

There are several ways to connect other displays to a MacBook:

• Use the HDMI port to connect to an external monitor
• Use the 2 Thunderbolt ports to connect to external monitor(s)
  • VGA monitors can be connected using an adapter
• Use another Mac as a second display by connecting a Thunderbolt cable between the two
• Use AirPlay to connect a Mac to any display using Apple TV or laptop that is using AirServer or Reflector software

On top of all of the features that were described in the Single Display management page, there are additional features available to users who have connected one or more external displays to a Mac computer. The use of multiple displays allows the user to view and to have access to multiple apps at the same time. It is also possible to combine the effects of Split View on both monitors which effectively increases the number of apps available for multi-tasking. Multiple displays can be used in one of three ways:

1. Mirrored - in this situation, whatever is viewed on the primary screen is shown exactly on the external screen. Movement of the mouse cursor will display on both screens.
2. Extended Desktop - when used as a separate display, the second monitor becomes an extension of the primary screen. The cursor and objects (such as application windows) can be dragged from one screen to the next. When an external display is connected to the Mac as an extension, a new Desktop is added to the external monitor. Apps that are open on the external monitor become part of that Desktop. Apps that are maximized to full screen on the external monitor become Spaces on that monitor. In this manner, there will be separate Desktops (and possibly Spaces) on the external display as well as the default display.
3. Closed Lid/Clamshell - essentially, this is using a Mac laptop as a desktop computer with the lid closed.

Configuring Multiple Displays

When an external display is connected to a Mac computer, it will register as a second screen. It can be further configured by going into System Preferences -> Display. The Display screen has four tabs: Display, Arrangement, Color, and Night Shift. The Arrangement tab contains most of the options for the external screen. In this tab, it is possible to align the position of the external screen relative to the computer so that mouse movement from one screen to another mimics the physical layout of the computer setup. To change the position, simply drag the monitor which is represented by a square/rectangle to a position relative to the main screen.

The Arrangement tab is also where one can switch between Display Mirroring or an extension of the default monitor. Simply click on the box that says Mirror Displays to change the display mode

The Dock starts off being displayed on the primary screen. However, it can be moved to the secondary screen easily. Select the secondary screen by clicking anywhere on the screen then moving the cursor to the Dock area at which point the Dock will shift from one screen to the next. Repeat the process to return the Dock to the primary screen.

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