How to Extend a Monitor on a Mac

Mac OS X allows you to change the way a connected monitor displays the desktop.

In some situations, a big monitor is advantageous because you are able to see more content without scrolling, such as viewing a large spreadsheet. If your Mac computer does not have a large monitor, you can still view more content by connecting an external monitor to extend the desktop. You need an appropriate connection cable and/or adapter plus compatible ports between your Mac and the monitor to connect the two devices. After you connect the monitor, you can view multiple windows simultaneously or spread one window between the Mac's monitor and the external monitor.

Things You'll Need

• Mini DisplayPort Adapter
• Connection cable

Instructions

1. Connect the monitor to the Mac with the appropriate cable and adapter. For example, if your Mac is a MacBook Pro and the monitor has a VGA port, connect a Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter to the laptop. Insert one end of a VGA cable into the monitor's VGA port, then insert the other end into the Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter that is connected to the laptop. Mac OS X automatically detects the external monitor.

2. Click the "Apple" logo on the upper left corner of the desktop on your Mac, then select "System Preferences" from the drop-down menu.

3. Click "Displays" under Hardware, then click the "Arrangement" tab.

4. Clear the "Mirror Displays" check box to extend the Mac's desktop.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the ports on your Mac and the monitor for compatibility before you buy the appropriate cable and/or adapter. For example, if your Mac and the monitor have HDMI ports, you only need to buy an HDMI cable.

References

• University of Missouri-Kansas City: Configuring a Macintosh Laptop to Use Multiple Displays
• Apple: Setting Up Multiple Displays to Show the Same Image
• Apple: About Mini DislayPort to HDMI Adapters
• Apple: Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter
• Apple: MacBook Pro