How to Set the Display on a Macbook to Mirror
Apple's MacBook comes equipped with an LCD display that many users will find perfectly suitable for most applications. However, should you wish to attach a second monitor to the device for presentations or for a larger viewing area, the MacBook comes equipped with a Mini DisplayPort. By default, when an external monitor is attached to the MacBook, it extends the desktop area; you can move your mouse and work freely between the two monitors. To change this behavior such that actions performed on the main display are mirrored on the external monitor, you must adjust the display settings located in the computer's "System Preferences" window.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Locate the MiniDisplay port on the left edge of your computer, between the Ethernet and USB ports. Plug one end of the Mini DisplayPort adapter into the MacBook. Connect the remaining end to your display unit.
-
2
Open the "Apple" menu, located in the upper-left corner of your laptop's display. Click on the option labeled "System Preferences."
-
-
3
Locate the icon labeled "Displays," under the "Hardware" heading. Click on the button labeled "Arrangement."
-
4
Click on the checkbox labeled "Mirror Displays," located in the bottom-left corner of the window.
-
5
Click on the red button in the upper-left corner to close the "System Preferences" window.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you have not reassigned your function keys to a different purpose, you may also activate monitor mirroring by pressing the MacBook's F7 key.
You may connect a DVI, Duak-Link DVI or VGA monitor to your MacBook; however, use a Mini DisplayPort adapter designed for the monitor you intend to use.
You may purchase MiniDisplay port adapters directly from Apple's website.
If you wish to connect an Apple display equipped with a ADC connector, use a DVI to ADC adapter in conjunction with a DVI to Mini DisplayPort adapter; you may purchase a DVI to ADC adapter directly from Apple's website.
If you have multiple monitors connected to your MacBook, but only wish to mirror to a single monitor, link the MacBook's display to that of the target monitor. While in the "Arrangement" section of the "Displays" window, click on the square representing your MacBook's display; hold down the option key, drag the square to the one representing the target monitor and release.
If the display resolution on the external monitor is higher than that of the MacBook's LCD screen, the monitor will use the lower resolution while mirroring is active.
