How to Rotate a Desktop

Rotating the desktop can come in handy when you are working on a large monitor. Windows and Mac OS X have built-in display options that allow the orientation of the desktop to be changed. Windows has two rotation options: "Standard" and "Portrait." Mac OS X has more rotation options, but the orientation of a Mac desktop can be changed only on an external monitor.

Things You'll Need

• External monitor (Mac OS X)

Instructions

Windows 7

1. Click on the "Start" button and select "Control Panel," "Appearance and Personalization" and "Personalization."

2. Click on "Display Settings."

3. Select "Portrait (flipped)" from the "Orientation" drop-down menu to rotate the desktop.

4. Click "Apply," then "OK."

Mac OS X

1. Click on the Apple icon in the upper left-hand corner of the desktop screen. Select "System Preferences..."

2. Click on the "Displays" icon.

3. Select a rotation from the "Rotate" drop down menu. Close the "Displays" window.

References

• Digital Inspiration: Rotate Your Computer Screen in Windows 7
• Apple: Set Your Preferences