How to Use a MacBook as a Display

Use your MacBook as a display for videos and presentations.

After your MacBook is properly connected to an external device like a computer, television or projector, you can easily use it as a display by changing your Displays configuration in your MacBook's System Preferences. Depending on the model of your MacBook and your external device's input/output ports, you need the proper connector cable. If connecting to television with an older 2009 MacBook, you will most likely use a mini-DV to VGA or DVI connector cable. Newer models may use a mini-DV to S-Video/Composite cable; however, you should check Apple's Monitor and Display Adapter Table before purchasing any cables.

Things You'll Need

• MacBook connector cable

Instructions

1. Connect one end of your MacBook's connector cable to the proper port on your computer and the other to your device. Make sure your device is turned on and running properly.

2. Click the "Apple" icon in the top-left corner of your MacBook's screen and open "System Preferences." Click the "Displays" icon.

3. Click the "Detect Displays" button to scan all ports for connections to your computer. Wait for your computer to read the connection.

4. Click the "Arrangement" (Mac OS X 10.4) or "Gather Windows" (Mac OS X 10.6) button to view both monitor displays side by side. Drag the menu bar to the second display. (If these options are not available, you can only mirror your displays, meaning you can only show the same image on all screens.) Select "Mirror Displays" to view your other display on your MacBook.

Tips & Warnings

• If your MacBook does not automatically read the device connection, try clicking "Detect Displays" a few times every 30 seconds or so. If it still does not read your connection, try clicking "Refresh Rate" (how frequently your display is redrawn) and changing your rate up or down. For example, if your refresh rate is too low, your image may not appear or flicker. If your rate is too high, your MacBook may only show a black screen (or not connect at all) because it does not support that high a transfer rate. Consult your MacBook's user manual for proper display rates.

References

• Apple: Mac OS X 10.4 Help --- Setting up Multiple Displays as an Extended Desktop
• Apple: Mac OS X 10.6 Help --- Using the Display Pane of Displays Preferences

Resources

• Apple: MacBook
• Apple: Mac OS X 10.4 Help --- Identifying Video Ports
• Apple; Monitor and Display Adapter Table; Feb. 2011