Have you ever wished you could use your iMac’s beautiful screen as a second monitor for your laptop, gaming console, or even another desktop? While Macs aren’t primarily designed for this purpose, there are ways to leverage their display capabilities under certain conditions. Let’s explore how to use your Mac as a monitor, the limitations, and alternative solutions.
Understanding Target Display Mode: A Historical Perspective
Historically, Apple offered a feature called Target Display Mode (TDM), which allowed specific iMac models to function as external displays. This was a convenient way to extend your screen real estate using the iMac’s high-quality display.
Which Macs Supported Target Display Mode?
TDM was primarily available on older iMac models manufactured between 2009 and mid-2014. These models typically used Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort connections. To determine if your iMac supported TDM, you needed to check its technical specifications on the Apple Support website.
Specifically, the following iMac models supported Target Display Mode:
- 27-inch iMac (Late 2009)
- 27-inch iMac (Mid 2010)
- 27-inch iMac (Mid 2011)
- 27-inch iMac (Mid 2012)
- 27-inch iMac (Late 2012)
- 27-inch iMac (Late 2013)
- 27-inch iMac (Mid 2014)
- 21.5-inch iMac (Mid 2011)
- 21.5-inch iMac (Late 2012)
- 21.5-inch iMac (Late 2013)
- 21.5-inch iMac (Mid 2014)
How to Use Target Display Mode (If Applicable)
If you have a compatible iMac, using TDM was relatively straightforward. First, you needed the correct cable – either a Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort cable, depending on the models involved.
Next, connect the cable between the source device (e.g., a MacBook Pro) and the iMac. Ensure both devices are powered on.
Finally, on the iMac you wanted to use as a display, press Command + F2 (or Command + Fn + F2 on some keyboards). The iMac’s screen should then switch to display the output from the connected device. To exit Target Display Mode, simply press Command + F2 again.
The Demise of Target Display Mode
Unfortunately, Apple discontinued Target Display Mode on newer iMac models starting in late 2014. This means that current iMacs and Studio Displays do not natively support this functionality. The reason for this change is likely due to advancements in display technology and Apple’s focus on other connectivity solutions.
Software Solutions: A Modern Approach
Since Target Display Mode is no longer an option, alternative methods are required to use your Mac as a secondary display. These solutions typically involve using software to mirror or extend your screen.
Screen Mirroring: A Basic Option
Screen mirroring allows you to duplicate the display of one device onto another. While not technically using your Mac as an external monitor, it can be useful for presentations or sharing content.
To mirror your screen from a MacBook to an iMac, you can use AirPlay. Both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network. On your MacBook, click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar (if it’s enabled) or go to System Preferences > Displays > Display Settings and choose your iMac from the AirPlay Display dropdown. You can then choose to mirror your built-in display.
Keep in mind that screen mirroring will display the exact same content on both screens, limiting its usefulness for multitasking.
Third-Party Applications: Extending Your Display
Several third-party applications offer more advanced solutions for using a Mac as an external display. These apps typically use the network to stream the screen content, allowing you to extend your desktop across multiple devices.
Some popular options include:
- Luna Display: This hardware and software solution provides a low-latency connection between your devices. It involves plugging a small dongle into your iMac and installing software on both devices. Luna Display offers excellent performance and supports both Mac and Windows as the primary device.
- Duet Display: Duet Display uses a USB connection to turn your iPad or Mac into a second display. It’s known for its reliability and performance.
- spacedesk: This free software solution allows you to use another computer or Android device as a secondary display over your local network. While it’s free, performance may vary depending on your network conditions.
Considerations When Choosing Software
When selecting a software solution, consider the following factors:
- Performance: Look for apps that offer low latency and high refresh rates. Laggy or unresponsive displays can be frustrating.
- Connectivity: Some apps use Wi-Fi, while others use USB or a combination of both. USB connections typically offer better performance.
- Compatibility: Ensure the app is compatible with your Mac’s operating system and the device you want to use as the primary display.
- Features: Some apps offer additional features like touch support or Apple Pencil integration (especially useful for iPads).
- Price: Consider the cost of the app and whether it offers a free trial.
Utilizing a Mac as a “Display” for Gaming Consoles and Other Devices
Connecting a gaming console (like a PlayStation or Xbox) or other devices to a Mac for display purposes presents unique challenges. Since modern Macs lack direct video input ports, you’ll need to explore alternative methods.
Capture Cards: A Hardware Solution
A capture card is a hardware device that allows you to record or stream video from an external source. While primarily used for gaming and content creation, a capture card can also be used to display the output from a gaming console on your Mac.
Capture cards typically connect to your Mac via USB or Thunderbolt. They have HDMI input ports for connecting to the gaming console or other devices.
To use a capture card, connect the HDMI output of your gaming console to the HDMI input of the capture card. Then, connect the capture card to your Mac via USB or Thunderbolt. Install the necessary drivers and software for the capture card.
Open the capture card’s software on your Mac. The software should display the video output from the gaming console. You can then play your games on your Mac’s screen.
Important Considerations for Capture Cards:
- Latency: Capture cards can introduce some latency (delay) between the game console and the display on your Mac. This can affect the gaming experience, especially for fast-paced games. Look for capture cards with low latency.
- Resolution and Refresh Rate: Ensure the capture card supports the resolution and refresh rate of your gaming console. For example, if you want to play games in 4K at 60Hz, you’ll need a capture card that supports those specifications.
- Software Compatibility: Make sure the capture card’s software is compatible with your Mac’s operating system.
- Price: Capture cards can range in price from relatively inexpensive to quite expensive, depending on their features and performance.
Remote Play: Gaming on Your Mac
Both PlayStation and Xbox offer remote play applications that allow you to stream games from your console to your Mac over your local network. This effectively uses your Mac as a display for the game.
To use remote play, you’ll need to download and install the appropriate app for your console (PlayStation Remote Play or Xbox app) on your Mac. Ensure both your console and Mac are connected to the same network.
Follow the instructions in the app to connect to your console. Once connected, you can stream games to your Mac’s screen and control them using a connected controller.
Limitations of Remote Play:
- Network Dependence: Remote play relies heavily on your network connection. A stable and fast network is essential for a good gaming experience.
- Image Quality: The image quality may be lower than playing directly on a TV or monitor connected to the console.
- Input Lag: There may be some input lag between your controller and the game, which can affect gameplay.
Alternative Solutions for Extending Your Display
If using your Mac as a display proves too complicated or doesn’t meet your needs, consider these alternative solutions for extending your display:
- External Monitor: The most straightforward solution is to purchase an external monitor. Modern monitors offer excellent image quality, various sizes, and features like high refresh rates and HDR support.
- iPad as a Second Display: Using applications like Duet Display or Luna Display, you can easily turn your iPad into a portable second display for your Mac. This is a great option for increasing productivity on the go.
Final Thoughts
While using a Mac as a traditional external monitor is limited, there are still options available depending on your needs and the age of your Mac. Understanding the limitations of Target Display Mode and exploring software and hardware solutions can help you find the best way to extend your display. Ultimately, the best solution will depend on your specific use case and budget.
Remember to carefully consider performance, compatibility, and features when choosing a solution. And if all else fails, investing in a dedicated external monitor is always a reliable option.
Can I use any Mac as an external display for another Mac?
Unfortunately, not all Macs are compatible with Target Display Mode, the feature that allows one Mac to act as a display for another. Target Display Mode was supported on specific iMac models produced between 2009 and mid-2014. These typically include 27-inch iMacs from late 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and some mid-2014 models, as well as 21.5-inch iMacs from mid-2011, 2012, 2013, and mid-2014.
To determine if your iMac supports Target Display Mode, check the system information. Look for the “Graphics/Displays” section and see if it mentions support for display modes beyond the standard internal display. Newer Macs, including those with Apple silicon, generally do not support Target Display Mode.
What cable do I need to connect two Macs in Target Display Mode?
The type of cable you’ll need depends on the specific iMac models involved. For iMacs from late 2009 and 2010, you’ll need a Mini DisplayPort cable. This older connector was the standard for video output on Macs before the widespread adoption of Thunderbolt. Ensure the cable is in good condition for optimal performance.
For iMacs from 2011 to mid-2014, a Thunderbolt cable is required. Thunderbolt cables are also compatible with Mini DisplayPort, but using a dedicated Thunderbolt cable is recommended for the best compatibility and potential for higher bandwidth, though Target Display Mode doesn’t necessarily utilize the full Thunderbolt bandwidth. Be sure to use a high-quality cable that is certified for Thunderbolt to avoid potential issues.
How do I activate Target Display Mode on a compatible iMac?
To activate Target Display Mode, first ensure both Macs are powered on and connected with the appropriate cable (Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt). Then, on the iMac you want to use as the display, press Command-2 (⌘+2) on the keyboard. This keyboard shortcut triggers the Target Display Mode.
If the iMac doesn’t immediately switch to Target Display Mode, try pressing the keyboard shortcut again or restarting both Macs. Make sure the iMac you are using as the display is logged in and at the desktop before pressing the shortcut. Also, ensure that no other applications are interfering with the keyboard shortcut.
What if Target Display Mode is not working, even with a compatible iMac and cable?
Several factors can prevent Target Display Mode from working correctly. First, verify that both Macs are running compatible versions of macOS. Older operating systems might not fully support Target Display Mode, even on compatible hardware. Updating both Macs to the latest supported macOS version can often resolve compatibility issues.
Secondly, check the display settings on the source Mac. Ensure the external display (the iMac in Target Display Mode) is detected and enabled in System Preferences > Displays. If the iMac is recognized but not displaying anything, try adjusting the display resolution or arrangement. Finally, try resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) on both Macs, as this can often resolve hardware-related issues.
Are there any software alternatives to Target Display Mode for using a Mac as a secondary display?
Yes, several software solutions can emulate Target Display Mode, allowing you to use a Mac as a secondary display for another computer, including newer Macs that don’t officially support the feature. These applications typically use your network connection to transmit the display signal, offering flexibility but potentially introducing some latency.
Popular software alternatives include Luna Display, Duet Display, and Air Display. These applications often require installing software on both the source and target Macs. While these solutions might not offer the same level of responsiveness as Target Display Mode, they provide a viable option for extending your display across multiple Macs.
Can I use a Mac running Windows (via Boot Camp) as an external display using Target Display Mode?
No, Target Display Mode only works when the iMac is running macOS. When the iMac is booted into Windows through Boot Camp, the feature is unavailable. Target Display Mode is a function of the macOS operating system and its underlying drivers.
Therefore, if you attempt to use Command-2 while the iMac is running Windows, nothing will happen. The iMac will continue to function as a standard Windows computer, and you will not be able to use it as an external display for another device.
Does Target Display Mode work wirelessly?
No, Target Display Mode requires a physical cable connection, either Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt, depending on the iMac model. It does not support wireless connectivity. The feature is designed for a direct, wired connection between two Macs.
While software solutions exist to extend your display wirelessly, Target Display Mode itself relies on the speed and reliability of a wired connection to transmit the display signal between the two computers. These software alternatives, such as Luna Display and Duet Display, utilize Wi-Fi or a wired network to achieve wireless display extension.