Macbook: Connect an external monitor
Related Videos: How to Connect Macbook Pro to External Monitor - how to set up mac with monitor (May 2024).
An external monitor can make working with the MacBook much easier in many situations. We'll show you how to connect an external monitor.
Connect an external monitor to the MacBook
- If you already have an external monitor, check the available connections. Usually you need a VGA cable, a DVI cable or an HDMI cable to connect.
- Old MacbBook models often only have a mini DisplayPort connection, while the new Retina models are already equipped with a Thunderbolt interface. You will therefore most likely need a suitable adapter. For a list of all available models with the matching Macs and MacBooks, see this Apple support document.
- Third-party providers usually have cheaper adapters on offer. If you are using a relatively new MacBook with a Thunderbolt connection, the following adapter from Amazon will help you.
Set up an external monitor on the MacBook
If you have connected the monitor to the MacBook, there are various options for setting up the display and making settings. You can find this in the system settings of your MacBook under the menu item "Monitors". Your Mac should automatically recognize the second screen. In the "Arrange" tab, you can now set your screen as you like.
- Arrange the screens the way you want them. In this case (see picture) the external monitor is on the left of the MacBook. This arrangement is important so that you can move the mouse intuitively from monitor to monitor.
- If you want to see the menu bar on the external monitor, for example because it offers a higher resolution than your MacBook, simply drag the menu bar to the desired position with the mouse.
- Via the "Synchronize screens" option, the display on your external monitor becomes an exact image of your integrated display. The resolution of the internal display is also used for your external monitor. If you have not activated the option, you can operate both displays with different resolutions.
- If you want to close your MacBook and only use the external monitor, you have to make additional settings. In a separate article you will find instructions on how to use a closed MacBook.
