With a few modifications, multi-monitor setups can be improved dramatically. Learn how to get the most out of your Apple multi-monitor setup here.

If you're in any kind of creative profession or one that requires you to work on your computer for multiple hours a day, creating a multi-monitor setup will drastically improve your workflow.

However, there's a right way and a wrong way to setup your monitors, and we're here to guide you through the process to make it seamless and streamlined.

Why Use Multi-Monitors?

A multi-monitor setup may seem like overkill, but if you're spending any long length of time on your computer, it can easily increase your productivity. Here are a few benefits you can start enjoying today:

Multiple Applications

If you frequently run multiple applications at once, a multi-monitor setup will allow you to have an entire screen devoted to that application without needing to constantly close and reopen it.

You'll also be able to share data between those applications easily, such as opening multiple files in Photoshop.

Easy Referencing

The ability to easily reference information while you compose an email, essay, or type notes is a big time-saver. For instance, you can have your email program open while you give an employee valuable feedback on their work that you need to refer to.

It also becomes easier to view instructional views on a separate screen while you write notes, without worrying about frequent stopping and starting.

Collaboration and Communication

If you use a video sharing application for client meetings, you can improve your ability to multi-task by keeping reference material or files open on your second monitor.

Simple to Use

Using multiple monitors is easy to setup, even if you're not a computer technician. It typically requires no extra software.

Setting Up Multi-Monitors: Cables & Adapters

The hardest part is determining what kind of cable and adapter you'll need to connect the monitors, as over the years Apple has included multiple kinds of port types. The cable you buy needs to have the right connections, but it doesn't need to be manufactured by Apple.

First, check your display and see if it has female or male endpoints. All Apple adapters are female, so if your display ports are also female you'll need to purchase a male to female adapter.

After you determine this, you'll need to figure out what kind of ports you're dealing with.

Mini DisplayPort

This port can be used with an adapter. It drives displays that have VGA, DVI, or HDMI interfaces. If your display has a VGA connector, Apple sells multiple adapters.

DVI provides a higher-quality signal than VGA because it's digital instead of analog. If your display uses either VGA or DVI, you'll probably need an adapter.

HDMI

This port is only included with the Mac mini or MacBook Pro (mid-2012 to 2015). HDMI ports are typically used for TV monitors.

HDMI supports up to eight channels of audio along with video. DVI only supports video. Although HDMI ports on Macs are rare, if you do have one you'll only need an HDMI cable for connection.

Thunderbolt 1 or 2

Thunderbolt ports resemble the Mini DisplayPort. They have a thunderbolt symbol beside them that indicates they're Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt 2 was introduced in 2013 and is faster.

Mini DisplayPort adapters work with Thunderbolt ports, but you can also use Apple's Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter or Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter.

Macs with Thunderbolt ports can connect to 4K Ultra HD TVs through a direct HDMI connection. They can also use a Thunderbolt to high-speed HDMI adapter.

Thunderbolt 3 or USB C

Thunderbolt 3 and USB C ports are exactly the same, and Apple started implementing them near the end of 2016.

You'll find that most monitors have USB-C ports, though Thunderbolt is faster. You may also see displays with USB 3 or USB 3.1 ports - these are also the same, as they're just the predictors to the USB-C

USB-C comes with Apple adapters for USB-C to HDMI and USB-C to VGA.

Catalina Update: Sidecar

Sidecar in macOS Catalina is a new function that allows you to easily support a second screen through your tablet. It offers a lot of functionality that you may not have considered, such as:

• Displaying the same content as your desktop to share with others

• Can use it with Apple Pencil to replace Wacom tablets

• Display the Touch Bar

• Navigate with touch gestures

Sidecar is also flexible. You can use Slide Over or Split View in order to open your iPad apps while remaining connected in Sidecar. If troubleshooting external monitors and trying to find the right cable is daunting, this is a simple way to get all the benefits of a second monitor without the hassle.

Customizing Your Multi-Monitor Setup

If you've found the perfect monitor along with the right cable and adapter to connect it to your Mac, you're not done! Apple offers a lot of customizations and optimizations built-in that can improve your workflow.

Choosing Your Primary Display

Apple gives you the ability to choose which display is your primary, which is where you'll see your login screen and where all your apps and files appear. Open System Preferences, then choose Display and Arrangement. From there, you'll be able to drag the white menu bar to the display you want as your new primary.

Multiple Spaces

MacOS Spaces allow you to set up virtual desktops that you can switch between. You can use this instead of a second monitor, but you can also use them with a second monitor for even more flexibility.

Open System Preferences and navigate to Mission Control. From there, tick "Displays have separate spaces" - this ensures that if you go full-screen on one display, it won't turn the other off.

Afterward, you'll be able to use Mission Control through the Dock to create new Spaces.

Change Resolutions

Your monitors probably aren't exactly the same. MacOS is capable of automatically changing your second monitor's resolution so it matches your primary, but you may need to do it manually as well so things perfectly match up.

In System Preferences, click on Displays. You'll find two Display tabs where you can change the resolution - choosing Scaled will usually fix any issues. You can also change the rotation and even the refresh rate.

Apple TV

If you have an Apple TV, you have even more flexibility. Choose the AirPlay button in the menu bar of your Mac and pick your Apple TV. You'll have the option of mirroring your Mac's screen or even using the Apple TV as an extension of your desktop, which will allow you to drag app windows into it.

Independent Monitors

Of course, you can also have a second monitor function as an extension of your primary display even if you don't have an Apple TV. Go to System Preferences and Displays.

All you have to do is uncheck Mirror Displays in order for your mouse to travel from one monitor to the other seamlessly. However, you may find that your mouse doesn't scroll to your other monitor the way you expect it to.

The blue boxes in the Displays panel represent both of your monitors. Drag them and do some testing in order to tweak them to perfection.

Multi-Monitor Wallpaper

You can choose a separate wallpaper for each of your displays, but if you're using your second monitor as an extension of your primary you may want the image spread out between them for a cohesive look.

The app Multi-Monitor Wallpaper for $3 allows you to do this easily. You can do this on your own with some work, such as searching online for panoramic wallpapers that are already created for individual screens.

Assign Apps

If you use your secondary monitor for a specific function each day, you can customize it so those apps are programmed to launch on that monitor in only a few seconds. This will save you the time it takes to drag it around repeatedly.

On the Dock, right-click on your desired app and hover over Options to open up a larger menu. You'll see options that allow you to choose if you want it to open on all desktops, none at all, or a specific one.

Utilize Automator

This tip helps even if you're working with a single monitor, but you'll find setting up multiple displays with the apps you need will become a breeze.

Automator is software that comes with macOS and enables you to create custom workflows for your repetitive tasks. To create a new workflow, open the Automator app and choose File and then New. You'll have multiple options available.

• Workflow: This allows you to create a workflow to run within the Automator app.

• Application: This workflow begins when you open a certain application or drop files into it.

• Quick Action: This enables you to add your custom workflow to Finder windows, the Touch Bar, or the Services menu.

• Print Plugin: This workflow becomes available in the Print window.

• Folder Action: When you add items to a certain folder, the workflow automatically begins.

• Calendar Alarm: A workflow begins when a calendar event begins.

• Image Capture Plugin: This workflow becomes available within the Image Capture app.

• Dictation Command: When you use dictation, a workflow runs.

Once you choose a workflow, you're able to add actions to it. Each Action represents a single step.

Troubleshooting

Although setting up multiple monitors usually doesn't give any problems, with the multiple kinds of cables and adapters you need to use and varied setups, troubleshooting them can be tricky. However, here are some things to try if you encounter connection issues.

Check Connections

This should be your first step. HDMI cables, in particular, can be difficult to connect, so double-checking that everything is completely connected is worth your time. Moreover, the order matters: if you have an HDMI to Thunderbolt 3 cable, plug the cable into the monitor first and then the Thunderbolt 3.

Check Cables

Even if you have everything plugged in the right way, your cable may have failed due to damage or manufacturing problems.

Check Adapters

You want to simplify the connection from computer to monitor. If you're using adapters, chaining multiples may not work because some aren't compatible. For instance, a USB-C to DVI adapter, and a DVI to HDMI connector won't work.

Check the Monitor

If your connection seems to be working, it may be the monitor that's the problem. To rule out any problems, plug it in with another computer and see if it's able to turn on then.

Calibrating Display

Although macOS is typically good at automatically changing your monitor's display to match your primary one, sometimes it needs extra help. If the colors seem off, try changing the color profile under Color in the Display Settings.

Reset the SMC or NVRAM

Resetting the SMC is the last-resort option that's capable of resolving issues that you can't really identify. Resetting the SMC will fix issues with ports malfunctioning, while NVRAM resetting may help resolution problems.

The Perfect Monitor Setup for Improved Workflow

The majority of professionals agree that having a multiple monitor setup increases workflow, but they don't go through with setting them up because of the perceived complexity. However, once you determine the cables you need to connect your Mac and the second monitor you've chosen, the rest is straight-forward!

Want to learn more ways to optimize your computer workflow? Keep reading our blog for more informative articles!