No matter what you use your Mac for, you may need more display territory. However, before doing anything extreme, you can extend your Mac’s display with what you have. For example, these are some options:
- Declutter your desktop, so there’s more screen real estate for you to use.
- Hide the Dock and Menu bars so they don’t take up unnecessary space on the screen. You can make these changes via System Preferences.
- Buy a MacBook with a bigger display than your current one. However, no model sports more than a 16-inch display.
However, if these solutions don’t solve your problem, you can try the following options.
- Mirror MacBook to TV
Whether you are watching a movie or playing a game, they will look better on a big screen. That’s why you must learn how to mirror MacBook to TV.
If you already own a TV and a MacBook, there’s not much you have to do. One of the best ways to do this is by using JustStream, and this tool allows users to connect to any type of TV, including Apple TV, Smart TV, and Chromecast.
Install the JustStream app and then launch it. Next, choose the display you wish to mirror and click the AirPlay button to select a TV. Then, click Start Streaming.
Using JutStream, you can also play local video files on your TV. Add the files to JustStream and create a custom playlist, so the videos automatically play on the TV.
You can use AirPlay to enable screen mirroring if you have Apple TV.
- Have an iPad? The Sidecar can be the ultimate solution
In macOS 10.15 Catalina and later, Apple added the option for iPad users to use their device as a virtual device for their Mac. The feature is called Sidecar, and it helps to extend the desktop.
Along with helping you extend your display, the feature lets users choose several actions. For instance, you can move a window between an iPad and a Mac-connected display with a tap or click.
The Sidecar feature is only supported on Macs that were released in the last five years or so. It started with the Mac model released in 2016 and later. To use this feature, you must have Catalina installed on your Mac or a later version of the OS. Almost all iPad Pro models work with this Sidecar feature.
You can use the Handoff feature if you want to use Sidecar wirelessly. For this function to work, you must have your iPad and Mac signed into the same iCloud account. Remember to enable two-factor authentication, along with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Moreover, the devices must be kept within thirty feet of each other.
The Internet connection on your Mac must not be turned on, and the cellular connection on your iPad must be turned off. You can also turn on the Handoff feature.
On your Mac, head to the general preference pane and check the box next to Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices. In iPadOS or iOS, head to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff and ensure the feature is enabled.
Alternatively, you can plug the iPad in using a USB so that it charges your iPad while allowing you to use the device as a Sidecar display.
One thing to note when connecting your iPad to your Mac. An alert will appear on the screen of your iPad asking if you trust the computer. It would be best to tap Trust and enter the iPad’s password.
- Set up one or more external monitors
Using one or more external monitors is a great convenience if you need to expand your Mac’s display. Although some devices support a dual setup, others support more than one external monitor. Furthermore, the external displays are not limited to MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros. You can also use them to increase the screen real estate of MacBook desktops.
To find out how many displays are supported by your Mac, go to the Apple menu > click About This Mac > click Support > Specifications. On the web page that will appear, you will see the number of displays supported by your Mac under Video Support.
Then, you can connect the external displays to your Mac and go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Displays > Arrangement tab > uncheck the Mirrored Displays box.
- Universal Control
Universal Control is one of the newest features released with the macOS Ventura update. The feature creates a seamless relationship with up to three iPads and Macs.
With this feature, you can turn your Apple devices into displays, and this connection includes sharing a mouse, keyboard, and trackpad control. You can even drag windows across the displays of your Apple devices.
The Bottom Line
So if you want to see more and your Mac’s display is not enough, keep the above tips in mind.
