To extend the display on a Mac, the quickest way is to use the key combination Command (⌘) + F1 to toggle between mirroring and extending, or configure the arrangement in System Settings > Displays. By default, macOS extends the desktop when an external monitor is connected, allowing you to drag windows between screens.
Shortcuts and extended display management:
- Toggle Mirror/Extend: Use Command (⌘) + F1 (or the brightness key if that does not work).
- Full Screen: Press Control (⌃) + Command (⌘) + F to make an app full screen.
- Mission Control: Press F3 to view all open windows across all displays.
- Precise configuration: Go to System Settings > Displays, where you can drag the displays to align them to your physical setup.
Note: On Mac notebooks or iMacs, an external monitor must be connected for these options to be available.
Key details about using this command:
- Toggle mode: Pressing Command + F1 switches the Mac instantly between showing the same content on both displays (mirror) and using the second display as an independent desktop (extend).
- Variations depending on the keyboard:
- MacBook/iMac with Touch Bar: May require Command + F1 or Command + Fn + F1.
- Keyboards without a dedicated F1: If the F1 key is set as a standard function key, use Command + Fn + F1.
- Alternative: On some older keyboards, the shortcut was Command + F7.
- If it doesn’t work: Make sure the external monitor is properly connected and powered on. You can also go to System Settings > Displays to manage the display mode manually.
- Use cases: This command is particularly useful for troubleshooting when a MacBook’s internal display is damaged and shows no image, allowing you to force video output to an external monitor.
Would you like to know how to rearrange your displays or change which is the primary once they are in extended mode?
To rearrange your displays or choose the primary while inextended, follow these steps:
- Go to Apple menu () > System Settings > Displays.
- Click the Arrangement… (or simply look at the display diagram that appears).
- To rearrange: Drag the display icons left, right or up so they match their physical positions on your desk.
- To change the primary display: You’ll see that one display has a small white bar across the top (it represents the menu bar). Click and drag that white bar to the other display. The one with the bar will become the primary, where the Dock and notifications appear.
One extra tip: If you want to move a window quickly from one display to another without dragging it, you can hover the cursor over the green button in the top-left corner of any window and select “Move to [Nombre del monitor]”.
Would you like me to explain how to set up different wallpapers for each monitor now that you have them extended?
Setting different wallpapers is very straightforward since Apple redesigned the settings in recent versions (macOS Ventura or Sonoma).
Here are the steps to customise each display independently:
- Open the Apple () > System Settings.
- In the left sidebar, select Wallpaper.
- Select the monitor: At the top of the window you’ll see thumbnails of your connected displays. Click the thumbnail of the display you want to change.
- Choose your image: Select any wallpaper from the categories (Aerials, Landscapes, etc.) or add your own photos. That wallpaper will apply only to the display you have selected.
- Repeat the process by clicking the thumbnail of the other monitor.
Key setting to prevent them being mixed up:
If you have multiple “Spaces” (virtual desktops) and want each to have its own style, make sure of the following:
- In the same Wallpaper section, Wallpaper, look for the option “Show on all Spaces” and make sure it is turned off.
A note about macOS Sonoma: If you choose one of the new “Aerials”, remember they also become very smooth animated screensavers when you lock the Mac.
