HT201343: Use AirPlay to display video from your Mac on an HDTV

Learn about Use AirPlay to display video from your Mac on an HDTV
awinters49
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: can i use the imac as a monitor for my macbook?

I am using a 2011 27 inch Imac and a MacBook Pro 15 with retina screen.  I want to use the Imac screen as the monitor for my MacBook at times.  Both machines have mountain lion with the latest version.  Can I hook them togther using thunderbolt

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8), imac with mountain lion

Posted on Apr 29, 2013 7:02 PM

Close
awinters49

Q: can i use the imac as a monitor for my macbook?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Niel,

    Niel Niel Apr 29, 2013 7:04 PM in response to awinters49
    Level 10 (314,274 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 29, 2013 7:04 PM in response to awinters49

    Yes. Use a Thunderbolt cable.

     

    (81864)

  • by awinters49,

    awinters49 awinters49 Apr 29, 2013 7:25 PM in response to Niel
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 29, 2013 7:25 PM in response to Niel

    Niel,

     

    I tried that.  After using a thunderbolt cable then what?  There must be some software that is used.  Please give me the steps.  Thanks.

  • by Niel,

    Niel Niel Apr 29, 2013 7:28 PM in response to awinters49
    Level 10 (314,274 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 29, 2013 7:28 PM in response to awinters49

    Click here for information.

     

    (81865)

  • by remy17,

    remy17 remy17 Apr 29, 2013 8:54 PM in response to awinters49
    Level 1 (15 points)
    Apr 29, 2013 8:54 PM in response to awinters49

    ^ What Niel said.

     

    You can use what's called "Target Display Mode"

     

    Here are the steps from that article to get it working:

     

    Use an iMac with Thunderbolt as a display

    If you have an iMac with Thunderbolt, any other Mac with Thunderbolt can use it as a display. The iMac will play both the video and audio from the other Mac.

    1. Connect the Thunderbolt cable to the Thunderbolt ports on each computer.
    2. Make sure both Mac computers are turned on and awake.
    3. Press Command (⌘)-F2 on the keyboard of the external display Mac.
    4. If you want the external display Mac to play audio as well as video from the primary Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Sound, and then click Output. Select the external display Mac from the list of devices.