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Q: Multiple Monitor Identity Issues

I am a graphic designer using software like Maya and After effects. I work on a mac pro with two monitors, one apple display, one acer.

 

My problem is, there seems to be an issue with the mac deciding which monitor is the main one and which one is being currently used.

 

For example :

working in Maya, one holds the space bar to bring up a menu, however the menu will only display on the apple monitor (which is on the right) even when i only have maya open on the left hand screen.

 

In after effects (and possibly other programs) clicking drop-down menus will cause them to open on the opposite screen to the one the window is open in.

 

Has anyone else experienced this / can offer a solution?

 

Thank you!

Mac Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.5)

Posted on May 24, 2016 1:35 AM

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Q: Multiple Monitor Identity Issues

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  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder May 24, 2016 8:34 AM in response to eporeilly
    Level 9 (61,073 points)
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    May 24, 2016 8:34 AM in response to eporeilly

    There are two important concepts in play here.

     

    The first is the "Primary display". This is the display on which the startup screen appears, and the display with the menuBar. It is specified by dragging the tiny Menubar icon to the display you wish to be primary in the Arrange pane of System preferences > Displays. This is often called "extended desktop" where the second and subsequent screens extend the primary display along an edge.

    Arrange Window screenshot.png

     

    The second concept is "displays have separate spaces". If you choose this, you wish to have each group of displays and Applications treated as a separate, distinct desktop, not one large extended desktop.

  • by eporeilly,

    eporeilly eporeilly May 24, 2016 9:08 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    May 24, 2016 9:08 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

    Thanks, I have already tried dragging the white bar around and this seems to have no effect.

     

    Where would i find the options for using separate spaces? i can't seem to find them in display preferences.

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder May 24, 2016 9:32 AM in response to eporeilly
    Level 9 (61,073 points)
    Desktops
    May 24, 2016 9:32 AM in response to eporeilly

    HT5891_separate_spaces-en.png

     

    .