Shortcut for swapping primary and secondary monitor?

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Level 1

8 points

Shortcut for swapping primary and secondary monitor?

I know this sounds like a simple question, but I just can't find an answer.

*What's the shortcut/quick-key (or how do I create a shortcut) for switching between my two monitors?*

I ask this question primarily for a _Mac Pro using 2 Cinema Displays_. I realize I can open the preferences and drag the icons around to achieve this, but I really need a quick-key combination for swapping the two monitors on the fly, and quickly swapping back again.

I also use a Macbook Pro and an external monitor, and I imagine at some point it will be useful to use the quick-key on that too (ie. if I want to see some fine detail on the 24" display instead of the 15" display).

Can OSX 10.5.7 do this? Or do I need to upgrade? Or do I need a 3rd party application?

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.7), 2x Apple Cinema Display

Posted on Nov 15, 2009 6:06 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 19, 2009 6:02 PM in response to Rhinosaur

The Belkin Switch is pretty much just a fancy KVM switch, yes.

I'm understanding that you've got one computer with two monitors? In that case I'd just use the extended desktop feature.

Do you mean:

*Display 1 (With Display 1 Desktop) <-> Display 2 (With Display 2 Desktop)*

And you want a key command to switch to:

*Display 1 (With Display 2 Desktop) <-> Display 2 (With Display 1 Desktop)*

If you follow my meaning (in other words a key command to rearrange the destops.)?

If this is what you want to achieve, then no; you have to manually re-arrange desktops in Displays preferences.

Sorry for wasting time, I've just never thought of, or needed to use such a method.

Message was edited by: Peter Miller

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Answer 2

Nov 19, 2009 1:43 PM in response to Peter Miller

It is sturdy and easy to use - when it works. Each two days, I have to disconnect and reconnect it from the power, to make it work again. Two weeks after contacting Belkin, I'm still waiting for their service's answer.

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Answer 3

Rhinosaur Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 19, 2009 5:29 PM in response to Peter Miller

Thanks for the reply.

Unless I overlooked something, I think that's just a regular KVM switch?

To clarify, I need a solution for one computer that's using two monitors. I need to be able to swap the two monitors over. Just as though I'd picked them up and physically swapped them.

Imagine you are using your computer in a large office with two work desks; one monitor is on one work space, the other monitor on the other side of the room on another work desk. You're sitting at work desk 1, and just for a minute you need to reference what's on your secondary monitor (on work desk 2) and then carry on with what you were doing again (swap, then swap back).

Preferably a key command, but a hardware switch will do.

If this is still unclear let me know and I'll try again. 🙂

Thanks

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Answer 4

Rhinosaur Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 19, 2009 7:09 PM in response to Peter Miller

Thanks Peter, that's exactly what I am trying to do (explained much more clearly than I did).

Thanks for the link. Unfortunately it seems that there is no default keyboard shortcut to achieve that.

I guess what I am looking for is some sort of monitor manager. I'm sure it can't be impossible! 🙂

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