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I am trying to make my display extend so I can use my iMac as a main display for my macbbook pro. I got USB-C (in iMac) and HDMI (MBP) but it doesn't seem to work. I went to Apple store and they didn't know why it didn't work.
I really do not know how to make laptop display on my iMac so I can work on both screen.
iMac 27" 5K, 10.14
You may be able to use your iMac display in place of your MacBook pro screen with Target display mode. You do not use display cables for this, you generally use a ThunderBolt cable, as it is NOT a "regular" display kind of process, more of a data sharing.
You can also use Screen Sharing to share your MacBook pro screen into a window on the iMac. You generally do this across your Home Network, again NOT with display cables.
At this writing, these is no simple built-in mechanism that allows an iMac to be come a display that is part of an Extended desktop. The iMac does not have a Display INPUT in the way a stand-alone display or TV set does.
You may be able to use your iMac display in place of your MacBook pro screen with Target display mode. You do not use display cables for this, you generally use a ThunderBolt cable, as it is NOT a "regular" display kind of process, more of a data sharing.
You can also use Screen Sharing to share your MacBook pro screen into a window on the iMac. You generally do this across your Home Network, again NOT with display cables.
At this writing, these is no simple built-in mechanism that allows an iMac to be come a display that is part of an Extended desktop. The iMac does not have a Display INPUT in the way a stand-alone display or TV set does.
..I do not want to waste any money and time on wrong cables
Before you spend money, it is best for you to confirm exactly which iMac sub-model you wish to connect, as Target Display mode was only available on certain iMac sub-models introduced from Late 2009 to Mid 2014. If it is the 5K 27" inch in your equipment line above, that one is too new to support TDM.
Apple source: Use your iMac as a display with Target Display Mode - Apple Support
Find your sub-model from "About this Mac..."
Thanks for the prompt reply. Following are my specs.
iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017)
Processor : 3.4 GHz Intel Core i5
Memory 8 GB 2400 MHz DDR4
It might come handy to let you know, I got 2 MBP. one is mid 2012 and other one is mid 2014.
Why TDM was left out in newer models whereas technology with time enhances? SO what are my options and why is screen sharing slow? on the other hand I will check what does my office uses as they use normal non-apple monitor to use as main display,
We aren't Apple so can't answer regarding why Apple does/doesn't do anything without some creative guessing. And we have very active imaginations!
Screen sharing is slow because it basically runs over a network.
So which cable do u recommend for it? As I do not want to waste any money and time on wrong cables.
No TDM then. You are left with screen sharing which is often rather slow.
Extending display to iMac
