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Use a Macbook Air as an 'extended' screen for an IMac

Hi There,


I have an iMac, with a Thunderbolt out, and wanted to connect my Macbook Air, also with a Thunderbolt out as a 2nd monitor, so that I can work with Photoshop on the iMac and have my tools as an extended workspace.


The specs are :

iMac : iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014)

Video Support :

  • Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built‑in display and up to a 30-inch display (2560 by 1600 pixels) on an external display
  • Support for extended desktop and video mirroring modes
  • Support for Target Display Mode via the Thunderbolt port using a Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt cable (sold separately)


Macbook Air : (13-inch, Early 2014)

Video Support :

  • Dual display and video mirroring : Simultaneously supports full native resolution and up to 2560 by 1600 on an external display
  • Thunderbolt Digital Video Output


I just updated both to be on the Catalina OS.


They both show that it's possible from a hardware standpoint, but when I go into the settings in 'displays', and try 'option', 'detect displays' they don't see each other. I have no ability to add 'extended desktop' and access the 2nd monitor.


Is it my thunderbolt cable, or are they not compatible? I purchased a regular Thunderbolt, not a Thunderbolt 3 cable.


Thanks for any insights and help, it's driving me a little crazy.

Kat


iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Jun 4, 2020 8:22 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 4, 2020 8:29 AM

Welcome Kat!


No go. The video port on the MBA would have to be "two-way," and the only Mac computers that had that feature were a limited number of iMacs made between 2009 and Mid 2014. Your iMac could act as an external monitor with the right cabling and possibly adapters, but not the MBA.


A conventional external monitor is the best way to extend your iMac's desktop.

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2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 4, 2020 8:29 AM in response to katwoman7

Welcome Kat!


No go. The video port on the MBA would have to be "two-way," and the only Mac computers that had that feature were a limited number of iMacs made between 2009 and Mid 2014. Your iMac could act as an external monitor with the right cabling and possibly adapters, but not the MBA.


A conventional external monitor is the best way to extend your iMac's desktop.

Jun 4, 2020 8:48 AM in response to Allan Jones

Hi Allan, Thanks so much for the quick reply. This helps understand why I wasn't seeing it. Guess I have to consider an external monitor.


If I were to go that route, what would you suggest for the connection? It shows I have :


  • Four USB 3 ports (compatible with USB 2)
  • Two Thunderbolt ports
    • Mini DisplayPort output
    • Support for DVI, VGA, and dual-link DVI (adapters sold separately)


Thanks!

Kat

Use a Macbook Air as an 'extended' screen for an IMac

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