Clamshell mode without closing lid

Question

Level 1

22 points

Clamshell mode without closing lid

Is it possible to have clamshell mode without closing the lid?

For context, my MacBook us connected to an external display. Sometimes, I just use the external display, and other times, such as when I need to use a camera, I just use the MacBook itself. Now, here's the problem: whenever I desire to just use just the external display, it becomes inconvenient to have to close the lid each time. And the moment I want to use just my MacBook, it again is inconvenient to have to open the lid each time. The inconvenience is having the open and close the lid each time to switch between using the MacBook itself and entering clamshell mode (that is, using just the monitor).

Is there a way where I can use the monitor while my MacBook's lid is open, but the screen is only projected on the monitor and not doing dual projection where it is both using the monitor and the computer? As in, clamshell mode without actually closing the lid.

Thanks!

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Aug 21, 2021 12:36 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Barney-15E

Level 10

123,548 points

Aug 21, 2021 12:43 PM in response to aarya161

As in, clamshell mode without actually closing the lid.

I have never heard of a way to disable the built-in monitor when it is open.

Is there a way where I can use the monitor while my MacBook's lid is open, but the screen is only projected on the monitor and not doing dual projection where it is both using the monitor and the computer?

I can't understand why that is a problem. I'd keep things I want to check periodically on the macBook screen and use the external monitor as the main screen. I don't think I've every heard anyone say, "I need less monitor space."

Reply

Answer 2

aarya161 Author

Level 1

22 points

Aug 21, 2021 1:18 PM in response to Barney-15E

I don't think I've every heard anyone say, "I need less monitor space."

Let me clarify. Yes, occasionally, it is helpful to have dual display. However, that isn't always needed. Sometimes, you just want to use the monitor. That's the whole point of clamshell mode -- you close the lid of the computer SO that you can use just the monitor. You don't want to worry about things accidentally opening up on the MacBook or dragging between the displays, have it unnecessarily be on and shining its light to the side when you're not even using it, etc. It doesn't make sense to just keep it on like that. You just want to be focused on what you're doing on one screen.

That's why I was asking that, "Hey, clamshell mode is great, but is there a way to activate it without having to always open and close the lid of MacBook. Is there a shortcut or setting for that?" I hope that makes sense. If a solution exists, great. If not, that's fine. I asked out of curiosity since it doesn't hurt to ask. Thanks for the quick reply.

Reply

Clamshell mode without closing lid

Similar questions