Using 3 monitors (1 is an iPad) in FCP

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Level 1

4 points

Using 3 monitors (1 is an iPad) in FCP

Hi folks,

Scoured the web and various forums, and couldn't find an answer...

I'm looking to use three monitors with FCP (10.6.1) and an M1 Mac Mini (12.0.1). The main monitor is a BenQ PD2700U which goes Thunderbolt out - CalDigit USB-C SOHO Dock - DisplayPort out.

Second is an old Dell 2408WFP which connects directly via HDMI.

Third is my 2020 12.9" iPad Pro connected via Sidecar.

I always use FCP in a dual monitor setup with the Timeline/Viewer/Inspector on the right on the BenQ, and the Browser on the left on the Dell, which is turned 90 degrees, letting me see a ton of clips at a glance.

I can connect the iPad via Sidecar, and it shows up in Display settings no problem. But FCP just doesn't seem to have a way of using three monitors unless one is configured as an A/V monitor. Is this right?

I'd like to pop the viewer onto the iPad if possible, but all I can see are the dual-screen controls in the top right, and as far as I know one can't pop any of the FCP windows to use standalone.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Jan 27, 2022 12:18 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Luis Sequeira1

Level 9

67,276 points

Jan 27, 2022 1:33 AM in response to Big_Steel

You got it right.

The only way to use three displays with FCP is to have one of them as AV Monitor.

(unless you have two displays mirroring each other, but that would not let you separate the interface into three parts)

Of course neither of us can change how the application works, so if you feel that would be important, use feedback to make a request:

Final Cut Pro->Provide Final Cut Pro Feedback…

Out of curiosity, how would you split the parts of FCP over the three displays?

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Answer 2

Big_Steel Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 30, 2022 8:03 PM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Thanks for the reply, Luis.

It's hardly mission critical; I was just hoping to have a bit of fun with the screens I have available.

I would keep the browser on the left, vertical monitor (Which is awesome! I can't imagine going back to a squished browser window anymore!), have the inspector and main timeline on the main monitor, and then have the viewer on the iPad.

I don't even know if I'd be able to find a way to make everything fit together and work nicely - it might be weird having to shift my gaze from the timeline to the viewer and back...

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Answer 3

Jan 31, 2022 12:27 AM in response to Big_Steel

Thanks. That would be interesting to try.

Of course, you can use the third display for other stuff - maybe keep the Finder easily accessible, or Mail, or Safari.

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Answer 4

Big_Steel Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 3, 2022 5:46 PM in response to Luis Sequeira1

That's true. Maybe I'll play around with a few options and see if something fits nicely!

Thanks, Luis ~

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Using 3 monitors (1 is an iPad) in FCP

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