I'm looking for a method to toggle from extend display to mirror display. The cmd+f1 shortcut achieves this but it defaults to my 2nd monitor's resolution (can't find a way to default to built-in retina resolution). I briefly explored apple scripts, but navigating system preferences gets tricky fast.
For additional context, these screenshots show the two settings I want to toggle between.
Thanks!
MacBook Air
Start by dragging the little representation of the menu bar from the external to your built-in.
When in mirror mode, click "Display Settings" in System Preferences->Displays and make sure that the built-in display is the "main" and the external is set to "mirror built-in retina display" (or similar wording)
Of note: depending on the capabilities of each display, there are limitations. For example, if your external can only do, say 1080p, there is no way to have more than that when mirroring.
Start by dragging the little representation of the menu bar from the external to your built-in.
When in mirror mode, click "Display Settings" in System Preferences->Displays and make sure that the built-in display is the "main" and the external is set to "mirror built-in retina display" (or similar wording)
Of note: depending on the capabilities of each display, there are limitations. For example, if your external can only do, say 1080p, there is no way to have more than that when mirroring.
The standard shortcut to switch between mirror and extended desktop is Command-F1.
If your mac has a TouchBar, you can still switch, by pressing Command and tapping in the lower brightness button; if you don't have it visible, start by holding down the Fn key, then press Command and tap the lower brightness.
On a sidenote: you posted in the Catalina forum, but the screenshot you posted indicates that you are actually running Monterey. In the future, consider posting in the Monterey forum, as it is likely to get more attention.
I have tried this on my mac.
I see the same thing: when swithching to mirroring displays, it always appears "optimized" for the external display, no matter which display is the "main".
I think this may be because the external is larger and/or has a lower resolution. I don't have a big 4K display, which might provide a test for my conjecture.
Hello Jeffrey,
There is not a current shortcut to switch between Extend and Mirror Display. What you've shared in your screenshot is the best current method to change your display as needed. If you'd like to see a supported method in a future update we recommend leaving feedback for Apple on the following page: Product Feedback - Apple
If you'd like to use a script or macro to achieve this behavior this guide may be helpful: Record actions in Script Editor on Mac - Apple Support
Regards.
Ah, thanks for the heads up on the forum. When I initialized the post, it didn't give me a Monterey option for some reason.
As I noted in the description, cmd+f1 toggles but it defaults to the monitor resolution. Do you know how to change the default to built-in retina? If so, then that would solve it.
Thanks drew_7. I attempted to record the action of switching in scripts, but it didn't log anything. I also tried to record via automator, and it's too UI focused... too much room for error - doesn't click the right buttons.
Sorry for the delay. Followed your advice, however the main display still defaults to the external monitor. If I change "optimize for" to "built-in retina" and toggle cmd+f1, it reverts to defaulting to optimizing for the external monitor :(
hotkey or shortcut to change display preferences from extend display to mirror display
