Is it possible to save and switch display configurations on MacBook Pro?

Hello... I'm wondering if it is possible to 'save' and easily switch between display configurations.


Here's what I mean.. in image below... depending on what I am doing, I may want to have Config 1 setup, or Config 2 setup. I also want Config 1 to remember the Arrangement of the monitors, and I want each Config to remember their respective Resolutions. Is such a thing possible easily? is there a simple utility (built-in or 3rd party) or way to automate the switching between such states using a script or something?


I'm on 2019 MacBookPro 16in w/ Ventura 13.6.1



[Edited by Moderator]

MacBook Pro (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Jul 11, 2024 5:32 AM

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6 replies

Jul 11, 2024 12:04 PM in response to Do You Like Ham

I do not know of any utility that will do exactly what you want, especially the changing Display settings.


I have used "Stay" and "Moom" 3rd party utilities (both paid apps) that can memorize window positions and restore them with either a keyboard shortcut or by automatically detecting that you are adding or removing monitors attached to your Mac.


It is maybe possible that you can have the utilities memorize different Display configurations and move windows to memorized positions when you do your configuration changes. But having never done what you are asking, I cannot tell you for sure that they would do this.

Jul 15, 2024 11:37 AM in response to Do You Like Ham

It can be done with a macro app like Keyboard Maestro. I use it to turn on/off the css file and the minimum font size in Safari's Advanced settings pane. It could be used with the System/Appearance settings also. These are the two states of Safari's setting:


a

and this


and this is how it works. I use two key combinations (⌘+1 and ⌘+2) to trigger it on and off.



There will be a learning curve with the app but it is extremely powerful. I have over 100 macros I use daily.


Jul 15, 2024 6:59 AM in response to BobHarris

I didn't really solve the problem the way I was hoping, but found a tool called Rectangle that sorta fits the bill... and perhaps even provides additional flexibility.


If I launch something, and it is on the screen I can't see... the following gets it on the other screen, and fills the right half the screen... which is my typical desire for one app in particular:

ctrl+opt+cmd+-> (moves to next screen)

ctrl+opt+-> (fills right half)


I may check out moom still... looks like in Moom, I may be able to combine the two above into one command? Perhaps even have the app remember that?


Anyway.. thanks for the tip!





Jul 12, 2024 6:32 AM in response to BobHarris

Thanks, @BobHarris - I'll take a look.. those could be useful in addition... I see Moom mentions "Move to other display"... do you happen to know if this works in the case where:


I've Config 1 setup. I'm sitting at a location where I only see the Z32 monitor (see image above)... I launch an app from the Dock, and it shows up on Main (thus I can't see the window). Presently, I have to get up, move to where I can see Main, drag the app from Main to Z32/Z27.

  • Will Moom somehow let me move the App from Main to Z32 w/o having to get up from where I am?
  • Perhaps there is another way to accomplish this in 'native' MacOS that I'm aware of?


Thanks!


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Is it possible to save and switch display configurations on MacBook Pro?

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