How do you make clamshell mode active for a external display with Macbook Pro and apple monitor

Question

How do you make clamshell mode active for a external display with Macbook Pro and apple monitor

I have reformatted my Mac Book Pro and need to reset the settings for my external Apple display. Right now, the MacBook display does not show on the external monitor. It is running 2 separate models. I can drag apps from the Mac monitor over to the external monitor. However, I want the Mac to work in clamshell mode. Then this will push everything to the external monitor. How do you set this up on a Mac book Pro

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8)

Posted on Jan 27, 2017 8:06 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 27, 2017 8:47 AM in response to Albertwmillerjr

Mac notebooks: How to use your computer in closed clamshell (display closed) mode with an external display - https://support.apple.com/HT201834

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Answer 2

Jan 27, 2017 8:41 AM in response to Albertwmillerjr

From your post your Mac appears to be running in 'spanning' mode also known as 'extended desktop' which means each display i.e. the MacBook's built-in screen and the external Apple screen is showing independent different content.

What you might be referring to is 'mirroring' mode which will make both screens show the same content. You would turn this on in System Preferences ---> Displays. See Use multiple displays with your Mac - Apple Support

Clamshell mode also known as closed-display mode is another different configuration. With clamshell mode you close your laptop completely so its built-in screen cannot be seen. Initially the laptop will go to sleep but you can wake it back up using a standard external mouse and keyboard. Once woken it will only use the external screen in its full resolution, it will therefore be neither extended desktop or mirroring but just using the external screen.

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