How do I get a MacBook Air to extend display on 2008 iMac?

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How do I get a MacBook Air to extend display on 2008 iMac?

From the Mac Book Air I have used Display port to VGA and from the VGA to the iMac I have used VGA to mini-DVI connector. When I go to Display, arrangement, both monitors show a 2nd screen, however in the arrangement tab they both see the larger rectangle as their own display, and so it will not extend or mirror the view. Do I have the wrong connectors? If so, I'm not sure which connector to get for the 2008 iMac.

MacBook Air, macOS Sierra (10.12.6)

Posted on Sep 25, 2018 2:31 AM

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Answer 1

raina_b22

Community Specialist

Sep 25, 2018 7:06 PM in response to kanep1111

Hi, there, kanep1111!

Thanks for stopping by the Apple Support Communities. From your post, I understand you've got some questions about Target Display Mode from a MacBook Air to an iMac. I'm happy to help.

Per Use your iMac as a display with Target Display Mode - Apple Support , the following iMac computers support Target Display Mode, and the corresponding cable and port on the other computer you need are listed below:

iMac models you can use
as a display

Cable
you need
Port you need
on your other Mac

iMac (27-inch, Late 2009)

Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort
Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt

iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010)

Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort
Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt

iMac (Mid 2011-Mid 2014)

Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014) and later iMac models can't be used as Target Display Mode displays.

Have a great day!

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iMac models you can use as a display	Cable you need	Port you need on your other Mac
iMac (27-inch, Late 2009)	Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort	Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt
iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010)	Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort	Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt
iMac (Mid 2011-Mid 2014)	Thunderbolt	Thunderbolt

How do I get a MacBook Air to extend display on 2008 iMac?

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