MAC: Connecting to a Projector, Mac OSX

Audience

Employees

Question

How do I connect to a projector with my Mac?

Answer

How to connect a projector using Mac OS X:

1.  Plug in external display.  It can be plugged in while the computer is on or off.

2.  Go to your System Preferences icon on the dock.

3.  Select Displays.

4.  Under the Display tab, select Select Displays.

5.  Display modes:

• If you want to have a cloned desktop (same view on both screens).
  • Go to the arrangement tab and select Mirror Displays.
• If you want to have an extended desktop (utilize both monitors separately).
  • Go to the arrangement tab and unselect Mirror Displays.  Within the white area there will be representations of your two monitors, drag them to the physical arrangement of your monitors.

6.  Mirrored mode only. The laptops have a 16:9 aspect ratio while most of the external monitors/projectors have a 4:3 aspect ratio. Most of the time the operating system will choose an appropriate resolution automatically that should be in letterbox/standard mode. That way images are not distorted on either display. If you prefer not to do letterbox mode or the external monitor will not display it, one display will have to be distorted (stretched out). Within the Display tab there is a list of resolutions that are supported, choose one that works best for you and the external monitor/projector.