Productivity Series: Multiple Screens and Desktops

I use two displays with my desktop Mac, plus a specific set of desktops set up to show some apps in specific spaces. See if any of my techniques will help you be more productive on your Mac.

Comments: 13 Responses to “Productivity Series: Multiple Screens and Desktops”

    Jasper
    3 years ago

    I’ve found a couple of apps useful for this. ‘Haze’ de-emphasises all but the front most window. You can set a single full-brightness window or one on each screen. Helpful to reduce distraction. ‘Keyboard Maestro’ can be used to set windows in particular screens and locations, being triggered by time of day or shortcut. I can set a window arrangement for first thing in the morning (Calendar, Reminders and weather in Safari), checking in at work (MS Teams, Outlook), etc.

    Russ
    3 years ago

    How do you add a two programs to the same desktop? Thanks

    3 years ago

    Russ: Depends on what you mean, exactly. Do want a regular desktop with two windows floating around in it? See https://macmost.com/how-to-use-multiple-desktops-on-your-mac.html Or do you want a Split View space, with the space split between the two windows? See https://macmost.com/mac-basics-how-to-use-split-view.html for the latter.

    Richard Veraguth
    3 years ago

    I use a Imac 5K 2017 for video editing. If I buy now a new 16‘ macbook, can I use the Imac as external screen for FCPX with e.g. airplay or the luna dongle.

    3 years ago

    Richard: You could, yes. But you probably just want to get a regular external display. You'd need a faster connection for real video work, plus you could get an external display for much cheaper than you could sell your 2017 iMac.

    Peter
    3 years ago

    To help me keep track of which of my multiple desktops I'm on, I have a different colour for each.

    Gary, with apologies for this point not being directly on subject, I couldn't help noticing the Rode shotgun mic on your desk photo. Mine isn't shotgun, + it's large & desk-standing, so am always moving it between the front and back of my desk. What model is your Rode, please?

    BTW, I'm finding this productivity series helpful. Also the user input (just bought Haze - thanks Jasper!)

    3 years ago

    Peter: It is the Rode VideoMic Pro+. It attaches to my camera, not directly to the Mac.

    Michelle W
    2 years ago

    I am a psychologist doing all my work online - I use a different space for each client's notes. I also an app called Magnet which snaps windows/documents into position on the screen. It's super handy for organising my screen.

    I can see you have a laptop plus 2 monitors - I'd love to know how you have achieved this. I have a Macbook Air (M1 chip) but it doesn't support 2 monitors, only one. Do you use a hub? if so, which one please?

    2 years ago

    Michelle: I have a Mac Studio (Mac Pro back when I made this video last year). The MacBook you see isn't using the screens, the Pro/Studio is.

    Michelle W
    2 years ago

    Thanks Gary. Would you know of/recommend a hub that would allow multiple screens for an M1?

    2 years ago

    Michelle: I can't recommend any because I have never used one. They all use software and special drivers to make a third screen a possibility. Quality and speed will suffer. Do you really need three screens? Even I just use two screens on my powerhouse desktop setup nowadays.

    Michelle W
    2 years ago

    I don't want three screens, I want two. I want to be able to put the M1 into clamshell mode and have two working decent-sized screens. The M/Air is just a bit small to be a useful screen for my purposes. Thanks :)

    2 years ago

    Michelle: Ah, I see. I haven't played with that so I can't be of much help.

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