Guides
Everything around the one question this app answers — can my Mac be a monitor? — written for the specific machine you have, with the prices and shops of your market.
How to use your iMac as a monitorCan you use an iMac as a monitor? Yes. Step by step with real screenshots: what you need, the two permissions, Connect, and arranging the screens.
Use an old iMac as a monitor: what works for your modelCan you use an old iMac as a monitor? It depends on the year. What works for the 2014–2020 iMacs, the iMac Pro and the 21.5- and 24-inch models.
The cheapest 5K monitor for a Mac: a used iMacA used 27-inch 5K iMac plus DisplayBridge costs about $320, less than any new 5K monitor. Used prices for every 5K iMac, which ones work, and which to buy.
Target Display Mode on a 2017, 2019 or 2020 iMacTarget Display Mode never existed on the Retina 5K iMac. Here's exactly which iMacs had it, why Apple dropped it, and the three ways a 2017–2020 iMac still becomes a monitor for another Mac today — with an honest AirPlay vs. DisplayBridge comparison.
AirPlay from Mac to Mac: how to use another Mac as a displayHow to AirPlay from one Mac to another: which Macs can receive, how to mirror or extend, and where it falls short. Plus the wired option at full resolution.
Use a MacBook as a second monitor for another MacYes, a MacBook can be a second monitor for another Mac: one cable, uncompressed, up to 120 Hz on a MacBook Pro. What you need, how to set it up, what doesn't work.
5K iMac as a monitor: conversion kit vs. softwareI converted a 5K iMac into a monitor with a driver board kit: about $175–205, 2+ hours and real risks. How it works, and when $29 software is better.
Luna Display alternative: use a Mac as a second display without a dongleLuna Display vs. DisplayBridge for using an iMac or Mac as a second display, compared fairly with Astropad's own specs: price, 5K at 60 Hz, sound, delay.
Duet Display alternative: use a Mac as a second display without a subscriptionDuet Display vs. DisplayBridge for using an iMac or Mac as a second display, compared with Duet's own specs: price, subscription, 5K, account, delay.
Use the iMac 2017 (27-inch 5K) as a monitorYes, the 27-inch 5K iMac from 2017 works as a 5K monitor for another Mac. Tested on my base model, with its facts, ports, macOS limit and used prices.
Use the iMac 2019 (27-inch 5K) as a monitorThe 27-inch 5K iMac from 2019 can be a monitor for another Mac in two ways: AirPlay or DisplayBridge. What each gives you, the model's facts and used prices.
Use the iMac 2020 (27-inch 5K) as a monitorThe 27-inch 5K iMac from 2020 works as a 5K monitor for another Mac. Tested with DisplayBridge, with what sets it apart, why not to convert it, and used prices.
Use the iMac Pro as a monitorThe iMac Pro works as a full 5K monitor for another Mac over one Thunderbolt cable. Tested on my own iMac Pro, with its facts, ports, macOS limit and used prices.