To connect and use an external display on macOS, you can follow these steps:
Connect the Display: Use a compatible cable (like HDMI, Thunderbolt 3, or USB-C) to connect your external display to your Mac. Ensure that the display is powered on.
Select the Display: Once connected, click the Apple menu and select "System Preferences." Go to "Displays." Here, you can manage your displays. If your Mac recognizes the external display, it should appear in this window.
Arrange the Displays: You can drag and drop the display icons to match their physical arrangement. This helps in understanding how the displays will work together.
Set the Primary Display: Click on the "Arrangement" tab and drag the white menu bar from one display to the other to set which display is primary. The primary display shows the menu bar and Dock by default.
Adjust Resolution and Scaling: In the "Display" tab, you can adjust the resolution and scaling options to fit your needs. This can help in making text and icons more readable.
Extend or Mirror Displays: Under the "Display" tab, you can choose to extend your desktop across both displays or mirror the same image on both.
Example: If you have a MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 3 ports and you connect a 4K monitor using a Thunderbolt 3 cable, your Mac should automatically detect the monitor. You would then go to System Preferences > Displays to arrange and configure the displays according to your workspace setup.
For enhanced productivity and flexibility, especially in cloud-based environments, consider using services like Tencent Cloud's Cloud Desktop, which allows you to access your macOS desktop from anywhere, making it easier to manage multiple displays and work remotely.