Welcome to the world of Mac and its unique user interface. One of the most common tasks that you need to perform while working on a Mac is closing it and using an external monitor. If you are a new Mac user or have recently switched from a PC, then it might seem a bit daunting. But don’t worry, we have got you covered with this step-by-step guide on “How to Close Mac and use Monitor”. So, let’s dive right in.
Steps
Step 1 – Save your work
Before you close your Mac, make sure that you have saved all your work. It’s always a good practice to save your documents every now and then, so that you don’t lose any important information. Once you have saved your work, close all the applications that you were working on.
Step 2 – Log out from all accounts
Logging out from all the accounts is important to ensure that your data is secure. You can do this by clicking on the Apple logo on the top left corner of your screen, and then selecting “Log Out”.
Step 3 – Shut down your Mac
Once you have logged out from all the accounts, the next step is to shut down your Mac. Click on the Apple logo, select “Shut Down” and confirm the action.
Step 4 – Disconnect all the cables
Make sure that all the cables are disconnected from your Mac, including the power cable, HDMI or VGA cable connected to your external monitor. This will ensure that your Mac is completely shut down and there is no risk of electrical short circuits.
Step 5 – Connect your external monitor
Now that your Mac is shut down, it’s time to connect your external monitor. Connect the HDMI or VGA cable to your monitor first and then connect the other end to your Mac. Make sure that the cable is securely plugged in.
Step 6 – Turn on your external monitor
Once you have connected your monitor, turn it on and select the appropriate input source for your Mac. You can switch between different input sources by using the buttons on your monitor or the remote control (if available).
Step 7 – Turn on your Mac
With your external monitor connected and turned on, it’s now time to turn on your Mac. Press the power button on your Mac to turn it on. Wait for a few seconds for the Mac to boot up.
Step 8 – Adjust display settings
Once your Mac has booted up, go to “System Preferences” and select “Displays”. From here, you can adjust the display settings for your external monitor, such as resolution, refresh rate and orientation.
Step 9 – Set up dual displays (optional)
If you want to use your external monitor as an extended display, then you can set it up by going to “System Preferences” and selecting “Displays”. Click on “Arrangement” and drag the white bar to the external monitor. This will set up dual displays.
Step 10 – Close your Mac
If you are done with your work and want to close your Mac, click on the Apple logo, select “Shut Down” and confirm the action. Make sure that all the cables are disconnected before you close your Mac.
Step 11 – Disconnect your external monitor
Before you disconnect your external monitor, make sure that you have turned off your Mac. Disconnect the cable from your Mac first and then from your monitor. Make sure that the cable is not damaged or twisted.
Step 12 – Shut down your external monitor
Once you have disconnected the cable, it’s time to shut down your external monitor. Press the power button to turn it off. That’s it, you have successfully closed your Mac and used an external monitor.
Explanation
Now that you know the steps involved in closing your Mac and using an external monitor, let’s discuss each step in detail.
Step 1 – Save your work
Saving your work frequently is important to avoid losing any important information due to unexpected crashes or power outages. You can save your documents by pressing “Command + S” on your keyboard or by clicking on “File” and then selecting “Save”.
Step 2 – Log out from all accounts
Logging out from all accounts is important to ensure that your data is secure and no one else can access your personal information. You can log out by clicking on the Apple logo on the top left corner of your screen and then selecting “Log Out”.
Step 3 – Shut down your Mac
Shutting down your Mac properly is important to avoid any damage to the hardware or software. Click on the Apple logo, select “Shut Down” and confirm the action.
Step 4 – Disconnect all the cables
Disconnecting all the cables is important to ensure that your Mac is completely shut down and there is no risk of electrical short circuits. Make sure that you unplug the power cable, HDMI or VGA cable and any other cables connected to your Mac.
Step 5 – Connect your external monitor
Connecting your external monitor is easy. First, connect the HDMI or VGA cable to your monitor and then connect the other end to your Mac. Make sure that the cable is securely plugged in.
Step 6 – Turn on your external monitor
Turning on your external monitor is important to make sure that it is properly connected and functioning. You can switch between different input sources by using the buttons on your monitor or the remote control (if available).
Step 7 – Turn on your Mac
Press the power button on your Mac to turn it on. Wait for a few seconds for the Mac to boot up. Make sure that all the cables are properly connected and that your external monitor is turned on.
Step 8 – Adjust display settings
Adjusting the display settings is important to ensure that your external monitor is optimized for your Mac. You can adjust the resolution, refresh rate and orientation of your monitor by going to “System Preferences” and selecting “Displays”.
Step 9 – Set up dual displays (optional)
Setting up dual displays is optional, but it can greatly increase your productivity by giving you more screen space to work with. You can set up dual displays by going to “System Preferences” and selecting “Displays”. You can then drag the white bar to the external monitor to set it up as a secondary display.
Step 10 – Close your Mac
Closing your Mac is important to avoid any damage to the hardware or software. You can close your Mac by clicking on the Apple logo, selecting “Shut Down” and confirming the action. Make sure that all the cables are disconnected before you close your Mac.
Step 11 – Disconnect your external monitor
Disconnecting your external monitor is important to avoid any damage to the cables or the monitor itself. Make sure that you have turned off your Mac before you disconnect the cable from your Mac and then from your monitor.
Step 12 – Shut down your external monitor
Shutting down your external monitor is important to avoid any damage to the monitor or the hardware. Press the power button to turn it off.
Tips and Tricks
Tip 1 – Use keyboard shortcuts
You can save time by using keyboard shortcuts such as “Command + S” to save your work, “Command + Q” to quit an application and “Command + Space” to open Spotlight search.
Tip 2 – Use a docking station
A docking station can make it easy to connect and disconnect your Mac from an external monitor. It can also provide additional ports for USB devices, Ethernet and audio.
Tip 3 – Use an adapter
If your Mac doesn’t have an HDMI or VGA port, you can use an adapter to connect it to your external monitor. Make sure that the adapter is compatible with your Mac and the monitor.
Tip 4 – Use AirPlay
You can use AirPlay to mirror your Mac’s screen to your Apple TV or other AirPlay-enabled device. This is a great option if you don’t want to use a physical cable to connect your Mac to an external display.
Tip 5 – Use sidecar
If you have an iPad, you can use sidecar to use it as a secondary display for your Mac. This is a great option if you need some extra screen space while working on your Mac.
Tip 6 – Use Night Shift
You can use Night Shift on your Mac to reduce the blue light emitted from the screen, which can cause eye strain and disturb your sleep patterns.
Tip 7 – Use Time Machine
Backing up your data is important to avoid losing any important information due to unexpected crashes or power outages. You can use Time Machine to automatically back up your Mac to an external hard drive or a network drive.
Tip 8 – Upgrade your Mac
If your Mac is running slow or you are experiencing performance issues, you can upgrade it by adding more RAM, replacing the hard drive with an SSD or upgrading to a newer model.
Tip 9 – Clean your Mac
Cleaning your Mac regularly can improve its performance and prolong its lifespan. You can clean your Mac by removing any unused applications, deleting temporary files and clearing the cache.
Tip 10 – Get support
If you are facing any issues with your Mac or its accessories, you can get support from Apple’s website or by visiting an Apple Store. You can also find helpful resources and forums online.
Advantages of Closing Mac and Using Monitor
When it comes to closing your Mac and using an external monitor, there are numerous advantages that you can benefit from. Here are ten of them:
Advantages
| Advantages | Explanation |
| Increased productivity | Using a bigger monitor can help you focus and get more work done in less time. |
| Better image quality | External monitors are often better than the built-in ones, giving you a clearer and more detailed image. |
| Less eyestrain | Bigger monitors can help reduce eye fatigue, especially when working for long hours. |
| More screen real estate | With a bigger display, you can have more windows or tabs open at the same time, making multitasking easier and more efficient. |
| Better presentation experience | If you’re giving a presentation, an external monitor can help you make a bigger impact with your visuals. |
| Improved gaming performance | For gaming enthusiasts, an external monitor can deliver a smoother and more immersive gaming experience. |
| Easier collaboration | Working with others on a project becomes much easier when you have a bigger screen to share notes and ideas on. |
| Better video editing | Editing videos becomes a lot more pleasant and efficient when you have a bigger display to work on. |
| Increased screen flexibility | Using an external monitor can give you more options in terms of screen positioning and setup, allowing for a more tailored and comfortable setup. |
| Reduced clutter | By using an external monitor, you can clear up some desk space and minimize the amount of cables and devices you need to connect to your computer. |
Disadvantages of Closing Mac and Using Monitor
Despite the many advantages of closing your Mac and using an external monitor, there are also some disadvantages that need to be taken into account. Here are ten of them:
Disadvantages
| Disadvantages | Explanation |
| Cost | Buying an external monitor can be expensive, especially if you want a high-quality, large screen. |
| Additional setup time | Setting up an external monitor requires additional time and effort, as well as a separate power source. |
| Space and size | An external monitor takes up space on your desk, and may not be suitable for those who have limited space to work with. |
| Portability | An external monitor is not ideal for those who require a portable setup or travel frequently. |
| Compatibility issues | Some computers may not be compatible with certain external monitors, requiring additional adapters or software to be installed. |
| More cables and connections | An external monitor requires additional cables and connections, which can create clutter and may be inconvenient, especially when moving from one place to another. |
| Increased power consumption | An external monitor consumes more power, which can lead to increased energy costs over time. |
| Security risks | Using an external monitor in a public place can increase the risk of someone seeing your screen or stealing your device. |
| Quality concerns | Some external monitors may not have the same quality or reliability as your computer’s built-in display, leading to potential performance issues and glitches over time. |
| Compatibility with software | Some software may not work properly with an external monitor, causing display issues or other problems that may affect your work or productivity. |
FAQ
1. How do I close my Mac?
To close your Mac, click on the Apple icon on the top left corner of your screen and select “Shut Down”.
2. Can I just close the lid to shut down my Mac?
Yes, if your Mac is set to do so. Go to “System Preferences” > “Energy Saver” > “Battery” and select the option “Require password after sleep or screen saver begins”. Then, close the lid to put your Mac to sleep and wait for the fan to stop spinning before unplugging any cables.
3. How do I use a monitor with my Mac?
Connect the monitor to your Mac using the appropriate cable (HDMI, VGA, DVI, Thunderbolt, etc.) and turn on the monitor. Your Mac should automatically detect the external display and adjust the settings accordingly. If it doesn’t, go to “System Preferences” > “Displays” and select “Detect Displays”.
4. How can I change the display settings on my Mac?
Go to “System Preferences” > “Displays” and adjust the settings, including resolution, arrangement, and color profile.
5. How do I switch between my Mac display and the external monitor?
Go to “System Preferences” > “Displays” and select “Arrangement”. Then, drag the white bar to the display you want to use as the main display.
6. How do I mirror my Mac display on the external monitor?
Go to “System Preferences” > “Displays” and select “Arrangement”. Check the box next to “Mirror Displays”.
7. How do I adjust the brightness on an external monitor?
Use the buttons or settings on the monitor itself. Some monitors also have software that allows you to adjust the settings through your Mac.
8. How do I disconnect the external monitor?
Use the “Disconnect” button or cable to remove the monitor from your Mac. Your Mac will automatically adjust the display settings back to the internal display.
9. Can I use multiple external monitors with my Mac?
Yes, you can connect multiple external monitors using Thunderbolt or USB adapters.
10. Why is my external monitor not working?
Check the cables and connections to make sure they are secure. Go to “System Preferences” > “Displays” and make sure the monitor is detected and turned on. Try restarting both the monitor and your Mac.
11. How do I calibrate my external monitor?
Go to “System Preferences” > “Displays” and select “Color”. Click on “Calibrate” and follow the instructions to adjust the settings for brightness, contrast, and color temperature.
12. How do I extend my desktop onto the external monitor?
Go to “System Preferences” > “Displays” and select “Arrangement”. Uncheck the box next to “Mirror Displays” and drag the white bar to extend your desktop.
13. How do I use my external monitor as the main display?
Go to “System Preferences” > “Displays” and select “Arrangement”. Drag the white bar to the external monitor to make it the main display.
How to Close Mac and Use Monitor: A General Guide
Do you want to know how to close your Mac properly and use an external monitor? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of shutting down your Mac and connecting it to an external monitor. This guide is perfect for new Mac users who are still learning the ropes. So, let’s get started.
Conclusion
Closing your Mac and using an external monitor may seem daunting at first, but it’s actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it. Remember to always shut down your Mac properly by following the steps we’ve listed above to avoid losing any important data. And when connecting your Mac to an external monitor, make sure to check the compatibility of both devices to ensure that they work well together. We hope that this general guide has been helpful to you. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support for assistance. Good luck and happy computing!
Closing
Now that you know how to close your Mac and use an external monitor, you can use them both with confidence and ease. Just remember to always follow the correct steps to shut down your Mac and to check the compatibility of your devices before connecting them. And don’t forget to explore all the other exciting features that your Mac has to offer. Thank you for reading our general guide and we hope to see you again soon!