Beyond Display

Beyond Display · macOS Utility

Use another Mac as a second monitor.

Beyond Display is Mac extended display software for two Macs. Use a MacBook, iMac, or another compatible Mac as extra desktop space over Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or a direct Thunderbolt connection.

Version 0.9 available

Sometimes you do not need to buy another monitor—you only need an extra screen for a while. Beyond Display turns another Mac into a temporary extension of your desktop. Both Macs must be running macOS 13 Ventura or later.

It fits naturally into everyday work. Keep your main tasks on the primary Mac while the second Mac shows reference material, messages, documents, tutorial videos, or monitoring views. When you no longer need the extra screen, you can end the extended display session without leaving the connection in an awkward state.

Download Beyond Display 0.9

A second monitor app for macOS 13 or later

FeatureUse another Mac as a second monitorTurn a compatible MacBook, iMac, or spare Mac into additional desktop space for your primary Mac.
FeatureMac-to-Mac extended displayConnect two Macs locally over Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Thunderbolt without requiring the same Apple ID or an internet connection.
FeatureExtended desktop, not screen mirroringMove windows onto the second Mac as independent workspace instead of showing the same image on both screens.

Use cases

Use a MacBook as a second monitor

Install Beyond Display on both Macs, then start the session from the Mac you want to use as your primary computer. The other MacBook becomes an extended second monitor for documents, messages, videos, dashboards, or reference material.

  • Add a second screen to your desk for a short session
  • Use an older Mac for documents or tutorial videos
  • Keep reference material visible during a meeting
  • Monitor a separate workspace while testing

How to set up Beyond Display on two Macs

Step 1Install Beyond Display on both MacsInstall the same Beyond Display app on both computers. Both Macs must be running macOS 13 Ventura or later.
Step 2Start the session from the primary MacThe Mac where you start the extended display session becomes the primary Mac. Select the other Mac over your local Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Thunderbolt connection.
Step 3Choose the display directionChoose where the second Mac should be positioned relative to the primary Mac when you start the session.
Step 4End the session from the menuUse the Beyond Display menu to close the extended display connection and return the second Mac to normal use.

Mac-to-Mac extended display over Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Thunderbolt

Beyond Display only needs a local connection between the two Macs. Use the same Wi-Fi network, the same Ethernet network, or a direct Thunderbolt connection using Thunderbolt Bridge. The Macs do not need the same Apple ID, and no internet connection is required.

The main difference between the three connection types is speed. In normal use, the difference is usually not noticeable, so choose the connection that is most convenient for your setup.

System requirements

Beyond Display requires two Mac computers with the same Beyond Display app installed. Both the primary Mac and the Mac used as the second monitor must be running macOS 13 Ventura or later.

Questions

Read answers about features, setup requirements, supported devices, and the current release.

Read the FAQ