Use your iMac as an external display.
Transform any iMac into a gorgeous, high-resolution second monitor for your MacBook, Mac mini, or Mac Studio. Connect with a single cable or wirelessly over Wi-Fi for an instant, fluid dual-screen workspace.
Second Display Connected
Display: iMac 27" Retina 5K
● Connected & Ready// iMac working as your second monitorlet dualScreen = DisplayBridge.activeDisplaydualScreen.startWorking()
Get Started in 4 Easy Steps
Up and running in less than two minutes. No technical setup required.
Get DisplayBridge on the App Store
Download DisplayBridge directly from the App Store on both your primary Mac and your iMac.
- Single Apple ID Download: Install across all your personal Macs with automatic macOS updates.
- macOS 14.0 or Later: Optimized specifically for macOS Sonoma, Sequoia, and future versions.
- Universal Mac Binary: Runs natively on all Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
Open on Your iMac
Launch DisplayBridge on the iMac you want to use as your monitor, and click Use as Display.
- Ready to Receive: Your iMac waits patiently for your main Mac to connect.
- Fullscreen View: Click Enter Fullscreen for an edge-to-edge monitor experience.
- Clean & Quiet: No clutter or distractions while you work.
Connect From Your Main Mac
Open DisplayBridge on your primary Mac (laptop or desktop). Your iMac appears automatically in the device list.
- Instant Discovery: Finds your iMac automatically over Wi-Fi or cable via Bonjour.
- One-Click Connect: Click Connect and your iMac instantly turns into an extended screen.
- Hardware Accelerated: Uses Apple VideoToolbox for ultra-low latency and battery-friendly performance.
Arrange Displays & Multitask
macOS recognizes your iMac as an authentic second display. You can drag windows between screens freely.
- System Settings Support: Arrange screens and choose resolutions inside macOS System Settings > Displays.
- Retina Clarity: Text and graphics stay crisp and sharp across every pixel.
- True Mac Productivity: Enjoy true multi-monitor productivity with full macOS Spaces and Mission Control support.
Feels Like a Real Monitor
Experience fluid cursor movement, instant typing, and crisp Retina clarity with zero distracting lag.
Zero Configuration
Automatic Bonjour discovery detects your iMac instantly over local Wi-Fi or Thunderbolt. No complex pairing or network setup required.
- Response Time Instant (< 1 ms)
- Frame Rate 60 FPS Smooth
- Display Resolution Up to 5K Retina
- Best For Coding, Design & Video
Hardware Accelerated 60 FPS
Powered by Apple ScreenCaptureKit and Metal-accelerated video streaming for ultra-responsive 60 FPS performance with low CPU usage.
- Response Time Fluid (~16 ms)
- Frame Rate 60 FPS Smooth
- Display Resolution Up to 4K Ultra HD
- Best For Reading, Docs & Browsing
Native Extended Desktop
macOS recognizes your iMac as a genuine secondary display with full support for Mission Control, Spaces, and seamless mouse drag.
- Response Time Delayed (~70+ ms)
- Frame Rate Variable / Stutters
- Display Resolution Compressed 1080p
- Best For Casual Slides Only
Live Cursor Latency Simulator
Move your mouse across this area to feel the difference.
Works with Your Mac
Compatible with any Mac running macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) or later.
| Display Mac (iMac) | Built-in Screen | Connection Type | Display Quality | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24-inch iMac (Apple Silicon) | 4.5K Retina Display | Thunderbolt Cable or Wi-Fi | Crisp 4.5K Retina @ 60 FPS | Supported |
| 27-inch iMac (Retina 5K) | 5K Retina Display | Thunderbolt Cable or Wi-Fi | Crisp 5K Retina @ 60 FPS | Supported |
| 21.5-inch iMac (Retina 4K) | 4K Retina Display | Thunderbolt Cable or Wi-Fi | Crisp 4K Retina @ 60 FPS | Supported |
| Other iMac Models | High Definition Display | Wi-Fi or Network Cable | 1080p / 1440p @ 60 FPS | Supported |
One Simple Purchase. Keep Forever.
No expensive hardware dongles. No monthly subscriptions. Download for free and upgrade when you're ready.
Standard Evaluation
Test compatibility with your Mac and iMac setup with zero risk.
- Standard 1080p Display Streaming
- Wi-Fi Local Network Discovery
- Full 14-Day Pro Trial Included
- Zero Account or Sign-Up Needed
- 4K, 4.5K & 5K Retina Resolutions
- Ultra-Low Latency Thunderbolt Bridge
DisplayBridge Pro
Unlock full Retina 5K resolution, Thunderbolt speed, and extended desktop.
- Native 4K, 4.5K & 5K Retina Output
- Thunderbolt Bridge (< 1 ms Latency)
- True Extended Desktop & Spaces
- System Audio Streaming & Mouse Relay
- Apple Family Sharing (Up to 5 Macs)
- All Future macOS Updates Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about setting up and using DisplayBridge.
Download DisplayBridge directly from the App Store on both your primary Mac and your iMac. Because it is distributed via the App Store, your single download is accessible across all your personal Macs with automatic updates.
No extra hardware or dummy plugs are required! DisplayBridge works entirely in software. macOS recognizes your iMac as a real second monitor right inside macOS System Settings.
For the fastest, smoothest experience with instant mouse tracking, connect your two Macs with a standard Thunderbolt or USB-C cable. macOS will automatically link them together at high speed.
Yes! As long as both Macs are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, DisplayBridge will find your iMac automatically. It’s perfect when you want a clean desk setup with no cables.
macOS asks for this permission on your main Mac (laptop or desktop) so it can share the second screen with your iMac. Your iMac itself does not need this permission.
DisplayBridge supports macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) or later on both Macs. It takes full advantage of modern macOS graphics technologies for smooth 60 FPS performance.
DisplayBridge is free to download on the App Store with 1080p display support and a 14-day unrestricted Pro trial. You can upgrade to DisplayBridge Pro anytime with a single one-time purchase of $19.99 (no subscriptions ever). It includes Apple Family Sharing across all your household Macs.
