Parallels users: Mac Guest in Coherence Mode?

[mattspace]

Hi Folks,

Does anyone have Parallels set up with macOS guests, and could answer a couple of questions about how coherence mode works? The only references I've been able to find are old Parallels KB articles, that look really janky - a doubled menubar and dock.

 

[Boyd01]

I use MacOS VM's frequently but never tried Coherence mode for them before. Just tried now and I agree, it's really ugly and confusing (screenshot below). I won't be trying that again. I normally have the MacOS VM running in its own window, which I find most useful. I usually run Windows 10 in full-screen mode however, since I'm using a GIS app for making maps and want the full screen for that.

 

[mattspace]

I use MacOS VM's frequently but never tried Coherence mode for them before. Just tried now and I agree, it's really ugly and confusing (screenshot below). I won't be trying that again. I normally have the MacOS VM running in its own window, which I find most useful. I usually run Windows 10 in full-screen mode however, since I'm using a GIS app for making maps and want the full screen for that.

View attachment 2113905

Erk, that is janky. Thanks

I don't suppose you have multiple displays plugged into your Mac? I've been trying to get some definititive answers to how Parallels interacts with multiple displays, and the Parallels forums aren't much help.

Cheers,

 

[Boyd01]

Sorry, I just use one 32" QHD screen. I have a Sony 1080p production monitor but only connect that when I edit video, which I haven't done for awhile.

I never really saw the need for coherence mode for my own use. I like having each VM as an environment of its own.

 

[mattspace]

Sorry, I just use one 32" QHD screen. I have a Sony 1080p production monitor but only connect that when I edit video, which I haven't done for awhile.

I never really saw the need for coherence mode for my own use. I like having each VM as an environment of its own.

What I'm trying to do is figure out if I can get Parallels to behave like my normal Mac setup - 3 displays, with a single menubar / single space for all displays.

The fantasy scenario, is I swipe to a separate space, and I'm in what appears to just be the same multi-display Mac, but an older macOS version... but I can't find a good description / example of a multi-display VM system.