Using 2017 iMac 5K as External Display for MacBook Pro M1 Max

[maorattias]

Hello everyone,

I'm seeking advice on utilizing my 2017 iMac 5K as an external monitor for my MacBook Pro M1 Max. I understand that Apple discontinued Target Display Mode with the introduction of Retina displays, but I'm curious if there are any viable workarounds.Lifewire+1Reddit+1

I've come across solutions like Luna Display and Duet Display, which seem to offer software-based methods for screen sharing. However, I'm interested in a more integrated setup that allows me to switch between using the iMac as a standalone computer and as a display for my MacBook, ideally with minimal hassle.

Is there any hardware or software solution that facilitates this kind of dual functionality? I'm open to suggestions, including third-party applications or hardware modifications, provided they are reliable and don't compromise the performance of either device.

Any insights or experiences shared would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance.

 

[Bigwaff]

However, I'm interested in a more integrated setup that allows me to switch between using the iMac as a standalone computer and as a display for my MacBook, ideally with minimal hassle.

Is there any hardware or software solution that facilitates this kind of dual functionality?

No hardware solution I know of to meet your requirements. You’ve already identified several software solutions. What are you trying to accomplish the software solutions don’t provide?

 

[maorattias]

No hardware solution I know of to meet your requirements. You’ve already identified several software solutions. What are you trying to accomplish the software solutions don’t provide?

I edit videos and photos on my computer, it is important to me that the quality is very high, like on the MacBook Pro screen itself.
No lag and poor quality.
Is there a recommended solution so I can connect my MacBook Pro to the 5K screen without losing any resolution or frame rate?

 

[Bigwaff]

I edit videos and photos on my computer, it is important to me that the quality is very high, like on the MacBook Pro screen itself.
No lag and poor quality.
Is there a recommended solution so I can connect my MacBook Pro to the 5K screen without losing any resolution or frame rate?

Apple 5K displays (iMac or Studio Display) are 60Hz refresh rate. MBP display has ProMotion w/ up to 120Hz refresh rate. Also, MBP display different resolution than 5K. Your expectations are not realistic. Again, there is no hardware solution which would allow you to use 5K iMac as 5K external display while keeping iMac a computer. There are kits which can repurpose iMac 5K and turn it into 5K external display, but you have to remove logic board, etc. Software your only option.

 

[gilby101]

Deleted (much that same as post above and doesn't add anything)

 

[maorattias]

Apple 5K displays (iMac or Studio Display) are 60Hz refresh rate. MBP display has ProMotion w/ up to 120Hz refresh rate. Also, MBP display different resolution than 5K. Your expectations are not realistic. Again, there is no hardware solution which would allow you to use 5K iMac as 5K external display while keeping iMac a computer. There are kits which can repurpose iMac 5K and turn it into 5K external display, but you have to remove logic board, etc. Software your only option.

if ill use software solutions ill get the 5k maximum resolution?
I don't care that the maximum refresh rate will be 60hz.
it is work good enough to edit high res videos and photos on Lightroom and Final Cut?
if yes, what kind of software solutions are you recommending?
thanks.

 

[maorattias]

Deleted (much that same as post above and doesn't add anything)

I don't want to loose the iMac.
sometimes I'm using it for base things without taking my MacBook Pro out from the backpack.
but I really want to take advantage of the iMac 5k screen capabilities.

 

[Bigwaff]

if ill use software solutions ill get the 5k maximum resolution?
I don't care that the maximum refresh rate will be 60hz.
it is work good enough to edit high res videos and photos on Lightroom and Final Cut?
if yes, what kind of software solutions are you recommending?
thanks.

You may get full 5K resolution but the display stream will be compressed before transport and decompressed on the iMac side... so definitely will not suffice for video editing w/ high motion. If you can live w/out video editing, Luna Display your best bet. Otherwise, your only option is a real display connected to your MBP.

 

[carl varley]

This has been asked many times in the past. For a 5k 60hz display it's probably impossible to essentially stream that full bandwith. But you can use the imac as an ok secondary display.

In the past I have used screen sharing over Ethernet on a M1 Mac mini to 2011 iMac but works well via thunderbolt too. A hdmi dummy is needed for gpu acceleration, these cost around £5-10 on Amazon and has a frame rate of around 30fps. Your set up may be better with them both being newer systems.

The good thing about screen sharing is you use both systems. You can view the shared computer in a window or full screen, share files with drag and drop share a clipboard and share a mouse and keyboard.

See this link in getting airplay or airserver working. Seems to have good results.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/mad-i-cant-use-2017-imac-as-monitor-w-macstudio-heres-solutions.2396595/

There are options, but be prepared for some workarounds, tinkering and perhaps a lower resolution output than full 5k.

 

[Dallas-Star-202504]

Same here, love it so much,

 

[maorattias]

Same here, love it so much,

Same here? What are you recommending to use?