Never have I EVER viewed a TH-camr speak in "My learning style. Also, I had the exact scenario as you explained. I have the 2013 as well. I did not want to send it to I-heaven. I had so much storage to use. Thanks so much! I will update once I've got it.
Though I'm just discovering your content, I wanted to take the time to thank you for your effort and quality. I came across Luna as an option for iPad and then thought to myself, "There HAS to be an option like this for an older iMac." I quickly scrolled through some of your other videos and I'm excited to watch some of them as well. I truly wish I had an uncle, or someone in my life like you to refer to. Simply incredible.
Absolute Saver! I have the exact setup with a 2013 iMAC running Catalina and 3TB Fusion Drive that I didn't want to lose. Just got a newer Mac Studio. Fantastic Video - I will get this ordered up.
The Commnad+F2 feature is for older Mac's... 'The 'Main' Mac that you're connecting to the iMac, must have been introduced in 2019 or earlier and have macOS Catalina or earlier installed. The iMac used as a display must have macOS High Sierra or earlier installed. This puts the screen extension feature out of sight for all new M-Series Mac owners, making Luna Display the very best solution.
Although plenty of people showed how to use an old imac as second display, what u show is a company who made and app to use it with their software. I think many are going to do this as we are plenty of people with old imac intel
I have 2 ring lights plus a window to my left (your right). Ring light 1 is 45˚ above and right; Ring light 2, left, is lower than my chin and reflected off a white wall. Hope that helps.
Thanks for the video. I have an old iMac that I like to use as a primary screen connected to Mac mini. I don’t have a second screen. How should I configure Luna display to get it to work?
HI I have a wacom Cintiq attached to my 27inch imac which works fine. MY IMac is getting old as its 2014 and I was waing to see whether apple would update it with e the new M! ultra. So I also have LUna display which I tend not to use as I can easily transfer wacom image to imac and vice versa.
After reading reviews and watching a couple of good YT video on the Luna Display by Astropad last week I bought the Luna dongle for my new 2024 Mac Mini Pro. This is the USB-C version. I did not find any specific reviewer or Luna webpage comments about using Luna Display from the 2024 Mini Mac Pro (Sequoia 15.1.1), with its Thunderbolt 5 ports and fast ethernet port, driving as primary display my also new Dell 3223Q monitor (a 32 inch 4K, 144hz "gaming" monitor), and hooking up via Luna Display to a late 2014 5K Retina 27 inch iMac (latest Apple OS it will run of Big Sur 11.7.10) - as secondary Luna Display. I got a little hung up worrying about if I would need to buy a Thunderbolt 5 (or...TB 3 or 4 cable) to plug into to an adapter to connect a second Thunderbolt 2 cable going into the iMac. I already had a Cat 5 ethernet cable, and both YT reviewers were using ethernet and said things worked well, and my second screen needs would mostly be "desktop" work, and not gaming or watching movies so I knew with ethernet I'd be pretty happy. But I was thinking I'd want the FASTEST, LEAST LAGGY, connection possible - as lag is the biggest complaint. Well, direct ethernet cable between computers works great. Astropad is very good about cautioning customers of Luna Display not to expect good video quality on a secondary iMac screen - for programs needing a fast refresh rate like gaming and videos. I enabled the Retina option in the Luna Display app and for desktop apps everything looks just as sharp as when I operate the iMac as a standalone 5K Retina computer. There is no lag I can see moving the mouse cursor between primary and secondary screens, or dragging applications between screens to set up work flows. To test the connection I watched an iPhone movie I made recently (on my iPhone 12 Plus) and this movie played the same on both screens. A YT video from the internet (fiber optic broadband) played the same on both screens. I couldn't tell the difference between these two screens with the 2024 Mac Mini Pro computer running the show. I don't know if lag cautioned by Astropad, and observed by other customers, was related to their primary computer's CPU/Graphics capabilities. This looks like I have a 5K Retina second monitor running native from its iMac Intel chip. If I game, or need the best video playback and it doesn't run fast enough on the iMac screen I'll do it on the Dell. And there was this pleasant surprise...I have two keyboards and both work when Luna Display is running. Both keyboards type on their respective screens. Also with respective primary and secondary Luna Display apps running on both computers I have one wireless mouse - previously paired with the Mac Mini Pro - and a second wired USB mouse hooked into the iMac. Both Mice work moving the shared Luna cursor around on either screen. The two keyboard, two mouse setup is handy as I have an angled desk and I just swivel my desk chair back and forth to look directly at each monitor, depending on which screen/software/app I'm working on, and I don't have to either reach for a keyboard or mouse, or look sideways at the second monitor. The efficiencies here are I didn't have to buy a second high resolution monitor. And I still have a fully functional iMac, with unused space on its 2 TB hard drive (and an SSD USB 2.0 2 TB external drive), and its 32 GB RAM I added in years ago. One thing I will do is keep up my anti-virus protection on the iMac, and I will may turn off its Wi-Fi to prevent malware from ever getting into it.
thank you so much for such an in-depth review of the dongle! I was worried about the lag as I do some video editing (but most of the time I don't need to watch real time), and having a similar high-quality settings, I feel more confident getting this dongle... I really didn't want to pay 500$ for a Hi-Res Monitor and discard my perfectly functional 2019 iMac. Thanksss!
I am curious: Can I use a 2008 24" iMac, running El Capitan 10.11.6 as ekstra monitor for my 2017 27" iMac, running Ventura 13.7.2? And connect with ethernet cable. Later I have a plan to use the 27" together with a MacMini M4.
Hi Phil, I watched all your videos. I took the plunge and bought a Luna for use with my late 2014 iMac 27” retina. Worked like a dream I now have my MacBook Air connected to an LG40WP94 and my iMac. It now feels like Mission Control. Thank you Phil, I never would have done it if I had not seen your videos.
I am upgrading my 2015 iMac with a new 2023 M3 iMac. I will be using a Luna Display dongle to share the screens as per the demonstration in the video. I understand that I will still e able to access the 1 Terabite storage on the 2015 iMac, but was wondering if I will be able to access one or more portable hard drives that are currently used with the 2015 iMac and are connected via USB A ports. The alternative is to get a USB C hub with multiple USB A ports an d plug that into the new iMac. Thanks.
You will be able to access external drives connected to your iMac, but it would be easier & more efficient to use an external USB hub with your new Mac.
Thanks for the great video. How colour accurate is the iMac display? I am using Duet and it is unfortunately not accurate enough to do any colour work. I am hoping that Luna is a better solution and provides for greater colour accuracy. Also, can you calibrate the second display when using Luna?
Brilliant question! So I colour calibrated my main (Luna) display ( I'm a photographer/video maker and colour management specialist!). You can't colour calibrate the Luna Secondary display, but you CAN calibrate the iMac before connecting it as the Luna Secondary, so it uses it's own ICC profile...and it works great!
Due to the lack of space in my mini office, I wondered about the accessibility of just using the Mac Mini with my old 2017 Imac 27" being the main and only monitor.
Yes you can do it using headless mode. The only proviso is that there is a slower screen refresh vs a dedicated monitor, so tasks like video editing should be done on a dedicated monitor whilst light work and panels can reside on your Luna display/iMac.
Can I still use universal control from MacBook to iPad while MacBook is connected to Old iMac 27inches 5k with Luna display? I am thinking to purchase Luna. Thank you for your content. Helpful.
@@HelpfulPhil Thank you. It seems other mac users are asking the same question. i plan on upgrading to a M4 and it would be terrible to waste a perfectly usable 5k 27" monitor. thank you.
Thank you!!! I’ve been trying to figure out how to use my iMac like this for weeks. Apple really blew it on this but ours they want to sell a $1700 monitor vs helping customers get the most from their purchases.
I am not sure I understand this....Can I connect my M! Mac mini to my 2017 iMac using Luna?....Can the iMac serve as a monitor for the Mac mini? Thanks for a great video...
Yes, using Luna Display you can use the iMac as a monitor for your M1 MacMini. It depends upon the apps you're using as to whether you would prefer to have a directly connected Monitor and use the iMac as a secondary as shown in this video. You would need a monitor temporarily connected to the MacMini to set-up Luna Display if the iMac is going to be your only monitor.
Thanks for the good video! 🙏 I was wondering how I could connect a macbook pro m2 laptop to a similar imac, what do you have when the macbook doesn't have an ethernet port?
Nope! technically Luna Display is doing this, it's just that the Luna Display secondary app takes over the monitor preventing you from processing any other requests on the secondary Mac.
A simply brilliant video and well explained. I have a 27 inch 2014 imac and about to purchase the M2 mac mini. Apple informs me that I cannot use the 27 inch monitor as no target mode is now installed on these later imacs. I assume (please correct me) this gets round the problem? The other question s that it is for sale on Amzon UK at 180 pounds but available direct for 79 USD?i
Yes, this is the answer to Apple's removal of Target mode. Check my other videos on the Luna Display, as I do think it's best used along with a 'normal' monitor. Purchasing direct using the link in the description is likely to get you the best price. You will get to a page showing delivery cost to UK too. Recently I worked out that the US$ conversion ended up a little over £100 including shipping & VAT.
Thanks Phil, Ordered it yesterday and your conversion was spot on at 104 GBP. One final question, the monitor as primary - van that be ant type?@@HelpfulPhil
@@kelvinyoungs6110 don't quite know exactly what you meant with your misstyping, but yes your Primary monitor can be anything, but it's nice to have one which is similar in size and ratio to your iMac.
Thanks, Phill, luna has dispatched the dongle and my new iMac mini arrives in two weeks. I promise this will be last question - what cable will I require to connect to Imac from the Imac mini please as I am unable to use the router set-up that you have used.
i’m not sure if i’m understanding correctly; so you must use the Luna Display as a 2nd display? or i could, for example, use a 2019 21.5 as the Primary (only) display with a new mac mini? i’m having a hard time finding this specific info.
Luna Display is the application and hardware which allows you to use your iMac as a screen. Using the iMac as a single screen with Luna Display is called Headless mode. This video might help. th-cam.com/video/Cp2uJAVjsuE/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for your really clear no-nonsense content! Very helpful! I would love to see how LUNA Display behaves once it is set up. Do apps always start on the primary screen and you then move them to the secondary iMac screen? Do you then continue to use the mouse of your primary, but they work on your secondary? Do you ever use the keyboard and mouse of your secondary computer again after that? Do the camera and mic on the secondary screen still operate? You say that you could use the secondary display without the primary one. How would you do that? As you can see here, I have lots of questions that go beyond the time of installation. Thanks for your help!
Apps all open on the primary Mac and you move them over to the secondary screen. The keyboard and mouse from your iMac would still be used and connected for you to login, but not used whilst using Luna display. The camera and microphone from your iMac no longer work whilst using luna display. Setting up the iMac as the main screen is a possibility, but you need a secondary screen in order to make that happen.
Thank you for your informative tutorial. I was in the same situation as yourself and having watched you tutorial convinced me that this was the way to go. I have purchased a Luna Display and am really pleased with the results. Thanks again.
Hi! Great video. I'm looking to use an iMac 27" 2019 Intel chip computer's monitor as the PRIMARY and single monitor for a new Mac Studio M2. Luna looks like it will do that. And I'd use Ethernet connections, not WiFi. Before I order Luna, can you tell me if I need another "primary" monitor (iPad, Macbook Pro) for the Studio all the time - or just the initial set up? - or can I configure the iMac 2019 monitor as the PRIMARY monitor for the Studio and only use that pair? And should I need to move all the computer software and content to the Studio and leave the iMac as only the sole monitor for the Studio? Thank you.
You will need a second monitor for the set-up of Luna Display but then you can use the iMac as the only/primary monitor in what is called Headless mode. You can leave software on the iMac but you won't be able to use it whilst using Luna Display. Luna Display (Secondary)runs in the forground of the iMac preventing use of any other app. However you can still access the hard drive of your iMac (via the Finder on the Mac Studio) for storage purposes.
Thanks for this video. I have with me a 2017 model of 27" Intel iMac and also Luna Display. Can I use Luna display to use the iMac as a primary display for any Mac mini I hope/plan to buy? If no, is there any workaround? Thanks in advance Dr. Somanna
@@HelpfulPhil Okay. Thanks. In cae you can, could you please send me the link to that specific video? I loved to see your two-camera set up for this video. Just a doubt I have: do you use a teleprompter to get your voiceover? If yes, did you place the teleprompter above your main display monitor, out of view of the camera behind and to your left? What is the microphone you use and into which DAW did you record? Just curious. Regards and have a great day.
@@garudasomanna here's a link to the Luna Display playlist. th-cam.com/play/PLrImRRg9AZOh51-iGrJc_201IjuSy1LG6.html I don't use a teleprompter, just talk to the camera. Blue Yeti microphone with Adobe Audition for audio post production.
@@HelpfulPhil Thanks a lot. My present iMac, a vintage 2017 model is nicely chugging along with MacOS Ventura and being Intel, can climb no more. Just getting tempted to plunge into the newer MacOS features and buying a Mac Mini 3/4 could be lighter on my purse should the iMac be used as a primary display courtesy Luna Display that I have with me already. I am amazed that your voiceover is of an extempore kind! The flow of speech, though a bit slow and of a 'homely' kind, seemed to be devoid of stutter or search for words [Uh, hm etc]. If this voiceover has not been overly edited for such 'flaws' then I have to say that you have a very good talent of expressing your content. God bless you HelpfulPhil. You have been a blessing to me.😀
I have tried every way to connect my Macs together, but none of them worked. Then, I came across your video and just purchased the product through the link you provided! Thanks for the informative content, Phill!
highly recommend using Ethernet cable between both Mac's to your router. If Ethernet is not possible you may be a way to use USB-C/Thunderbolt cable, but my Mac is so old that this is not possible as it has no USB-C ports.
hanks a lot for this excellent video! Is there also a way for using "old" iMac (late 2015, running Monterey) as a secondary display for iPad Pro 5th generation?
I'm told that you shouldn’t need Luna Display with two M-series Mac's as you can use Apple's Continuity Display, but if that doesn’t work then Luna Display will.
So, how is this any different from using the iMac in target mode which doesn't require anything other than a cable? The new M1 mini allows for a single thunderbolt connection which I use for a late 2012 iMac and a second monitor through an HDMI cable. I am pretty sure the Studio allow for at least this and possibly even a third monitor. Why the need for LUNA?
Hi there! I have a 2011 high sierra imac. is it possible to conect it with the new macbook air 15" ? with luna display? how can i do it? heeeelp Thank u in advance!
My question If I have a “Main” Mac and a “Old” Mac each connected via Ethernet to my Router and I use Luna Display, can I see and use both Macs as fully functioning Macs or is the “Old” Mac only accessible as a file sharing Mac and Display What I am after is being able to use my mouse and keyboard on both Macs and each Mac operates as a fully functional computer, not solely as an extended monitor with file sharing, if that makes any sense😊 Thank you for the video, really well done
Great instruction video. I just picked up a fully decked out Mac Studio for video editing (M2 ultra, 192gig ram) and looking to monitor my old 2017 iMac. Question is do I just connect an Ethernet cord from the IMac to the Mac Studio? Or do I need to run it into a router? Curious to how that works as I want to also hardwire Ethernet for internet on the Mac Studio. My mac Studio arrives later today! Can’t wait
It certainly is possible. It is called 'Headless mode'. You may find a slight delay compared to a directly connected monitor, which may affect your experience if video editing, otherwise in my opinion it's perfect. Note: you will need to initially connect a monitor in order to set up a single iMac as a screen.
Does Luna Display have any restrictions about playing rented Apple movies or Apple TV+. I ask because I have 3rd monitor using a 3rd-party USB connection hardware (Display Link) currently that restricts me from watching anything in the Apple TV app - the video plays audio-only but will not show me the video until I disconnect the USB device. Does Luna Display have any restrictions like that?
I think you have a hardware issue with your 3rd party USB... Luna Display makes your iMac into an extended monitor so anything you can display on the Mac will work, including video, but be aware of other apps taking up resources which may affect video playback whilst using Luna Display. i.e. don't run multiple video related apps at the same time.
Yes. If you mean a MacBook then it is likely to support your 5K iMac, otherwise check the output specs of your laptop port (USB-C; Display Port or HDMI) relating to that resolution, even then it will work, but at a lower resolution.
I now have my system working flawlessly except cant make use of the ports on the imac. I have 2019 iMac, Thunderbolt cable, Mac mini M2 connected to Samsung monitor. I rely totally on the iMac for display and barely use the Samsung monitor. Please how can I use the ports on the iMac?
You can use the ports on the iMac for powering devices e.g. iPad's & iPhones. You can connect external drives which you can then access from your Finder>Network items
Thank you Phil. I had all but given up trying to connect my iMac late 2014 5K model with my Macbook Pro 2021. I wish Apple easily provided a second screen option. The question I have for you is, is there a benefit of selecting "connection via Thunderbolt only" compared to the Wifi option. I have a Thunderbolt cable and relevant adapaters. I'm trying to work out if it is faster?
Hey Phil, Love this video. I find your video to be easily digestible and not annoying. I keep seeing videos about using an old iMac as a second monitor with a M4 Mac Mini, but can you use it as a main monitor? Can I use the same set-up with a late 2015 iMac?
Depends upon what you envisage a 'Main' monitor does! I suspect you mean in Headless mode, I don't recommend this mode, but it can work. I answer many of your questions in my other Luna Display videos.
@@HelpfulPhil i did see your Luna Display video.. and yes.. no sure I have the real estate to use 2 monitors. I saw your video on headless mode, why do you not recommend it? also i was impressed that you could still use the imac Hard drive and what ever storage is connected to it. Makes great use of hardware already in our possesion. thanks
@@metalroofcanada the 'problem' with Headless mode is that it's really designed for iPad's. Waking or restarting both of your Mac's becomes a challenge when you have only one monitor to see what's going on on both computers. My advice - Get a cheap small monitor for your Mac so you can see the login screen when needed.
finally, someone who actually demonstrates the latency properly! Quick question, does the latency vary depending on what you are displaying/running on the screen?
I haven't really tested a variety of different applications to see if one looks to be slower than another but definitely the Luna Display secondary does have a lower frame rate than a native first screen, however I've grown to love this feature more as I've used it!
I am in exactly the same situation that you found yourself in. My iMac is from 2015 running Big Sur and does not have Target Display mode. I have been told by Apple that there is no way to connect it to the Mac Studio (and studio display) that i have coming in a couple of weeks. It seems such a shameful waste to bin it as it would make perfect secondary display; it's in perfect condition/working order - just no longer updatable and not powerful enough to run the apps I want to use for photography. Would the Luna setup you've described work in my situation?
Absolutely yes! Watch my other videos to answer Luna Display general questions. I am now using an iMac 2015 27" 5K as a screen for my M1 Mac Studio. Follow the link to buy.
I was just at an Apple Store to see the Mini and the Studio in person, and 'genius' bar person said the same thing - target display is long dead. I'd already researched Luna Display, but they didn't know about that. I think they are far more motivated to sell us a new 27" Studio Display which costs nearly as much as what I paid for the entire iMac in 2017. That's great, but there's no actual cpu, and it's not even bigger!
Hi Just what I am looking for. You mentioned that you can still use your old Mac (secondary screen) hard drive. do you use it from you key board connected to the main monitor ? Does finder show up the secondary screen hard drive? Cheers
@@HelpfulPhil That was exactly what I was hoping for, thank you Phil. One last thing. Have you compared Luna with duet ? if so would love to here your thoughts. Thanks again if I buy I'll definitely click through on your link.
@@GrahamGphotoParker I haven't tried Duet but I know people who have and they are paying a regular subscription and there is some weird Internet connection requirement which apparently slows it down sometimes.
@@HelpfulPhil Thank you for you help and advice. I'll definitely be buying Luna for my 27" 5K iMac that is sitting on my desk gathering dust to my Mac Studio Cheers Again
Hi Phil, I have a 2020 iMac, with an Apple 27 inch lightening screen that is using both screens the same as you have, I also have a 27 inch late2015 iMac, now I want to buy a Mini both my iMacs can’t use the Apple system they had in place because they’re not old enough, that system eas ceased in 2014, would it be possible to use the lunar system to use my 2020 machine as the Mini monitor and leave the 27 lightening screen connected as it already is. Hope you can offer some advise
...not quite sure of your exact connection plans, but you can use Luna Display to connect ONE of your iMac's, and if your Mac Mini supports a second screen (quite likely), then you can also connect an Apple Display.
@@HelpfulPhil Thanks for that Info Phil, my intention is to connect my monitor to the Mac mini via a lightening connection, (the mini has 3 lightning connection,) as it is to my existing 2020 iMac , the use the 2020 was a second monitor using the Luna kit.is that the way to get them both working? as Ive never used a Luna.
@@njm20music you're getting your weather synonyms mixed up and therefore confused. Mac computers have Thunderbolt connections, not Lightening. Lightening was reserved for iOS devices, iPhones and iPads. Nope! you can only use ONE iMac as a monitor.
This is exactly what I was looking to do. Thank you! Have you tried it over wifi? I do not have a router by my Mac. Looking to use my 2015 iMac as secondary screen with brand new Mac studio and Studio display.
so my router is next to my Macs. If you have a solid wifi signal in your office then it should be ideal. Tip: Luna are looking at providing a direct link Mac to Mac in their next update.
Hi Phil, Very interesting tutorial. I have a 2023 MacBook Pro running Ventura 13.6.4, and a 2008 iMac computer partitioned with snow leopard on one partition to connect to older software and an older printer which all still works; and the other partition upgraded to El Capitan. I am trying to see if this set-up will work with a luna display dongle before purchasing it, and to see if I can use the 2008 iMac as a second screen as it is bigger for the purpose of viewing surface pattern designs. I have downloaded the primary luna app onto the macbook pro and that launches, but is requesting the Luna Display dongle to continue. My issue is that I have downloaded the secondary luna app onto the macbook pro and then copied it over to the iMac, but the secondary luna app will not launch at all. There are error messages, and advice to update both the operating system which I have within el capitan, and the app which is already up to date. Am I doing anything wrong here, as I checked and searches on the internet assure me that this set up should allow me to use the 2008 iMac as a second screen. Any hope? Disappointed. Pam Terry
I think your iMac is too old for the Luna Display option. Take a look at these specs to check. help.astropad.com/article/157-system-requirements?sca_ref=3948717.ToH2p0eo7q
@@HelpfulPhil I have spent a lot of time on this problem, and can only get the MacBook to work with Side car alongside the iPad Pro.Your link tells me that my old iMac is too old it would need to be 2009 as a minimum to work running High Sierra. I would need to upgrade all of the older equipment at the time; I think which wouldn't be affordable for me just now. Could you suggest a screen 27" that would work with my macbook pro and IPad Pro and Officejet printer? Thanks, Pam Terry
@@HelpfulPhil Thank you Phil, it does seem that if I need a larger screen for Surface Pattern Designs then I could go with this very good Dell screen you have suggested; would I still require the Luna Display hardware and apps for primary and secondary display, or could I just plug the Macbook Pro (2023) into the Dell display via a USB-C/A cable?
Hi Phil, Thanks for the very informative vid. Question: I'd like to use my late 2013 iMac (w/Catalina) as my main monitor for a Mac Studio, and use my existing Dell 1920 x 1080 monitor as a secondary one. Can I do that with LUNA Display? Thank you!
Thank you for the video! So if I am an animator/illustrator and want to use my 2017 iMac as a primary display for my new MacBookPro, would you not recommend it? Not fast enough?
I recommend trying it to see if the response is fast enough for you. Also Luna display would open up other opportunities as a 2nd monitor, and with iPad for illustration etc, even if it doesn’t match your needs as a primary monitor.
Sounds interesting, I am in the same boat, I have an awesome 2015 build iMac 27 that can only now be upgraded to Ventura and that would be its last OS. I am looking at a new Mac but have wondered what can I do with my current 27 iMac. So a few questions. Q-01 If say I have a Mac Studio and Studio Display and purchase Luna and link up both computers, say for ex. I open Pages app on the Mac Studio and create a document and now want to save it to the 27 iMac drive, does the Mac Studio recognize in the Finder that 27 iMac drive? Q-02 Another question: If I open up Photoshop on the Mac Studio, can I move the editing palette, Layers, History etc. to the 27 iMac and have the image remain on the Mac Studio monitor; I have a two monitor system now in which I do this? Q-03 Can you use in your situation the Mac Studio unit as a separate Mac the same time you use the 27 iMac as a separate unit while still in Luna mode? Last question: Is there anything you cannot do? PS: so glad there is a solution, I cannot see trashing my 27 iMac, 32gb ram iCore 7 unit.
A1: Yes you can still see your iMac HDD in the Finder, just as you can when running without Luna, so you can also save files to it. A2: Yes. A3: No. Luna Secondary is an app that completely takes over your iMac screen so you can't use it for any other applications. A4: You still can't get Luna to make the Tea!
Hello Phil. Thanks for a great run-down of the Luna Display. I have the same iMac and I'm planning to pair it with a Mac Mini M2 (nothing purchased yet). I don't want to use the iMac as a secondary display, but as the only display. Could you give a hint as to launching the software and logging in when it is the primary monitor? Many thanks.
Hello there, I'd like to know if I can use Luna to have my old 2013 iMac as my main screen for a new Mac Studio. I'm planning to get the Mac Studio M1 Max, but it would be of great help if I can save some money not buying a display yet.
In the UK in current economic times, seems a waste not to use these old imacs. The thing I've learned also is that the screens don't deteriorate at all, the HD is probably a lot slower that when you bought it and maybe the RAM also, but the screens? General quality of display, they were certainly built to last.
Phil this is a great video. I have a 2011 iMac and a 2020 iMac (new to me). The 2011 has all of my files on it and music on it. Q-1 - Will I be able to use iTunes on the 2011 if I use the 2020 iMac as my primary? Q-1 Will I have to transfer all data to the 2020 iMac prior to using Luna?
Thanks for the comment. A1. you won't be able to launch any apps from your 2011 iMac whilst using Luna Display Secondary as it covers all other apps beneath it. You can use Apple Music on your 2020 iMac importing your iTunes music library tracks which remain on you 2011 iMac, as the 2011 becomes a storage device.
What does the red usb plug do is this just a std USB stick with the software on it as the connection is wired via ethernet so what is that red thing doing? I don't think it is doing anything other than installing the software. So $150 seems a little expensive. Could you not just download the software without that USB stick? Add a fancy looking USB stick that does nothing and charge an extra $100? Please correct me if I'm wrong and it actually does something perhaps it a software key? Good video by the way.
Really useful video thank you! Is there any reason why I can't use the iMac as my primary display? My set up could be my poorer quality screen (hp that I just use for emails etc) as my actual primary, I'd put it off to the right though and I'd actually use the iMac screen to work in... does that make sense? Once set up would that run smoothly enough day to day? Does the screen calibration of the iMac remain the same or would it copy the poorer quality screen?
You can IMHO easily use your iMac as the main screen. You may experience a slight (milliseconds) delay, but you'd quickly become oblivious to it, plus there are a new connection options to try, including Peer-to-peer to see which is best in your set-up. I'm still using Ethernet connection for both Macs'. Screen calibration profile remains in place on your iMac.
@@HelpfulPhil Thanks for coming back to me. I'll bite the bullet and give it a go. It's probably a little faffy but I'll get used to it. I much prefer the cost saving just now and re-purposing the iMac will be great. Fingers crossed. Thank you
Thank you for the great video. Would it be possible to use an M1 iMac as a main monitor for my M2 MacBook Air? I would like to be able to utilize the iMac's microphone, webcam and USB ports while having my laptop's lid closed on my desk. Cheers
You won't be able to use the iMac's microphone or webcam using Luna Display. You would be able to use the USB ports for external drives. I suggest you try apple's screen sharing features to see if that suits your needs. See th-cam.com/video/NZkuBpLlJVQ/w-d-xo.html
@@HelpfulPhilsince you were kind enough to answer, could you tell the benefits of using Luna over shared screen? Is it mostly having access to more files and using the iMac’s hardware to perform tasks?
@@roeescharf104 Luna Display is ideal for owners of older iMacs which don't naturally have the ability to be used as external monitors. Luna Display and Apple Screen sharing would offer very similar features in your case, with a newer M-series iMac.
Thanks for this @Helpful Phil! Curious how do you access the files on your old Imac? In particular I hope to use the speakers on it as well, and would need to run my music program through the iMac
@@swoodx when running Luna Display 'Secondary' on your iMac, it takes over the whole screen and makes your iMac a display only, most other processes are not able to run. You can however access the iMac HDD for stored files and folders. It's a shame but that's the way it is.
IT WAS THE KEYBOARD!!! Fantastic Video - thank you! NONE of my 27 inch 2011 iMacs would connect in target display mode until I switched to the long flat wired keyboard with numeric keypad on the right. Like was mentioned in one of these helpful videos - the keyboard that came with the iMAC. Keyboard model A1243 EMC 2171. Now all four DO connect to my Macbook pro. The iMac wireless ones, Imac long wired ones with typewriter-like keys - none of these worked. Just the flat long keyboard (17 inch x 4.5 inch x less than 1/2 inch)
@@HelpfulPhil thanks for answer, I use Macbook pro m1, today I have tried use Airplay with Thunderbolt 3, don't know how but via Thunderbolt Airplay works better, but it is not the quality that I have in my iMac, now I chose to try LUNA or capture card, how do you think, what better?
@@Ihorosovyk I don't understand what you mean by Thunderbolt Airplay?...anyway, I also don't know recognise using a 'Capture Card', this usually that means for HDMI but your iMac can't accept HDMI and it won't be 5K either?! so your best bet is to use Luna with Ethernet connection as shown in the video.
Thanks once again for your excellent tutorial. Following watching this I purchased The Luna display and following your directions it works Great. I am connecting my secondary screen to my Mac mini via wi-fi am considering your option of ethernet Mac to Mac But I can only do this by using the two ethernet splitters, one at the router and one from the ethernet socket. any advice or suggestions please. many thanks.
Hi Phil, thanks for sharing your knowledge about lunadisplay. It is great to find solutions to your problem. I am thinking on buy it one. I need it because I have a macbookpro from 2020 and I broke the screen. Now I am working with my tv as a monitor, but I have an old imac, 21,5" screen and it is from 2015. Now this imac runs very slow, but my children use it as a tv monitor, and it is incredible how well they can watch movies. Anyway I wonder if I connect my macbook pro through luna display to my imac, when I work using my macbookpro but throug the imac screen, will the apps from macbook pro run as fast as they run without the imac screen. I hope my question is crear to you. Thanks in advance.
@@HelpfulPhil Thank you so much for your quick response!!!! Ok, now I have all the information to buy it. As I told you, I really appreciate your video, I've been looking for a solution two weeks now. WOW!!!! thanks thanks thanks. I will share how well it works.
@@HelpfulPhil Hi Phil, I've already got the luna display, and I installed as you told us in the video. Now I can access to my broken screen macbook pro and I can also use my imac 2015 as a monitor. GREAT!!!!! Thank you so so much. I was looking for using my imac as a monitor for almost 3 years.
Thanks for sharing this Phil. I am in the same shoes as you with an iMac from 2013... Do you know if Luna Display works as "Primary" only display to your old imac from your new mac studio (without a physical external display connected on the mac studio that is)? I wanna get an imac mini without display and simply just re-use the imac 27" display as primary display.
You can do this, it's called Headless mode; but you'd need to connect some sort of display to the Mac Mini first in order to set it up. ..using the iMac as a secondary display for all of its benefits in productivity and screen real estate is what I think exemplifies the real benefit of the Luna Display.
I purchased the LUNA and it's working brilliantly to add my old iMac as a 2nd display with my newer Mac Mini. I'm connecting via USB-C/Thunderbolt and I'm wondering if it's possible to access the harddrive of my iMac (which is my EXTENDED display)? I don't see the drive so I'm guessing it's not possible.
Very helpful video, thanks for posting it. I have some questions. I have a Late 2015 iMac with Thunderbolt 2 ports. I am planning to get a 2023 Mac Studio M2 with Thunderbolt 4 (I think) ports and a Benq SW321C for a monitor. I like the idea of using the Luna display system to use the iMac for a second display but I also wanted to make the iMac into a server. My first question is can I connect the iMac and the Studio using some kind of Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 4 connection? Is there such an adapter or series of adapters that does this? The Thunderbolt 2 is also called a Mini Display Port, maybe something like that? Maybe there is a better way to connect the two computers for the purposes of a second display with the Luna setup. The second question has to do with turning the iMac into a Server to use for Caching and other things, but mainly for Caching. Can I do this and still use it as a second display?
Your iMac is not made with Server level properties so not really...but, you can simply access the HDD of the iMac and use it for sharing, saving files etc as it appears as a networked device. Luna Display allows connecting the 2 Mac's via Ethernet (through your router), via WiFi, or even peer-to-peer, you can use thunderbolt/USB-C but may need a converter for the old iMac. Try it without first.
I've been looking for a TB2 to TB4 cable, MDP to USB-C, but it does not appear to be readily available. The only thing I've found is an adapter made by Apple that supports 2 way connections, and being Apple is relatively expensive. Not every cable will work, in fact most don't. Thunderbolt is high speed and needs cables and connectors that meet the spec and those Chinese adapters don't, an ordinary USB-C cable may not either. I'm looking to do the same thing you are, late 2015 iMac and in my case an M2 Mini. I may wait a little longer though, maybe when the M3 Mini comes out. The iMac still meets my needs, it's just getting old. Also a question, if the thunderbolt connection is made and is reliable will data also transfer over it? Or will it be dedicated to the Luna video? I have gigabit wifi but TB is 20gb on my iMac and 40gb on the Mini so much faster.
to answer your question, the USB-c/TB cable is only providing a video link between the two machines, made possible by Luna Display. Interchanging and sharing files from each of the HDD's is possible over your standard network.@@bklyncyclist
@@HelpfulPhil The Apple website says this: "The ports allow data transfer, video output, and charging through the same cable." but does not say it will do it simultaneously. I'll just have to try it when I have everything by turning the wifi off and see if it recognizes the hard drive on my iMac while on the video. My guess is that if it does allow it the video will lag while the transfer is happening. My thought is that the cheap Mini has 256gb SSD but my iMac has a 2tb Fusion drive that is still only at about 350gb used. I would use that more for archival.
I wonder if this application could work. I do have my main 27-inch iMac 2015 connected to a second monitor Apple LED Cinema Display 27 Inch true thunderbolt. My second monitor is connected true thunderbolt cable to my main computer iMac. I'm in the proses to buy the New Mac Studio M2 Max and then use the second monitor LED Cinema display as a main display with the Mac Studio, of course I probably need to buy and adapter thunderbolt 2 to thunderbolt 4 connector and use it as a main monitor with Mac Studio. Now the question is, if Luna Display adapter will let me do daisy change true Appe LED Cinema Display with thunderbolt cable from my main monitor and to iMac in order to get it work. Luna Display give you the option to connect via Wi-Fi, Ethernet or Thunderbolt. I wander if I could do daisy chain true thunderbolt instead of using Ethernet. I appreciate any help and thank you for your reply, you got a new subscriber.
So the long answer to a long build up is this: You don't need to daisy chain. You just need Luna display, follow the link in the description, and connect to the iMac via whatever option you prefer, USB-C to USB-A, Ethernet or WiFi. This should then appear as a second monitor.
This is great thank you. I'm looking to buy the same computer as you have and using my 27" 2011 iMac. I need for video editing did you say that's a problem? You mentioned it's about $150 but here in the Sates it shows as around $50; hope we're talking about the same product.
I do lots of video editing but use my main monitor for programme editing, my iMac is my secondary monitor where I store toolbars etc. You can use iMac for main screen but its response speed is reliant on your connection between the two computers. Prices change 👍🏼
Yes, so long as your Mac Mini has a video enabled port (HDMI or Thunderbolt ports) as described in the video. You'd need a separate external monitor first though to set-up the connection.
@@HelpfulPhil My Mac mini M2 is the latest one released by Apple. I have a TV in the living room, but far from the IMac, and then I have a small monitor. Do you mean that once the configuration is done, I could already use the main screen IMac of the Mac Mini?
I have a MacBook Pro, I connected it to the monitor/screen BenQ, that was easy to do.. but I also have an iMac (late 2015) and I would like to use it as a 3rd screen. What I mean is.. that the iMac is also connected with the Macbook Pro and the BenQ monitor/screen ... is this possible
That depends on your MBP model. If its specifications allow for 2+ monitors, plus you have a USB-C/Thunderbolt port available you should be good. Check Apples website for your MBP display options
Phil, that’s just brilliant! Liked and subscribed too. Quick question, is it possible to also use the old macs mic and camera too? I have the same old screen as you, running Catalina and a Mac mini linked to an old Apple Cinema Display (tight Yorkshireman 😂). Many thanks indeed.
Hi super video. Do you think i can use the luna display with my new mac book air 2022 M2 chip? I want to use my old iMac 2012 (Mac Os Catalina) like a secondary screen. Thank you
Never have I EVER viewed a TH-camr speak in "My learning style. Also, I had the exact scenario as you explained. I have the 2013 as well. I did not want to send it to I-heaven. I had so much storage to use. Thanks so much! I will update once I've got it.
Though I'm just discovering your content, I wanted to take the time to thank you for your effort and quality. I came across Luna as an option for iPad and then thought to myself, "There HAS to be an option like this for an older iMac." I quickly scrolled through some of your other videos and I'm excited to watch some of them as well. I truly wish I had an uncle, or someone in my life like you to refer to. Simply incredible.
Thank you for your kind words. All the very best to you.
Absolute Saver! I have the exact setup with a 2013 iMAC running Catalina and 3TB Fusion Drive that I didn't want to lose. Just got a newer Mac Studio. Fantastic Video - I will get this ordered up.
is the latency really bad?
I have the awesome 5K 27" that's older I just ungraded to 14" MBP fully loaded but miss my big screen 😞
A perfect case to use Luna for the iMac 27" screen with your new MBP.
Could you just hook up a thunderbolt to usbc cable and use command+F2 and share it that way? It works on PCs too.
The Commnad+F2 feature is for older Mac's... 'The 'Main' Mac that you're connecting to the iMac, must have been introduced in 2019 or earlier and have macOS Catalina or earlier installed. The iMac used as a display must have macOS High Sierra or earlier installed.
This puts the screen extension feature out of sight for all new M-Series Mac owners, making Luna Display the very best solution.
Although plenty of people showed how to use an old imac as second display, what u show is a company who made and app to use it with their software. I think many are going to do this as we are plenty of people with old imac intel
Can you share your lighting setup.There is no reflection on your glasses 🙂
I have 2 ring lights plus a window to my left (your right). Ring light 1 is 45˚ above and right; Ring light 2, left, is lower than my chin and reflected off a white wall. Hope that helps.
Thanks for the video. I have an old iMac that I like to use as a primary screen connected to Mac mini. I don’t have a second screen. How should I configure Luna display to get it to work?
Here's the video on that...th-cam.com/video/Cp2uJAVjsuE/w-d-xo.html
HI I have a wacom Cintiq attached to my 27inch imac which works fine. MY IMac is getting old as its 2014 and I was waing to see whether apple would update it with e the new M! ultra.
So I also have LUna display which I tend not to use as I can easily transfer wacom image to imac and vice versa.
For my late model 2010 iMac 27" I used a Kanex XD to allow the iMac to act as a display for a XBOX 360.
any HDMI Capture card can do that, commonly used for camera input. They don’t allow controlling a Mac though.
After reading reviews and watching a couple of good YT video on the Luna Display by Astropad last week I bought the Luna dongle for my new 2024 Mac Mini Pro. This is the USB-C version. I did not find any specific reviewer or Luna webpage comments about using Luna Display from the 2024 Mini Mac Pro (Sequoia 15.1.1), with its Thunderbolt 5 ports and fast ethernet port, driving as primary display my also new Dell 3223Q monitor (a 32 inch 4K, 144hz "gaming" monitor), and hooking up via Luna Display to a late 2014 5K Retina 27 inch iMac (latest Apple OS it will run of Big Sur 11.7.10) - as secondary Luna Display. I got a little hung up worrying about if I would need to buy a Thunderbolt 5 (or...TB 3 or 4 cable) to plug into to an adapter to connect a second Thunderbolt 2 cable going into the iMac. I already had a Cat 5 ethernet cable, and both YT reviewers were using ethernet and said things worked well, and my second screen needs would mostly be "desktop" work, and not gaming or watching movies so I knew with ethernet I'd be pretty happy. But I was thinking I'd want the FASTEST, LEAST LAGGY, connection possible - as lag is the biggest complaint.
Well, direct ethernet cable between computers works great. Astropad is very good about cautioning customers of Luna Display not to expect good video quality on a secondary iMac screen - for programs needing a fast refresh rate like gaming and videos. I enabled the Retina option in the Luna Display app and for desktop apps everything looks just as sharp as when I operate the iMac as a standalone 5K Retina computer. There is no lag I can see moving the mouse cursor between primary and secondary screens, or dragging applications between screens to set up work flows. To test the connection I watched an iPhone movie I made recently (on my iPhone 12 Plus) and this movie played the same on both screens. A YT video from the internet (fiber optic broadband) played the same on both screens. I couldn't tell the difference between these two screens with the 2024 Mac Mini Pro computer running the show. I don't know if lag cautioned by Astropad, and observed by other customers, was related to their primary computer's CPU/Graphics capabilities. This looks like I have a 5K Retina second monitor running native from its iMac Intel chip. If I game, or need the best video playback and it doesn't run fast enough on the iMac screen I'll do it on the Dell.
And there was this pleasant surprise...I have two keyboards and both work when Luna Display is running. Both keyboards type on their respective screens. Also with respective primary and secondary Luna Display apps running on both computers I have one wireless mouse - previously paired with the Mac Mini Pro - and a second wired USB mouse hooked into the iMac. Both Mice work moving the shared Luna cursor around on either screen. The two keyboard, two mouse setup is handy as I have an angled desk and I just swivel my desk chair back and forth to look directly at each monitor, depending on which screen/software/app I'm working on, and I don't have to either reach for a keyboard or mouse, or look sideways at the second monitor.
The efficiencies here are I didn't have to buy a second high resolution monitor. And I still have a fully functional iMac, with unused space on its 2 TB hard drive (and an SSD USB 2.0 2 TB external drive), and its 32 GB RAM I added in years ago. One thing I will do is keep up my anti-virus protection on the iMac, and I will may turn off its Wi-Fi to prevent malware from ever getting into it.
thank you so much for such an in-depth review of the dongle! I was worried about the lag as I do some video editing (but most of the time I don't need to watch real time), and having a similar high-quality settings, I feel more confident getting this dongle... I really didn't want to pay 500$ for a Hi-Res Monitor and discard my perfectly functional 2019 iMac. Thanksss!
I am curious: Can I use a 2008 24" iMac, running El Capitan 10.11.6 as ekstra monitor for my 2017 27" iMac, running Ventura 13.7.2? And connect with ethernet cable. Later I have a plan to use the 27" together with a MacMini M4.
Have a look at these requirements to see if they fit your situation:
help.astropad.com/article/157-system-requirements?sca_ref=3948717.ToH2p0eo7q
Hi Phil, I watched all your videos. I took the plunge and bought a Luna for use with my late 2014 iMac 27” retina. Worked like a dream I now have my MacBook Air connected to an LG40WP94 and my iMac. It now feels like Mission Control. Thank you Phil, I never would have done it if I had not seen your videos.
is the latency really bad?
I am upgrading my 2015 iMac with a new 2023 M3 iMac. I will be using a Luna Display dongle to share the screens as per the demonstration in the video. I understand that I will still e able to access the 1 Terabite storage on the 2015 iMac, but was wondering if I will be able to access one or more portable hard drives that are currently used with the 2015 iMac and are connected via USB A ports. The alternative is to get a USB C hub with multiple USB A ports an d plug that into the new iMac. Thanks.
You will be able to access external drives connected to your iMac, but it would be easier & more efficient to use an external USB hub with your new Mac.
Is there a mode to mirror (as opposed to extend) the primary display, onto the secondary display (the older iMac)?
Yes, it's an easy selection in the Luna Display preferences, or simply do it in the Mac System settings.
Thanks for the great video.
How colour accurate is the iMac display?
I am using Duet and it is unfortunately not accurate enough to do any colour work. I am hoping that Luna is a better solution and provides for greater colour accuracy.
Also, can you calibrate the second display when using Luna?
Brilliant question! So I colour calibrated my main (Luna) display ( I'm a photographer/video maker and colour management specialist!). You can't colour calibrate the Luna Secondary display, but you CAN calibrate the iMac before connecting it as the Luna Secondary, so it uses it's own ICC profile...and it works great!
Due to the lack of space in my mini office, I wondered about the accessibility of just using the Mac Mini with my old 2017 Imac 27" being the main and only monitor.
Yes you can do it using headless mode. The only proviso is that there is a slower screen refresh vs a dedicated monitor, so tasks like video editing should be done on a dedicated monitor whilst light work and panels can reside on your Luna display/iMac.
Thank you .@@HelpfulPhil
@@HelpfulPhil I feel this answers my question regarding a 2015 iMac as a main monitor. What does "headless Mode" mean?
@@henrihadida8 here's the answer: th-cam.com/video/Cp2uJAVjsuE/w-d-xo.html
Can I still use universal control from MacBook to iPad while MacBook is connected to Old iMac 27inches 5k with Luna display? I am thinking to purchase Luna. Thank you for your content. Helpful.
Yes, you can still use Universal Control in the way you describe.
will this work with my iMac end 2015, also ? it's a 27" 5K Retina 🙂
Yes. Luna Display supports 5K screens.
@@HelpfulPhil Thank you. It seems other mac users are asking the same question. i plan on upgrading to a M4 and it would be terrible to waste a perfectly usable 5k 27" monitor. thank you.
Thank you!!! I’ve been trying to figure out how to use my iMac like this for weeks. Apple really blew it on this but ours they want to sell a $1700 monitor vs helping customers get the most from their purchases.
It might work, the delay would be a pain for editing the way too many images I create after an assignment.
I am not sure I understand this....Can I connect my M! Mac mini to my 2017 iMac using Luna?....Can the iMac serve as a monitor for the Mac mini? Thanks for a great video...
Yes, using Luna Display you can use the iMac as a monitor for your M1 MacMini. It depends upon the apps you're using as to whether you would prefer to have a directly connected Monitor and use the iMac as a secondary as shown in this video. You would need a monitor temporarily connected to the MacMini to set-up Luna Display if the iMac is going to be your only monitor.
@@HelpfulPhil Thank you, I will look further into this.
Thanks for the good video! 🙏
I was wondering how I could connect a macbook pro m2 laptop to a similar imac, what do you have when the macbook doesn't have an ethernet port?
I presume you mean to share the display. You don't need Ethernet with Luna display, you can use WiFi or peer-to-peer between the Macs.
What OS do you need on the target iMac
Is there a way of having an older mac as a secondary monitor AND running two different OS on both machines? Thanks!
Nope! technically Luna Display is doing this, it's just that the Luna Display secondary app takes over the monitor preventing you from processing any other requests on the secondary Mac.
A simply brilliant video and well explained. I have a 27 inch 2014 imac and about to purchase the M2 mac mini. Apple informs me that I cannot use the 27 inch monitor as no target mode is now installed on these later imacs. I assume (please correct me) this gets round the problem? The other question s that it is for sale on Amzon UK at 180 pounds but available direct for 79 USD?i
Yes, this is the answer to Apple's removal of Target mode. Check my other videos on the Luna Display, as I do think it's best used along with a 'normal' monitor.
Purchasing direct using the link in the description is likely to get you the best price. You will get to a page showing delivery cost to UK too. Recently I worked out that the US$ conversion ended up a little over £100 including shipping & VAT.
Thanks Phil, Ordered it yesterday and your conversion was spot on at 104 GBP. One final question, the monitor as primary - van that be ant type?@@HelpfulPhil
@@kelvinyoungs6110 don't quite know exactly what you meant with your misstyping, but yes your Primary monitor can be anything, but it's nice to have one which is similar in size and ratio to your iMac.
Thanks, Phill, luna has dispatched the dongle and my new iMac mini arrives in two weeks. I promise this will be last question - what cable will I require to connect to Imac from the Imac mini please as I am unable to use the router set-up that you have used.
@@kelvinyoungs6110 you can directly connect the 2 Mac's with either an Ethernet cable, or USB-C (from your MacMini) to USB-A cable (to your iMac).
i’m not sure if i’m understanding correctly; so you must use the Luna Display as a 2nd display? or i could, for example, use a 2019 21.5 as the Primary (only) display with a new mac mini? i’m having a hard time finding this specific info.
Luna Display is the application and hardware which allows you to use your iMac as a screen. Using the iMac as a single screen with Luna Display is called Headless mode. This video might help. th-cam.com/video/Cp2uJAVjsuE/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for your really clear no-nonsense content! Very helpful! I would love to see how LUNA Display behaves once it is set up. Do apps always start on the primary screen and you then move them to the secondary iMac screen? Do you then continue to use the mouse of your primary, but they work on your secondary? Do you ever use the keyboard and mouse of your secondary computer again after that? Do the camera and mic on the secondary screen still operate? You say that you could use the secondary display without the primary one. How would you do that? As you can see here, I have lots of questions that go beyond the time of installation. Thanks for your help!
Apps all open on the primary Mac and you move them over to the secondary screen. The keyboard and mouse from your iMac would still be used and connected for you to login, but not used whilst using Luna display. The camera and microphone from your iMac no longer work whilst using luna display. Setting up the iMac as the main screen is a possibility, but you need a secondary screen in order to make that happen.
HI will this work with 2 Imacs use as monitor?
Luna Display only supports one monitor/iMac.
Thank you for your informative tutorial. I was in the same situation as yourself and having watched you tutorial convinced me that this was the way to go. I have purchased a Luna Display and am really pleased with the results. Thanks again.
Brilliant. I'm thrilled with my Luna display and use it all of the time. Exciting new software update due soon too!
Hi! Great video. I'm looking to use an iMac 27" 2019 Intel chip computer's monitor as the PRIMARY and single monitor for a new Mac Studio M2. Luna looks like it will do that. And I'd use Ethernet connections, not WiFi. Before I order Luna, can you tell me if I need another "primary" monitor (iPad, Macbook Pro) for the Studio all the time - or just the initial set up? - or can I configure the iMac 2019 monitor as the PRIMARY monitor for the Studio and only use that pair? And should I need to move all the computer software and content to the Studio and leave the iMac as only the sole monitor for the Studio? Thank you.
You will need a second monitor for the set-up of Luna Display but then you can use the iMac as the only/primary monitor in what is called Headless mode.
You can leave software on the iMac but you won't be able to use it whilst using Luna Display. Luna Display (Secondary)runs in the forground of the iMac preventing use of any other app. However you can still access the hard drive of your iMac (via the Finder on the Mac Studio) for storage purposes.
Thanks for this video. I have with me a 2017 model of 27" Intel iMac and also Luna Display. Can I use Luna display to use the iMac as a primary display for any Mac mini I hope/plan to buy? If no, is there any workaround?
Thanks in advance
Dr. Somanna
Yes, any recent MacMini, but see my other videos for recommendations about using just one iMac as a screen in 'Headless' mode.
@@HelpfulPhil Okay. Thanks. In cae you can, could you please send me the link to that specific video? I loved to see your two-camera set up for this video. Just a doubt I have: do you use a teleprompter to get your voiceover? If yes, did you place the teleprompter above your main display monitor, out of view of the camera behind and to your left? What is the microphone you use and into which DAW did you record? Just curious. Regards and have a great day.
@@garudasomanna here's a link to the Luna Display playlist. th-cam.com/play/PLrImRRg9AZOh51-iGrJc_201IjuSy1LG6.html
I don't use a teleprompter, just talk to the camera. Blue Yeti microphone with Adobe Audition for audio post production.
@@HelpfulPhil Thanks a lot. My present iMac, a vintage 2017 model is nicely chugging along with MacOS Ventura and being Intel, can climb no more. Just getting tempted to plunge into the newer MacOS features and buying a Mac Mini 3/4 could be lighter on my purse should the iMac be used as a primary display courtesy Luna Display that I have with me already.
I am amazed that your voiceover is of an extempore kind! The flow of speech, though a bit slow and of a 'homely' kind, seemed to be devoid of stutter or search for words [Uh, hm etc]. If this voiceover has not been overly edited for such 'flaws' then I have to say that you have a very good talent of expressing your content. God bless you HelpfulPhil. You have been a blessing to me.😀
I have tried every way to connect my Macs together, but none of them worked. Then, I came across your video and just purchased the product through the link you provided! Thanks for the informative content, Phill!
Will my 2015 27" 5K iMac will work with this? Now that I have an M3 notebook pro max I wanna connect that to my iMac.
Yes.
can it work wired to reduce the latency?
highly recommend using Ethernet cable between both Mac's to your router. If Ethernet is not possible you may be a way to use USB-C/Thunderbolt cable, but my Mac is so old that this is not possible as it has no USB-C ports.
Can you use Ethernet cable without a router? Is it possible to just connect both computers with the same Ethernet cable? @@HelpfulPhil
If the secondary machine has a usb keyboard or mouse connected will it be usable on the primary for control?
Yes, but you are likely to find it has limited additional functionality, such as swiping on Magic mouse.
Thank you Phil... Can I connect my Mac Mini to my Imac 2017 directly with an ethernet cable instead of using a switch or router as you have?
Yes.
hanks a lot for this excellent video! Is there also a way for using "old" iMac (late 2015, running Monterey) as a secondary display for iPad Pro 5th generation?
Nope!
I just purchased my first imac, an m3, and I'm curious about using an older m1 imac as a second display. Will this work for that kind of setup?
I'm told that you shouldn’t need Luna Display with two M-series Mac's as you can use Apple's Continuity Display, but if that doesn’t work then Luna Display will.
@@HelpfulPhil Thank you much
So, how is this any different from using the iMac in target mode which doesn't require anything other than a cable? The new M1 mini allows for a single thunderbolt connection which I use for a late 2012 iMac and a second monitor through an HDMI cable. I am pretty sure the Studio allow for at least this and possibly even a third monitor. Why the need for LUNA?
This shows about using the iMac as a monitor, you can also access the HDD's over the network.
Hi there! I have a 2011 high sierra imac. is it possible to conect it with the new macbook air 15" ? with luna display? how can i do it? heeeelp Thank u in advance!
My question
If I have a “Main” Mac and a “Old” Mac each connected via Ethernet to my Router and I use Luna Display, can I see and use both Macs as fully functioning Macs or is the “Old” Mac only accessible as a file sharing Mac and Display
What I am after is being able to use my mouse and keyboard on both Macs and each Mac operates as a fully functional computer, not solely as an extended monitor with file sharing, if that makes any sense😊
Thank you for the video, really well done
The only way you would be able to do that is to keep turning Luna Display off to resume full iMac functionality - not really very practical!
Great instruction video. I just picked up a fully decked out Mac Studio for video editing (M2 ultra, 192gig ram) and looking to monitor my old 2017 iMac. Question is do I just connect an Ethernet cord from the IMac to the Mac Studio? Or do I need to run it into a router? Curious to how that works as I want to also hardwire Ethernet for internet on the Mac Studio. My mac Studio arrives later today! Can’t wait
Use Ethernet cable into a Router from both the Mac Studio and iMac, so they're on the same network with Internet access etc
@@HelpfulPhil ohhh got it. Thanks! Will do!
@@HelpfulPhil also should I get the Luna mini display port (only for Mac) or usb-c
@@hopeforthefuturesg your new Mac doesn’t have Mini Display Port
@@HelpfulPhil I noticed that when I received. 😂 thanks for all your help!
Is it possible to use the 2014 imac 27 as the primary monitor of a mac mini m2?
It certainly is possible. It is called 'Headless mode'. You may find a slight delay compared to a directly connected monitor, which may affect your experience if video editing, otherwise in my opinion it's perfect.
Note: you will need to initially connect a monitor in order to set up a single iMac as a screen.
Phil you are the man! Thank you so much for this. Really appreciate the detail and effort you put into the video.
Hello, Does it works if my old iMac is an iMac 2017 (Retina 5K, 27 inch) with Ventura 13.6.9 ? Thanks
Absolutely. I currently use exactly that model.
Can I use this to make my mid-2010 iMac serve as a second display for my 2020 iMac?
Yes. If one of your Thunderbolt ports available for the Luna Display dongle use that.
Thanks Phil! Mind sharing what dell model are you using with the mac mini?
yes...th-cam.com/video/0J77Dl_40u0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=bFeAvHlyYti-sKiR
Can be configured to use windows machine. Like... use mac as a display for windows?
Yes. Follow the link in the description; then navigate to help.astropad.com/article/157-system-requirements to ensure compatibility.
does it work with 2013 iMac and 2020 Macbook M1? Thanks for the sharing.
Yes.
@@HelpfulPhil did you try or just opinion?
@@kempes89 I have the 2013 iMac. It works with all M series Mac's.
Does Luna Display have any restrictions about playing rented Apple movies or Apple TV+. I ask because I have 3rd monitor using a 3rd-party USB connection hardware (Display Link) currently that restricts me from watching anything in the Apple TV app - the video plays audio-only but will not show me the video until I disconnect the USB device. Does Luna Display have any restrictions like that?
I think you have a hardware issue with your 3rd party USB... Luna Display makes your iMac into an extended monitor so anything you can display on the Mac will work, including video, but be aware of other apps taking up resources which may affect video playback whilst using Luna Display. i.e. don't run multiple video related apps at the same time.
I have imac 5k retina 2015, any wayto use it as a monitor for a laptop ?
Yes. If you mean a MacBook then it is likely to support your 5K iMac, otherwise check the output specs of your laptop port (USB-C; Display Port or HDMI) relating to that resolution, even then it will work, but at a lower resolution.
I now have my system working flawlessly except cant make use of the ports on the imac. I have 2019 iMac, Thunderbolt cable, Mac mini M2 connected to Samsung monitor. I rely totally on the iMac for display and barely use the Samsung monitor. Please how can I use the ports on the iMac?
You can use the ports on the iMac for powering devices e.g. iPad's & iPhones. You can connect external drives which you can then access from your Finder>Network items
Does the iMac intel screen run the fan? Get hot?
It would run the fan if it gets hot. Mine is silent!
Thank you Phil. I had all but given up trying to connect my iMac late 2014 5K model with my Macbook Pro 2021. I wish Apple easily provided a second screen option. The question I have for you is, is there a benefit of selecting "connection via Thunderbolt only" compared to the Wifi option. I have a Thunderbolt cable and relevant adapaters. I'm trying to work out if it is faster?
Cable is likely to be faster (less lag - which is minuscule anyway) and more reliable than a WiFi network.
Hey Phil, Love this video. I find your video to be easily digestible and not annoying. I keep seeing videos about using an old iMac as a second monitor with a M4 Mac Mini, but can you use it as a main monitor? Can I use the same set-up with a late 2015 iMac?
Depends upon what you envisage a 'Main' monitor does! I suspect you mean in Headless mode, I don't recommend this mode, but it can work. I answer many of your questions in my other Luna Display videos.
@@HelpfulPhil i did see your Luna Display video.. and yes.. no sure I have the real estate to use 2 monitors. I saw your video on headless mode, why do you not recommend it? also i was impressed that you could still use the imac Hard drive and what ever storage is connected to it. Makes great use of hardware already in our possesion. thanks
@@metalroofcanada the 'problem' with Headless mode is that it's really designed for iPad's. Waking or restarting both of your Mac's becomes a challenge when you have only one monitor to see what's going on on both computers. My advice - Get a cheap small monitor for your Mac so you can see the login screen when needed.
finally, someone who actually demonstrates the latency properly! Quick question, does the latency vary depending on what you are displaying/running on the screen?
I haven't really tested a variety of different applications to see if one looks to be slower than another but definitely the Luna Display secondary does have a lower frame rate than a native first screen, however I've grown to love this feature more as I've used it!
Hi Phil: Can I open a file stored in either of my secondary monitor or primary monitor while in luna display?
Absolutely yes. You can access your iMac HDD as a network storage.
Thanks for this, great video! Out of curiosity, what's the name of the "main screen/monitor" you're using for the Mac Studio?
I happen to be using a Dell 2722DE. I reviewed it here th-cam.com/video/0J77Dl_40u0/w-d-xo.html
I have the same question
@@dwightsbeetfarms3611 answer above!
I am in exactly the same situation that you found yourself in. My iMac is from 2015 running Big Sur and does not have Target Display mode. I have been told by Apple that there is no way to connect it to the Mac Studio (and studio display) that i have coming in a couple of weeks. It seems such a shameful waste to bin it as it would make perfect secondary display; it's in perfect condition/working order - just no longer updatable and not powerful enough to run the apps I want to use for photography. Would the Luna setup you've described work in my situation?
Absolutely yes! Watch my other videos to answer Luna Display general questions. I am now using an iMac 2015 27" 5K as a screen for my M1 Mac Studio. Follow the link to buy.
I was just at an Apple Store to see the Mini and the Studio in person, and 'genius' bar person said the same thing - target display is long dead. I'd already researched Luna Display, but they didn't know about that. I think they are far more motivated to sell us a new 27" Studio Display which costs nearly as much as what I paid for the entire iMac in 2017. That's great, but there's no actual cpu, and it's not even bigger!
Hi Just what I am looking for. You mentioned that you can still use your old Mac (secondary screen) hard drive. do you use it from you key board connected to the main monitor ? Does finder show up the secondary screen hard drive? Cheers
watch this video for how to access your files on your old iMac.
th-cam.com/video/QBYDYuvWl7o/w-d-xo.html
@@HelpfulPhil That was exactly what I was hoping for, thank you Phil. One last thing. Have you compared Luna with duet ? if so would love to here your thoughts. Thanks again if I buy I'll definitely click through on your link.
@@GrahamGphotoParker I haven't tried Duet but I know people who have and they are paying a regular subscription and there is some weird Internet connection requirement which apparently slows it down sometimes.
@@HelpfulPhil Thank you for you help and advice. I'll definitely be buying Luna for my 27" 5K iMac that is sitting on my desk gathering dust to my Mac Studio Cheers Again
Hi Phil, I have a 2020 iMac, with an Apple 27 inch lightening screen that is using both screens the same as you have, I also have a 27 inch late2015 iMac, now I want to buy a Mini both my iMacs can’t use the Apple system they had in place because they’re not old enough, that system eas ceased in 2014, would it be possible to use the lunar system to use my 2020 machine as the Mini monitor and leave the 27 lightening screen connected as it already is. Hope you can offer some advise
...not quite sure of your exact connection plans, but you can use Luna Display to connect ONE of your iMac's, and if your Mac Mini supports a second screen (quite likely), then you can also connect an Apple Display.
@@HelpfulPhil Thanks for that Info Phil, my intention is to connect my monitor to the Mac mini via a lightening connection, (the mini has 3 lightning connection,) as it is to my existing 2020 iMac , the use the 2020 was a second monitor using the Luna kit.is that the way to get them both working? as Ive never used a Luna.
@@njm20music you're getting your weather synonyms mixed up and therefore confused. Mac computers have Thunderbolt connections, not Lightening. Lightening was reserved for iOS devices, iPhones and iPads. Nope! you can only use ONE iMac as a monitor.
This is exactly what I was looking to do. Thank you! Have you tried it over wifi? I do not have a router by my Mac. Looking to use my 2015 iMac as secondary screen with brand new Mac studio and Studio display.
so my router is next to my Macs. If you have a solid wifi signal in your office then it should be ideal. Tip: Luna are looking at providing a direct link Mac to Mac in their next update.
Hi Phil,
Very interesting tutorial.
I have a 2023 MacBook Pro running Ventura 13.6.4, and a 2008 iMac computer partitioned with snow leopard on one partition to connect to older software and an older printer which all still works; and the other partition upgraded to El Capitan.
I am trying to see if this set-up will work with a luna display dongle before purchasing it, and to see if I can use the 2008 iMac as a second screen as it is bigger for the purpose of viewing surface pattern designs.
I have downloaded the primary luna app onto the macbook pro and that launches, but is requesting the Luna Display dongle to continue. My issue is that I have downloaded the secondary luna app onto the macbook pro and then copied it over to the iMac, but the secondary luna app will not launch at all. There are error messages, and advice to update both the operating system which I have within el capitan, and the app which is already up to date.
Am I doing anything wrong here, as I checked and searches on the internet assure me that this set up should allow me to use the 2008 iMac as a second screen.
Any hope?
Disappointed.
Pam Terry
I think your iMac is too old for the Luna Display option. Take a look at these specs to check.
help.astropad.com/article/157-system-requirements?sca_ref=3948717.ToH2p0eo7q
@@HelpfulPhil
I have spent a lot of time on this problem, and can only get the MacBook to work with Side car alongside the iPad Pro.Your link tells me that my old iMac is too old it would need to be 2009 as a minimum to work running High Sierra. I would need to upgrade all of the older equipment at the time; I think which wouldn't be affordable for me just now. Could you suggest a screen 27" that would work with my macbook pro and IPad Pro and Officejet printer? Thanks, Pam Terry
@@pamterry8891 you could try one of these: th-cam.com/video/0J77Dl_40u0/w-d-xo.html
@@HelpfulPhil Thank you Phil, it does seem that if I need a larger screen for Surface Pattern Designs then I could go with this very good Dell screen you have suggested; would I still require the Luna Display hardware and apps for primary and secondary display, or could I just plug the Macbook Pro (2023) into the Dell display via a USB-C/A cable?
@@pamterry8891 Luna Display is only needed for using iMac as a second screen. A new Dell screen will include the correct cable (USB-C to USB-C)
Hi Phil, Thanks for the very informative vid. Question: I'd like to use my late 2013 iMac (w/Catalina) as my main monitor for a Mac Studio, and use my existing Dell 1920 x 1080 monitor as a secondary one. Can I do that with LUNA Display? Thank you!
Absolutely 👍🏼
Thank you for the video! So if I am an animator/illustrator and want to use my 2017 iMac as a primary display for my new MacBookPro, would you not recommend it? Not fast enough?
I recommend trying it to see if the response is fast enough for you. Also Luna display would open up other opportunities as a 2nd monitor, and with iPad for illustration etc, even if it doesn’t match your needs as a primary monitor.
Sounds interesting, I am in the same boat, I have an awesome 2015 build iMac 27 that can only now be upgraded to Ventura and that would be its last OS. I am looking at a new Mac but have wondered what can I do with my current 27 iMac. So a few questions. Q-01 If say I have a Mac Studio and Studio Display and purchase Luna and link up both computers, say for ex. I open Pages app on the Mac Studio and create a document and now want to save it to the 27 iMac drive, does the Mac Studio recognize in the Finder that 27 iMac drive? Q-02 Another question: If I open up Photoshop on the Mac Studio, can I move the editing palette, Layers, History etc. to the 27 iMac and have the image remain on the Mac Studio monitor; I have a two monitor system now in which I do this? Q-03 Can you use in your situation the Mac Studio unit as a separate Mac the same time you use the 27 iMac as a separate unit while still in Luna mode? Last question: Is there anything you cannot do? PS: so glad there is a solution, I cannot see trashing my 27 iMac, 32gb ram iCore 7 unit.
A1: Yes you can still see your iMac HDD in the Finder, just as you can when running without Luna, so you can also save files to it.
A2: Yes.
A3: No. Luna Secondary is an app that completely takes over your iMac screen so you can't use it for any other applications.
A4: You still can't get Luna to make the Tea!
Will this work with a 21.5" iMac 2010?
check this link for compatibility bit.ly/LunaSystemRequirements
Hello Phil. Thanks for a great run-down of the Luna Display. I have the same iMac and I'm planning to pair it with a Mac Mini M2 (nothing purchased yet). I don't want to use the iMac as a secondary display, but as the only display. Could you give a hint as to launching the software and logging in when it is the primary monitor? Many thanks.
have a look at this video as it might help
th-cam.com/video/Cp2uJAVjsuE/w-d-xo.html
Hi Phil, Just wondering if having a Macbook Pro M1 Max can be display in iMac 2012 5k with Luna?
Yes. By the way the first 5K iMac was released 2014.
Hello there, I'd like to know if I can use Luna to have my old 2013 iMac as my main screen for a new Mac Studio. I'm planning to get the Mac Studio M1 Max, but it would be of great help if I can save some money not buying a display yet.
You certainly can, it's called Headless mode. However, you will need to have a separate display connected for setting it up!
Alright!! Thank you very much!!@@HelpfulPhil
Will this work on 27inch late 2009?
Check compatibility here: help.astropad.com/article/157-system-requirements?sca_ref=3948717.ToH2p0eo7q
In the UK in current economic times, seems a waste not to use these old imacs. The thing I've learned also is that the screens don't deteriorate at all, the HD is probably a lot slower that when you bought it and maybe the RAM also, but the screens? General quality of display, they were certainly built to last.
Right on! Economies around the world are the same.
Excellent video - Any real world experience running video/photo editing on M1/M2 with a Luna display connected to an iMac Retina 5k 2015 and above?
I do both photo and video editing with Luna, it's just a 2K screen on my old 2013 model though.
Phil this is a great video. I have a 2011 iMac and a 2020 iMac (new to me). The 2011 has all of my files on it and music on it. Q-1 - Will I be able to use iTunes on the 2011 if I use the 2020 iMac as my primary? Q-1 Will I have to transfer all data to the 2020 iMac prior to using Luna?
Thanks for the comment. A1. you won't be able to launch any apps from your 2011 iMac whilst using Luna Display Secondary as it covers all other apps beneath it. You can use Apple Music on your 2020 iMac importing your iTunes music library tracks which remain on you 2011 iMac, as the 2011 becomes a storage device.
Great video Patrick! I am going to have the same setup.
What does the red usb plug do is this just a std USB stick with the software on it as the connection is wired via ethernet so what is that red thing doing? I don't think it is doing anything other than installing the software. So $150 seems a little expensive. Could you not just download the software without that USB stick? Add a fancy looking USB stick that does nothing and charge an extra $100? Please correct me if I'm wrong and it actually does something perhaps it a software key? Good video by the way.
Firstly, use my link as it’s much less than $150. No, it’s not a usb stick, it’s a ‘dongle’ holding a software code.
Nice well explained video - thanks for taking the time to share. Best Mark
Really useful video thank you! Is there any reason why I can't use the iMac as my primary display? My set up could be my poorer quality screen (hp that I just use for emails etc) as my actual primary, I'd put it off to the right though and I'd actually use the iMac screen to work in... does that make sense? Once set up would that run smoothly enough day to day? Does the screen calibration of the iMac remain the same or would it copy the poorer quality screen?
You can IMHO easily use your iMac as the main screen. You may experience a slight (milliseconds) delay, but you'd quickly become oblivious to it, plus there are a new connection options to try, including Peer-to-peer to see which is best in your set-up. I'm still using Ethernet connection for both Macs'. Screen calibration profile remains in place on your iMac.
@@HelpfulPhil Thanks for coming back to me. I'll bite the bullet and give it a go. It's probably a little faffy but I'll get used to it. I much prefer the cost saving just now and re-purposing the iMac will be great. Fingers crossed. Thank you
Thank you for the great video.
Would it be possible to use an M1 iMac as a main monitor for my M2 MacBook Air? I would like to be able to utilize the iMac's microphone, webcam and USB ports while having my laptop's lid closed on my desk.
Cheers
You won't be able to use the iMac's microphone or webcam using Luna Display. You would be able to use the USB ports for external drives. I suggest you try apple's screen sharing features to see if that suits your needs. See th-cam.com/video/NZkuBpLlJVQ/w-d-xo.html
@@HelpfulPhil thank you!
@@HelpfulPhilsince you were kind enough to answer, could you tell the benefits of using Luna over shared screen? Is it mostly having access to more files and using the iMac’s hardware to perform tasks?
@@roeescharf104 Luna Display is ideal for owners of older iMacs which don't naturally have the ability to be used as external monitors. Luna Display and Apple Screen sharing would offer very similar features in your case, with a newer M-series iMac.
Thanks for this @Helpful Phil! Curious how do you access the files on your old Imac? In particular I hope to use the speakers on it as well, and would need to run my music program through the iMac
Here's how to access files on your iMac with Luna Display. You won't be able to use your iMac camera, Microphone or speakers.
@@HelpfulPhil why won't I be able to use camera or speakers? Phooey!
@@swoodx when running Luna Display 'Secondary' on your iMac, it takes over the whole screen and makes your iMac a display only, most other processes are not able to run. You can however access the iMac HDD for stored files and folders. It's a shame but that's the way it is.
@@HelpfulPhil THANK YOU
IT WAS THE KEYBOARD!!! Fantastic Video - thank you! NONE of my 27 inch 2011 iMacs would connect in target display mode until I switched to the long flat wired keyboard with numeric keypad on the right. Like was mentioned in one of these helpful videos - the keyboard that came with the iMAC. Keyboard model A1243 EMC 2171. Now all four DO connect to my Macbook pro. The iMac wireless ones, Imac long wired ones with typewriter-like keys - none of these worked. Just the flat long keyboard (17 inch x 4.5 inch x less than 1/2 inch)
Hello, if I buy LUNA and connected my macbook with imac 5k 2017, the resolution will be 5k or less?
if your MacBook supports 5k, then 5k it is
@@HelpfulPhil thanks for answer, I use Macbook pro m1, today I have tried use Airplay with Thunderbolt 3, don't know how but via Thunderbolt Airplay works better, but it is not the quality that I have in my iMac, now I chose to try LUNA or capture card, how do you think, what better?
@@Ihorosovyk I don't understand what you mean by Thunderbolt Airplay?...anyway, I also don't know recognise using a 'Capture Card', this usually that means for HDMI but your iMac can't accept HDMI and it won't be 5K either?! so your best bet is to use Luna with Ethernet connection as shown in the video.
Thanks once again for your excellent tutorial. Following watching this I purchased The Luna display and following your directions it works Great. I am connecting my secondary screen to my Mac mini via wi-fi am considering your option of ethernet Mac to Mac But I can only do this by using the two ethernet splitters, one at the router and one from the ethernet socket. any advice or suggestions please. many thanks.
Thanks Steve, yes - use a Switch as shown in my video here..
th-cam.com/video/noKIJhNYFhE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=3UlSAACRHoVwVraX&t=278
Hi Phil, thanks for sharing your knowledge about lunadisplay. It is great to find solutions to your problem. I am thinking on buy it one. I need it because I have a macbookpro from 2020 and I broke the screen. Now I am working with my tv as a monitor, but I have an old imac, 21,5" screen and it is from 2015. Now this imac runs very slow, but my children use it as a tv monitor, and it is incredible how well they can watch movies. Anyway I wonder if I connect my macbook pro through luna display to my imac, when I work using my macbookpro but throug the imac screen, will the apps from macbook pro run as fast as they run without the imac screen. I hope my question is crear to you. Thanks in advance.
You'll experience a slight millisecond delay, but will get used to it very quickly.
@@HelpfulPhil Thank you so much for your quick response!!!! Ok, now I have all the information to buy it. As I told you, I really appreciate your video, I've been looking for a solution two weeks now. WOW!!!! thanks thanks thanks. I will share how well it works.
@@HelpfulPhil Hi Phil, I've already got the luna display, and I installed as you told us in the video. Now I can access to my broken screen macbook pro and I can also use my imac 2015 as a monitor. GREAT!!!!! Thank you so so much. I was looking for using my imac as a monitor for almost 3 years.
@@MyriamDiJi brilliant!
Thanks for sharing this Phil. I am in the same shoes as you with an iMac from 2013...
Do you know if Luna Display works as "Primary" only display to your old imac from your new mac studio (without a physical external display connected on the mac studio that is)? I wanna get an imac mini without display and simply just re-use the imac 27" display as primary display.
You can do this, it's called Headless mode; but you'd need to connect some sort of display to the Mac Mini first in order to set it up. ..using the iMac as a secondary display for all of its benefits in productivity and screen real estate is what I think exemplifies the real benefit of the Luna Display.
I purchased the LUNA and it's working brilliantly to add my old iMac as a 2nd display with my newer Mac Mini. I'm connecting via USB-C/Thunderbolt and I'm wondering if it's possible to access the harddrive of my iMac (which is my EXTENDED display)? I don't see the drive so I'm guessing it's not possible.
Hi Mike, it's totally possible. Watch this video for the set-up for both file and screen sharing.th-cam.com/video/NZkuBpLlJVQ/w-d-xo.html
Very helpful video, thanks for posting it. I have some questions. I have a Late 2015 iMac with Thunderbolt 2 ports. I am planning to get a 2023 Mac Studio M2 with Thunderbolt 4 (I think) ports and a Benq SW321C for a monitor. I like the idea of using the Luna display system to use the iMac for a second display but I also wanted to make the iMac into a server.
My first question is can I connect the iMac and the Studio using some kind of Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 4 connection? Is there such an adapter or series of adapters that does this? The Thunderbolt 2 is also called a Mini Display Port, maybe something like that? Maybe there is a better way to connect the two computers for the purposes of a second display with the Luna setup.
The second question has to do with turning the iMac into a Server to use for Caching and other things, but mainly for Caching. Can I do this and still use it as a second display?
Your iMac is not made with Server level properties so not really...but, you can simply access the HDD of the iMac and use it for sharing, saving files etc as it appears as a networked device. Luna Display allows connecting the 2 Mac's via Ethernet (through your router), via WiFi, or even peer-to-peer, you can use thunderbolt/USB-C but may need a converter for the old iMac. Try it without first.
I've been looking for a TB2 to TB4 cable, MDP to USB-C, but it does not appear to be readily available. The only thing I've found is an adapter made by Apple that supports 2 way connections, and being Apple is relatively expensive. Not every cable will work, in fact most don't. Thunderbolt is high speed and needs cables and connectors that meet the spec and those Chinese adapters don't, an ordinary USB-C cable may not either.
I'm looking to do the same thing you are, late 2015 iMac and in my case an M2 Mini. I may wait a little longer though, maybe when the M3 Mini comes out. The iMac still meets my needs, it's just getting old.
Also a question, if the thunderbolt connection is made and is reliable will data also transfer over it? Or will it be dedicated to the Luna video? I have gigabit wifi but TB is 20gb on my iMac and 40gb on the Mini so much faster.
to answer your question, the USB-c/TB cable is only providing a video link between the two machines, made possible by Luna Display. Interchanging and sharing files from each of the HDD's is possible over your standard network.@@bklyncyclist
@@HelpfulPhil The Apple website says this: "The ports allow data transfer, video output, and charging through the same cable." but does not say it will do it simultaneously. I'll just have to try it when I have everything by turning the wifi off and see if it recognizes the hard drive on my iMac while on the video. My guess is that if it does allow it the video will lag while the transfer is happening. My thought is that the cheap Mini has 256gb SSD but my iMac has a 2tb Fusion drive that is still only at about 350gb used. I would use that more for archival.
I wonder if this application could work. I do have my main 27-inch iMac 2015 connected to a second monitor Apple LED Cinema Display 27 Inch true thunderbolt. My second monitor is connected true thunderbolt cable to my main computer iMac. I'm in the proses to buy the New Mac Studio M2 Max and then use the second monitor LED Cinema display as a main display with the Mac Studio, of course I probably need to buy and adapter thunderbolt 2 to thunderbolt 4 connector and use it as a main monitor with Mac Studio. Now the question is, if Luna Display adapter will let me do daisy change true Appe LED Cinema Display with thunderbolt cable from my main monitor and to iMac in order to get it work. Luna Display give you the option to connect via Wi-Fi, Ethernet or Thunderbolt. I wander if I could do daisy chain true thunderbolt instead of using Ethernet. I appreciate any help and thank you for your reply, you got a new subscriber.
So the long answer to a long build up is this: You don't need to daisy chain. You just need Luna display, follow the link in the description, and connect to the iMac via whatever option you prefer, USB-C to USB-A, Ethernet or WiFi. This should then appear as a second monitor.
@@HelpfulPhil Thank you for your reply Phill appreciated a lot.
Thanks, your Video was very helpful Phil 🙂
This is great thank you. I'm looking to buy the same computer as you have and using my 27" 2011 iMac. I need for video editing did you say that's a problem? You mentioned it's about $150 but here in the Sates it shows as around $50; hope we're talking about the same product.
I do lots of video editing but use my main monitor for programme editing, my iMac is my secondary monitor where I store toolbars etc. You can use iMac for main screen but its response speed is reliant on your connection between the two computers. Prices change 👍🏼
Thanks for your reply.@@HelpfulPhil
Thanks for such a detailed video! Very well stated.
Can you add an additional external monitor with the 2 macs?
..depends on the specs of your Mac, if it can support 3 (or more) monitors.
I was wondering this exact same thing. I have a 2017 iMac and just got a Mac studio. I am going to do this exact set up. Thank you so much!
Is it working well for you?
I'm asking the same question but I don't have the answer - so let me know if it's workinf for you.
Thank you Phil for a very useful and understandable video about the Luna Display. I have just bought it and are eager to get started 😊
Thanks for this wonderful video...so clear and detailed.
Can you connect a Mac mini to a 2015 IMac as the main screen? Thank you
Yes, so long as your Mac Mini has a video enabled port (HDMI or Thunderbolt ports) as described in the video. You'd need a separate external monitor first though to set-up the connection.
@@HelpfulPhil My Mac mini M2 is the latest one released by Apple. I have a TV in the living room, but far from the IMac, and then I have a small monitor. Do you mean that once the configuration is done, I could already use the main screen IMac of the Mac Mini?
I have a MacBook Pro, I connected it to the monitor/screen BenQ, that was easy to do.. but I also have an iMac (late 2015) and I would like to use it as a 3rd screen. What I mean is.. that the iMac is also connected with the Macbook Pro and the BenQ monitor/screen ... is this possible
That depends on your MBP model. If its specifications allow for 2+ monitors, plus you have a USB-C/Thunderbolt port available you should be good. Check Apples website for your MBP display options
@@HelpfulPhil I will give it a try
Phil, that’s just brilliant! Liked and subscribed too. Quick question, is it possible to also use the old macs mic and camera too? I have the same old screen as you, running Catalina and a Mac mini linked to an old Apple Cinema Display (tight Yorkshireman 😂). Many thanks indeed.
You won't be able to use your old iMac's microphone or camera whilst using it as a screen with Luna Display.
Hi super video. Do you think i can use the luna display with my new mac book air 2022 M2 chip? I want to use my old iMac 2012 (Mac Os Catalina) like a secondary screen. Thank you
So long as your MBAir has a Thunderbolt port available it will work.
@@philbinks Thank you very much
my old i mac has two screens without having to buy an additional software!