Madison Genthry 
Most of us are using our Mac devices for productivity. That means there are times when you want to use an external display and keep the Mac’s lid closed. It’s a very good way to access a larger screen, while expanding the experience and making it better for users. That does bring the question, how can you achieve this setup, and is it possible to use a MacBook with a broken display as your main computer? Yes, with the Clamshell mode, that becomes a reality.
What does the Clamshell mode do?
The idea here is that with the Clamshell mode, you can easily add an external display to your MacBook and also close the lid of your laptop while using it. The mode is also known as the closed-lid mode, and it can be effective in a plethora of use cases. Whether you need a larger display or the current laptop screen is damaged, you can easily use the Clamshell mode right away.
The advantage is that you get to keep your photos, content and everything, but instead of using the MacBook display, you use an external one. Plus, you remove visual clutter from the desk since the lid is closed. It’s a great approach and one that can provide an exceptional result, along with an amazing value every single time.
Pros and cons that come from using your Mac’s clamshell mode
Pros
- If you want to access your laptop’s content on a larger screen via an external display, this is one of the best methods you can use.
- Additionally, you can easily use the desired peripherals, although you can still use the ones from your Mac as well.
- It’s possible to obtain better ergonomics, since the user experience is vastly improved. Additionally, it also offers you the means to access the MacBook resources at any time, for any work.
- Even if the MacBook screen is defective or broken, you can still use your MacBook for productivity with an external display, thanks to this mode.
Cons
- A downside that comes from the clamshell mode is that closing the lid means heat dissipation is harder to do. The MacBook will inherently become hotter, and that could damage its internals. Although using a laptop stand could potentially help here.
- Some people don’t have enough space on their desk for the laptop and a monitor.
How can you start using the clamshell mode on your MacBook?
It’s a very good idea to make sure that you have an external monitor, along with a wireless keyboard and mouse. Ensure that the external monitor can be hooked up to your Mac, and purchase an adapter if that’s necessary. After that, you need to:
- Plug in the MacBook and external monitor into the outlet.
- Now you need to connect the monitor to your MacBook. Normally, it should be doable via an HDMI cable, although an adapter could be required, based on the MacBook version.
- Turn the external monitor on, and open the MacBook.
- Here you want to click the Apple icon, go to About this Mac, More Info and Display Settings.
- Select the external monitor as your display and modify the brightness or any other settings.
- Connect the keyboard and mouse wirelessly, via Bluetooth. You can also connect any external speakers to it as well.
You should also consider updating the power settings. You can enter the Settings/Display/Advanced option and you should toggle the option to Prevent Automatic Sleeping When the Display is Turned Off. Click the Lock Screen option and set the time to turn off the display when on the power adapter to Never.
Enhance your Mac’s performance
If you plan on using your Mac as a daily device with the clamshell mode, then it’s a good idea to start using a Mac cleanup tool. The role of such a tool is to help you speed up your device, remove unnecessary files and any malware as well. It’s a great idea to start using a Mac cleanup tool often, since you get to free up your Mac’s resources, while also ensuring that the performance is optimal at al times. Plus, you can use it as often as you want as a way to streamline how you’re using the device.
We recommend using these tips and ideas if you want to ensure you’re using the clamshell mode correctly. Whether you have a MacBook with a bad display or you just need a larger display to boost productivity, it always makes sense to try out the clamshell mode. It’s effective, easy to adapt to your requirements, and it can help deliver an exceptional value. Plus, it’s versatile and you can fully customize it to fit your needs. All of this is a great option if you want to enhance your productivity with the MacBook, while getting the convenience of a modern display!
