If you're looking for a way to have a separate window always open and nothing else, you can use your iPad as a Mac monitor temporarily. For now, here's a table explaining which cable you need to connect your MacBook to an external monitor:

| Cable Type | Connectivity |

| --- | --- |

| Thunderbolt Cable | USB-C port on Macbook, USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port on monitor |

| HDMI Cable | HDMI port on Macbook, HDMI port on monitor |

| DisplayPort Cable | DisplayPort on Macbook, DisplayPort on monitor |

The same applies to older MacBook models as well. However, if your monitor does not have a USB-C port and you need to connect the Thunderbolt cable, we will need to add some extra adapters.

MacBooks have changed their connectivity for monitors over time, and now require USB-C Thunderbolt cables to connect to monitors. In contrast, if you were using a Windows laptop, getting a VGA or HDMI cable would be necessary to connect the PC laptop to an external monitor.

Once your Mac or MacBook detects the monitor, it will show an extended view of your Mac screen. To set up screen mirroring on your Mac:

1. Plug in your monitor and turn it on.

2. Connect your MacBook with the wire (Thunderbolt cable, HDMI cable, or DisplayPort cable).

3. Wait for your MacBook to detect the external monitor.

Once detected, you can move your cursor to the new monitor, open windows there, and even switch the menu bar to the external monitor. If you're confused about which monitor to buy, all monitors with an HDMI port, DisplayPort, or USB-C port are compatible with your Mac.

To choose a monitor that fits your budget and meets your needs, follow these steps:

1. Look for a Mac-compatible monitor within your budget.

2. Check the monitor's ports (HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C) to ensure it can connect to your Mac.

For more information on choosing the best monitor for your MacBook, please check out our list of top picks.

How to set up screen mirroring on mac