How to use clamshell mode on Mac (close MacBook and use monitor)

Say goodbye to hunchback! MacBook uses "camp shell mode" to improve work efficiency

A few months ago, a friend took a photo of me using my laptop in a collaborative office space, which surprised me. In the photo, I have a severe hunchback, like a shrimp! No wonder the neck always hurts unbearable after typing for a long time. I made up my mind to improve my posture when working from home and acquire a monitor. It was then that I discovered the "camp shell pattern".

This article will dive into how to close the MacBook lid and use an external monitor, and why it does so.

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What is the "camp shell mode" of MacBook?

Simply put, "Must Shell Mode" allows you to continue using it after closing the MacBook lid when connected to other devices such as monitors, keyboards, and mouses. Its name comes from the fact that you can close the MacBook lid and use an external monitor to make your laptop look like a closed shell.

What are the advantages of using the "camp shell mode" of Mac?

Since the laptop itself is equipped with a screen, keyboard and mouse, why use this mode?

• "Must shell mode" transfers everything to a larger display, giving you a larger workspace.
• It provides a more ergonomic work setup that allows you to straighten your back and use a larger monitor that is more suitable for your body. Raising the monitor to the height of your vision can prevent eye fatigue and prevent you from hunching for a long time every day.
• Big, more complete work settings are also easier to do fine work (better on a large screen), play or manage multiple tabs for a more comfortable experience.

Lastly, "Must Shell Mode" is more affordable than buying a brand new machine, and it can also help you with the urgent need if your Mac screen is damaged - you can still run all your Mac programs on different screens.

Tip: If your MacBook has a screen notch, NotchNook can help you organize your workspace around the notch for a clearer view. While NotchNook doesn't directly control "camp shell mode", it enhances your experience by allowing you to maximize the space around the screen notch when using the built-in display. This is especially useful when you switch between "Clamshell Mode" and Normal Mode. That's why I use NotchNook - even if I turn off my MacBook and connect an external monitor, I can still get everything I need from the top of the screen.

How to use "Must Shell Mode" of MacBook (Close the lid and use the monitor)

With these benefits, you may be thinking, "How can I set the 'camp shell mode' right now?"

The following is how to gradually enter "camp shell mode" using an external monitor and closing the MacBook lid:

1. First, make sure your MacBook is powered.
2. Next, connect the MacBook to an external monitor using an HDMI or USB-C cable.
3. In the Apple menu, select "System Settings" > "Display", and configure your external monitor settings.
4. Now, pair peripherals such as keyboard and mouse with Bluetooth, or connect them over USB.
5. Once all devices are connected, close the MacBook lid and the external monitor should automatically take over.

To make things easier, I have been using DisplayBuddy. This app allows you to control the brightness and display settings of the external monitor directly from your MacBook without fiddling with the monitor's buttons.

It's very frustrating to fiddle with new buttons and configurations - it's much easier to adjust settings in one place with DisplayBuddy. Trust me, it's a great time-saving!

Frequently Asked Questions and Solutions in "Clamshell Mode"

Sounds great! Say goodbye to the hunchback, with a larger screen and more ergonomic keyboard and mouse settings. But things didn't always go so smoothly!

Let's take a look at some of the most common problems Mac users encounter when using MacBooks when closing the lid, and how to fix them.

Problem 1: External monitor cannot wake up

A common problem for Mac users is that everything is set up correctly, but the monitor screen is still dark.

Solution:

• Make sure your monitor is turned on: Some monitors require you to manually turn on or switch to the correct input source (such as HDMI or DisplayPort) to recognize a connected MacBook.
• Check power settings: Go to "System Settings" > "Display" to make sure your monitor settings are suitable for external monitors.
• Wake up the monitor: Press any key on the connected keyboard or click the mouse to see if you can "wake up" the monitor.
• Reset the connection: If it still doesn't work properly, unplug the monitor and plug it in again. You can also restart your Mac while connected to the monitor to re-establish the connection.

Please read also:

• Best Macbook Laptop Stand
• Rotate the Mac screen
• Check the health of Macbook battery
• Fix the second monitor on your Mac

Question 2: Mac overheating

Probably the most worrying issue is that Mac overheating, but if you deal with it correctly, you don't need to worry about it.

In "Clamshell Mode", your MacBook will double down on keeping all programs running. Unlike desktop computers, some MacBooks (like Air models) don't have built-in fans to cool the machine while the machine works hard, meaning it will overheat quickly in some cases.

To resolve this issue, make sure your MacBook can dissipate heat in "Mint Shell Mode". I like using a laptop stand to lift my Mac and let the airflow around cool the laptop. I find this especially important when using the MacBook's "Must Shell Mode" in hot countries and in summer.

Question 3: Exhausting battery power

Finally, a common problem when the monitor remains on when the laptop is off is that Mac laptops tend to quickly drain the battery. Similar to other problems with overheating of the device, Macs in "clamshell mode" work very quickly and consumes more energy quickly. This means they will drain the battery faster.

In the short term, this will certainly affect how long you can work in "camp shell mode" without plugging in your laptop. In the long run, battery problems may become more severe, which may affect the health of the battery.

While it can be tempting to keep your Mac plugged in to avoid interrupting your work status, it is also important to unplug regularly and let the battery drain to a lower level before plugging in again. This should keep the device working properly and extend battery life.

Say goodbye to the hunchback and embrace the MacBook "clamshell mode"

I have been working hard to get rid of the hunchback since my friend took that photo and started using the "cmm shell mode".

Creating a more ergonomic workspace has been a lot for my back, shoulder and neck pain, and I was surprised to find that there are apps that allow me not to have to give up on my favorite Mac features.

Apps like NotchNook and DisplayBuddy can enhance your experience and bring value to your hunchback-free mode. Setapp offers these applications as well as over 250 other applications. Setapp's seven-day trial will help you make the most of your work settings.

Finally, please straighten your shoulders!

FAQ

Can I keep the monitor on while turning off my laptop?

"Must shell mode" allows you to turn off your Mac and work with an external monitor and keyboard.

Can I connect my Mac to an external monitor?

You can connect your Mac to an external monitor to expand the screen for multitasking, fine work or gaming. Simply connect it with an HDMI or USB-C cable and adjust the monitor settings in System Preferences > Monitor.

Will using "Mint Shell Mode" affect the battery health of your Mac?

If your MacBook is always plugged in, using "Mist shell mode" may affect battery health. To help keep the battery healthy, it is best to unplug the power occasionally, let the battery consume a little before recharge it.

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