Connecting your laptop to a projector

Finding the Right Adapter

In order to use a projector, connect the cable on the wall to your computer using the correct adaptor.  Some rooms use the newer HDMI connector while others use the older VGA connector.

HDMI	VGA

Once connected, properly set your display. If your computer image does not automatically appear, you may need to set the input using the buttons depicted below in the screenshots. Note that there are different types of remotes. Generally, you will choose either the "computer" option for a VGA cable or the Video option for HDMI. If switching the input does help. Unplug the cables and plug them in again.

  

If you want to change the mirroring options, follow these procedures:

1. Make sure your additional display is properly connected and powered on.
2. From the Apple () menu, choose System Preferences.
3. From the View menu, choose Displays.
4. Click the Arrangement tab.
5. Enable (check) "Mirror Displays" in the bottom-left corner. Uncheck "Mirror Displays" if you are showing a video. It's better to have two screens. You drag the screen with the video to the projector screen and can still use your laptop.

In the example below. the blue boxes represent each display that is connected. The white bar at the top of both boxes represents your menu bar and is shown on both displays when they are showing the same information.

If the projector does not fit the pull down screen, you can adjust the resolution with a special technique:

1. Go to System Preferences -> Display Preferences:

2.  Holding the Option Key and hitting "Scaled" will result in the display of additional display options:

3. Choose either 1280 x1024 or 1024x760 for the best fit. 

When you are not projecting but will be doing so soon, you can toggle the video off and on using the AV Mute button on the projector remote. This can help save the bulb on the projector. Or just turn it off if you're not going to be using it for 10-15 minutes.

Updated: 6/2016