Mac display settings shortcuts
Mac display shortcuts: open settings, toggle mirroring, and arrange screens
On an Apple keyboard with brightness keys, press Option with either brightness key to open Displays settings. With more than one display connected, Command–Brightness Down toggles mirroring. To arrange separate screens from the keyboard, open DeskCommit with its default shortcut, Control–Shift–D, choose a display, and use the arrow keys before applying the change with Return.
You can change the shortcut in DeskCommit Settings.
Last updated: Last verified: Tested with: DeskCommit 0.4.3 (13) · macOS 26.5.1 · Apple silicon
macOS menu bar app
What is DeskCommit?
DeskCommit lets you choose a display and move it left, right, above, or below another with the arrow keys. Press the default shortcut, Control–Shift–D, from any app, use Shift–Arrow when you want to align edges or centers, review the pending change, and press Return to apply it. You can change the shortcut in DeskCommit Settings. Resolution, refresh rate, and Main stay in the same palette.
These guides separate what macOS already provides from the workflow DeskCommit adds, so you can decide whether it fits your desk.
See how DeskCommit worksDeskCommit
See how DeskCommit works
Choose the shortcut for the task
| Task | Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Open macOS Displays settings | Option–Brightness Up or Option–Brightness Down | Opens the settings screen; it does not change a setting by itself. |
| Toggle video mirroring | Command–Brightness Down | Toggles mirroring when more than one display is connected. |
| Arrange displays in DeskCommit | Control–Shift–D (default), then select a display and use an arrow key | Prepares a new position for you to review and apply with Return. |
The first two shortcuts are built into macOS. See Apple's Mac keyboard shortcuts for the keyboard requirements. DeskCommit is a separate menu bar app for changing display settings through a keyboard-controlled palette.
Arrange a display with DeskCommit
- Press Control–Shift–D (⌃⇧D) to open the palette.
- Press the display's number, from 1 to 9, to select the screen you want to move.
- Press Tab to choose the reference display.
- Press an arrow key to place the selected display to the left, right, above, or below that reference.
- Use Shift–Arrow to align edges or centers.
- Review the pending arrangement, then press Return to apply it.
Choosing a direction prepares the change; it does not apply it immediately. After applying, keep the palette open and press Command–Z to undo the last display change.
Other settings in the same palette
DeskCommit also lets you choose the main display and select an available resolution or refresh rate for each screen. You can apply choices such as default resolution, best HiDPI, or highest refresh rate to all displays, rather than choosing a mode for each one separately.
A saved setup can be restored manually when the matching displays are connected. Connecting a display does not trigger automatic restoration. The product page explains the available controls and shows how the palette works.
Low-resolution changes and undo
Changes that include a Low Resolution (LoDPI) mode require Option–Return. You then have 15 seconds to confirm that you want to keep the change; otherwise, the previous mode is restored. Command–Z in the open palette also undoes the last applied display change.
Available resolutions and refresh rates depend on the Mac, display, cable, dock, and macOS. DeskCommit does not guarantee that every mode will work with every hardware combination.
Compatibility and purchase
DeskCommit supports Apple silicon and Intel Macs running macOS 13 Ventura or later. The app is Developer ID signed and notarized by Apple. A Personal license costs US$4.99 as a one-time purchase for one person on up to two Macs.
Review the product page and demo before buying. There is no free trial or subscription.
DeskCommit Personal
Set up displays from your keyboard.
macOS 13 or later. Apple silicon and Intel. Up to two Macs for one person.
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