Working with a second computer monitor

As the world continues its inevitable shift away from desktop computers to more portable options such as laptops and tablets, one repercussion is sometimes having to work with smaller monitors or displays. For many tasks, such as checking e-mail or browsing the Web, this isn't much of an issue. But for video editors, trying to edit or color correct high-definition material on a 15-inch MacBook Pro is far from ideal! Luckily, not only we can plug our laptops into larger displays, but Final Cut Pro X can use entire second screen to display your Viewer window on a full screen, which also frees up space to expand other windows such as Event Browser, Inspector, and more.

Getting ready

First off, you've got to have a second display! The most common displays use VGA, DVI, and Mini DisplayPort and HDMI for their connections, although hooking up via HDMI to HDTVs is possible as well with an adapter. You very well may need an adapter depending on your combination...