Dell Display Manager on Mac
User’s Guide
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make
better use of your computer.
Copyright © 2021 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks
are trademarks of Del l Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective
owners.
2021 - 09
Rev. A00
Contents
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Downloading and setting up the Dell Display
Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Downloading Dell Display Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Connect your monitor to your Mac. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Before launching Dell Display Manager . . . . . . . . . . 7
Using the Quick Settings dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Launching Dell Display Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Setting basic display functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Assigning preset modes to applications . . . . . . . . . 13
Organizing windows with Easy Arrange . . . . . . . . . 14
Using Application Window Snap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Managing multiple video inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Selecting PIP/PBP mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Setting up the KVM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Applying energy conservation features . . . . . . . . . 23
Other shortcut keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Restoring application positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Del l monitors not supported by Dell Display Manager. . . 27
│ 3
Unable to detect supported Dell monitor. . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Updating Dell Display Manager software. . . . . . . . 29
4 │
Overview
Dell Display Manager (DDM) is an Apple macOS application used to manage a
monitor or a group of monitors.
Dell Display Manager allows manual adjustment of the displayed image, assignment
automatic settings, energy management, window organization, image rotation,
of
and other features on selected Dell monitors.
After installing Dell Display Manager, it runs each
access icon is available in the status menu, with information about connected
monitors available when you hover your cursor over the icon.
NOTE: Some hardware-dependent features are only available on
monitors that support those features. Refer to your monitor's user
guide for information about which features are available.
NOTE: Screenshots in this document are for illustrative purposes only.
Some features may not be supported by your monitor.
time your system starts. A quick
Overview │ 5
Downloading and setting up the Dell
Display Manager
Downloading Dell Display Manager
Browse for your monitor or type it in at https://www.dell.com/support.
Download Dell Display Manager for Mac from the list
your Mac.
Connect your monitor to your Mac
1. Connect your Mac to monitor as described in your monitor's user's guide.
NOTE: Connectivity diagrams are for illustrative purposes only. Refer
to your monitor's user's guide for complete information about
connecting your monitor.
of downloads, and install it on
NOTE: Ensure that the USB Type-C cable or USB upstream (USB TypeB) cable is connected between your Mac and your monitor.
6 │ Overview
Before launching Dell Display Manager
Before launching Dell Display Manager, go to Others in your monitor's On-Screen
Display menu and ensure that the DDC/CI feature is enabled.
When launching Dell Display Manager for the first time, the application will request
access to Screen Recording and Accessibility privileges on your Mac.
Click Open S
Screen Recording and Accessibility.
ystem Preferences and follow the on-screen instructions to enable
NOTE: Screen Recording and Accessibility privileges must be granted
in order for Dell Display Manager to launch on your Mac.
Before launching Del l Display Manager │ 7
Using the Quick Settings dialog
Clicking Dell Display Manager's icon on the status bar opens the Quick Settings
dialog box. When multiple Dell monitors are connected to the computer, you can
select any monitor from the drop-down menu.
The Quick Settings dialog box provides quick access to commonly-used features,
such as configuring the monitor’s:
• Resolution
• Brightness and Contrast
• Presets (auto or manual mode)
A list of recently-used layouts are available for quick selection. Click on the More
Options to access other layouts from the Easy Arrange tab in the Dell Display
Manager interface.
NOTE: Dell Display Manager matches customized System Preferences
applied on your Mac.
8 │ Using the Quick Settings dialog
Feature Function Description
Quick DDM
A
ccess
Shortcut key
to launch
Quick
Settings
dialog box
Select
or when
monit
multiple
monitors are
connected
•Ctrl+Shift+D
• When more than one monitors are connected to
the comput
drop-down list to configure the monitor.
• When the monitor is selected from the UI, the
elected monitor screen will be dimmed
s
momentary, showing a monitor icon with the
model name on the screen to indicate the
physical screen selected.
• Press Ctrl + Shift + D to bring up the Quick
ttings dialog box of the monitor where the
Se
mouse pointer is currently located.
er, select the monitor from the model
Using the Quick Settings dialog │ 9
Launching Dell Display Manager
Launch the Dell Display Manager by one of the following methods:
• Right-click on the DDM icon on the status bar and select Open De
Manager....
• Click Open Dell Display Manager from the Quick Settings Dialog box.
ll Display
10 │ Launching Dell Display Manager
Setting basic display functions
In Dell Display Manager menu, access the Basic tab to change the basic functions.
Feature Function Description
Basic Resolution • Change screen resolution.
Auto Mode • Click on the Co
Auto Mode tab to assign a preset mode to an
application.
• Enable this feature to activate the preset mode
omatically when the associated application
aut
is selected as the active window.
Manual Mode • Select the preset mode manually from the user
in
terface.
Brightness /
Co
ntrast
Enable display
matrix
control
NOTE: “Enable display matrix control” is active when multiple monitors
are connec
ted
• Adjust the monitor’s brightness and contrast.
• Enable this feature to allow you to apply the
brightness, contrast and color presets controls
to all connected supported monitors.
nfigure button to access the
Single monitor connection user interface
Setting basic display functions │ 11
Multi-monitor connection - Enable display matrix control
12 │ Setting basic display functions
Assigning preset modes to applications
The Auto Mode tab allows you to associate any Preset Mode with an application.
When Auto Mode is enabled on the Basic tab, Dell Display Manager automatically
switches to the corresponding Preset Mode whenever the associated application
is activated. The Preset Mode assigned to a particular application may be the same
on each connected monitor, or it can vary from one monitor to another.
To add a new application to the assignment
application, drag it from the Finder and drop to the current list. Choose the preset
from the Preset Mode drop-down list to associate the preset to the application.
NOTE: Preset Mode assignments for batch files, scripts, shortcuts, and
non-executable files such as zip archives or packed files, are not
supported.
list, go to finder to search for the
Assigning preset modes to applications │ 13
Organizing windows with Easy Arrange
The Easy Arrange tab simplifies the applications window organization on the
monitor. To use it:
lect any of the predefined layout to virtually divide the screen into multiple
1. Se
zones.
ag the application to your selected zone to position the application in the
2. Dr
zone. The application will snap to the selected zone.
Click the > icon to explore more layouts. To create a custom layout, arrange the
lication zone positioning by resizing the zone for the opened windows and then
app
click Save to save the layout as custom layout.
14 │ Assigning preset modes to applications
Feature Function Description
Easy
Arr
ange
Enhanced
Easy
ange
Arr
Overlap
transparent
borders
Hold down
the SHIFT k
to enable
zone
positioning
Application
Windo
Span multiple
monit
Custom
layouts
Recentlyused l
On-the-fly
partition
re
sizing
Easy Arrange
la
youts for
portrait mode
ey
w Snap
ors
ayouts
• Enable the feature to allow application snap side
by side without gap.
• Enable the feature to require you to press the
Shift k
positioning.
• Quick access to snap application window to
recentl y-used l ayout.
• If you are using multiple monitors in an array or
matrix, the Easy Arrange layout can be applied
across all the monitors as one desktop. You need
to align your monitors properl y to make it
effective.
• Save and name five customized Easy Arrange
patterns.
• Configure x*y patterns.
• Press Ctrl+Shift+7 to cycle among recently-used
layouts.
• Move the mouse cursor to the layout pattern,
right-click the mouse and select Customize
Layout.
• Press and hold mouse left button to move
order. The new layout wil l be saved after five
b
seconds when the mouse left button is released.
•Portrait mode Easy Arrange icons are presented
when monitor is rotated.
ey to activate the Easy Arrange
NOTE: If an application window cannot fit in the zone defined by Easy
Arrange, the application may not display properly.
NOTE: Disable the Mac “Display have separate spaces” before using
the Easy Arrange function.
Assigning preset modes to applications │ 15
Using Application Window Snap
The Application Window Snap is designed to enable application placement on any
screen quickly. When this function is enabled in Dell Display Manager, dragging the
application triggers a floating menu that contains recently-used Easy Arrange
layouts. Drop the application to any one of the listed layouts to perform window
placement.
You can enable this feature by one of the following methods:
• Tick the option from the Quick Se
• Right-click on the DDM icon on the status bar and select Application
Window Snap to enable the function.
ttings menu on the status bar.
16 │ Using Application Window Snap
Managing multiple video inputs
The Input Manager tab provides convenient ways for you to manage multiple
video inputs connected to your Dell monitor. This makes it easy to switch between
inputs while you work with multiple computers.
All video input ports available to your monitor ar
with a name. Save your changes after editing.
NOTE: Refer to your monitor’s user guide for available inputs.
Assign shortcut keys for quick access to y
two inputs. Alternatively, switch the input source from the menu drop-down list.
e listed. You can assign each input
our favorite input and switch between
Managing multiple video inputs │ 17
Selecting PIP/PBP mode
1. Click on the PIP/PBP mode... (Picture-in-Picture/Picture-by-Picture) icon
to enable the split screen function on supported models.
2. Select a target window size to split the screen to suit your need.
18 │ Managing multiple video inputs
Setting up the KVM
For monitors that supports Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) feature, click on
the KVM wizard icon and follow the on-screen wizard flow to set up the devices
connecting to the monitor.
The on-screen wizard flow is illustrated in the following screenshots.
1. Se
lect the number of sources your monitor is connected to.
Managing multiple video inputs │ 19
2. Pair the input sources with USB connections and assign preferred names.
20 │ Managing mul tiple video inputs
3. Select a preferred partition.
Managing multiple video inputs │ 21
4. Click Finish to save and exit KVM wizard.
NOTE: Dell Display Manager communicates with your monitor even
when the monitor is displaying video from another computer. You can
install Dell Display Manager on the computer you frequently use and
control input switching from it. You may also install Dell Display
Manager on other computers connected to the monitor.
22 │ Managing multiple video inputs
Applying energy conservation features
On supported Dell models, PowerNap energy conservation options are available in
Options tab. You can choose to set the brightness of the monitor to the minimum
level, or to put the monitor to sleep when the screen saver is activated.
Applying energy conservation features │ 23
Other shortcut keys
Assign shortcut keys for quick access to commonly-used features.
Feature Function Description
Shortcut
Ke
ys
Program
shortcut key
Easy Arrange
MRU shor
key
PIP position
short
Application
Windo
shortcut key
tcut
cut key
w Snap
• Quick access to open the Quick Settings dialog
box.
• Cycle through the 6 recently-used window
layouts.
• Quick access to apply the PIP sub position of the
window position to Top-Left, Top-Right, BottomRight or Bottom-left.
• Quick access to snap application window to
recently-used layout.
24 │ Other shortcut keys
Restoring application positions
Dell Display Manager can help you restore application windows into their positions
when you reconnect your PC to the monitor(s). Access this feature by rightclicking on Dell Display Manager icon in the notification tray.
If you choose Auto-restore window layout, your application windows' positions
are tracked and remembered by Dell Display Manager. Dell Display Manager
automatically places the application windows into their original positions when you
reconnect your PC to your monitor(s).
To go back to a favorite layout, first select Save current window layout and then
Restore saved window layout.
Restoring application positions │ 25
You may use monitors with different models or resolutions in your daily routine, and
you may apply different window layouts on them. Dell Display Manager registers the
monitor you have reconnected and restore application positions accordingly.
In case you need to replace a monitor in a monitor matrix configuration, you can
save the window layout before replacement and restore the layout after a new
monitor is connected.
NOTE: You should keep your applications running in order to benefit
from this feature. Dell Display Manager does not launch applications.
26 │ Restoring application positions
Troubleshooting
If Dell Display Manager does not work with your monitor, it will display the following
icon and message in the status menu.
Click on the icon, Dell Display Manager shows a more detailed error message.
Please note that Dell Display Manager only works with selected Dell-branded
monitors. If you are using monitors from other manufacturers, Dell Display Manager
does not support them.
Del l monitors not supported by Dell Display Manager
Dell Display Manager may not work with the following monitors:
• Del l monitor models not included in Mac Dell Display Manager supported list.
F
or more information, see http://www.del l.com/ddm
• Monitors and accessories not listed in Mac Del l Display Manager support list.
l and wireless monitors do not support DDC/CI
Virtua
• Mac models earlier than year 2018
• macOS earlier than 10.14
Unable to detect supported Dell monitor
If Dell Display Manager is unable to detect and/or communicate with a supported
Dell monitor, please take following actions to troubleshoot:
1. Mak
2. If
3. Ch
e sure the video cable or USB upstream cable is properly connected to
your monitor and your computer. Ensure all the connectors are firmly inserted
into the ports.
connecting HDMI cable not working, switch to use HDMI and USB upstream
cable. Launch DDM again.
eck the monitor OSD to ensure DDC/CI is enabled.
Tro u bl es hoot in g │ 27
4. Remove any docking stations or cable extenders or converters between the
monitor and the graphics port. Some low-cost extenders, hubs or converters
may not support DDC/CI properly and can fail Dell Display Manager. Update
the driver of such device if the latest version is available.
5. Restart your system.
28 │ Tro ub l e sh o ot i ng
Updating Dell Display Manager software
If your PC is connected to the Internet, you will be prompted to upgrade to a newer
version of Dell Display Manager when it is available. It is recommended to download
and install the latest Dell Display Manager application.
You may also check for new version by right clicking on Dell Display Manager icon.
Updating Dell Display Manager software │ 29
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