How do I open Display Switchboard?
Click the two-display icon in the macOS menu bar. You can also use the global keyboard shortcut, which defaults to Option–Command–P. Change the shortcut from the More menu.
How does blackout work?
Blackout places an opaque, click-through black overlay on the selected display and keeps the pointer out. It does not electrically power off or disconnect the monitor, so macOS still sees the display as connected.
How do I get a screen back?
Open Display Switchboard and select the restore control for that display. Use the eye control to Peek temporarily, or choose Restore all blacked-out displays from the More menu. Recovery controls remain available even after trial access ends.
Why did I get a warning about open windows?
Display Switchboard checks whether visible windows remain on a screen before blacking it out. This helps prevent windows from becoming hard to reach. The check happens locally and does not capture or read screen contents.
Why is a display control unavailable?
Some actions require two or more connected displays, and Display Switchboard will not let you black out the final active display. Try switching to Extend before focusing on one display. Display-changing controls also require an active trial or lifetime unlock.
How do the trial and lifetime purchase work?
The seven-day trial starts only when you choose to begin it. After the trial, a one-time lifetime purchase unlocks display-changing controls. There is no subscription or automatic charge. Purchases are processed by Apple.
How do I restore a purchase?
Open Display Switchboard, expand the purchase area, and choose Restore Purchases. Make sure the Mac is signed in to the Apple Account used for the original purchase.
Still need help?
Email us with your macOS version, the number of connected displays, and a short description of what happened.
support@appsuite.ca