Can I use a Macbook Pro as a monitor for an iMac?
Both of them are on sale from a startup that went out of business, and were originally bought in 2012.
IMac – Using iMac 2012 as a monitor for MacBook Pro 2012
imacmacbook proscreen
Related Solutions
I have recently added an LG FlatIron IPS234V LED monitor, 1920 x 1080, to my 2011 iMac, that I purchased from NewEgg for about $160. It connects to the ThunderBolt port through a DVI cable and a MiniDisplayPort to DVI adapter, both from Monoprice, for about $16.
After inserting the MiniDisplayPort adapter in the port, and turning the monitor on, the image appears without any changes to the iMac display. I am quite pleased with the combo so far, at what seems a reasonable cost. Windows can be dragged from one screen to the other.
I cannot say how this combo would work with a 2012 iMac. The additional display space remains active even if the monitor is turned off, until the cable is disconnected from the ThunderBolt port. This is disruptive for remote control, so I try to disconnect the cable before I leave the system.
I have seen the blue screens when I change the display resolution on either screen, but not otherwise.
You can not use your MacBook Pro as a second monitor for your iMac without additional software.
ScreenRecycler claims to allow you to expand your desktop across multiple computers.
As an alternative approach, Synergy (previously open source at synergy-foss.org) claims to lets you combine multiple computers into one. It will let you use both computers from a single keyboard and mouse.
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Best Answer
The answer you are looking for is Target Display mode.
And yes it is compatible with this setup (If they are 2012 machines with Thunderbolt). They must have thunderbolt ports (also work on 27" iMac with Mini Display Port)