Can a display group switch between laptop-only and multi-monitor setups?

A display group manages synchronization, layout protection and UI scale matching. Enabling a group does not connect its displays, and disabling it does not disconnect them. Use a Shortcut or CLI script when you want one action to change several display connection states.

Create a separate Shortcut for each desired setup:

  1. Add Connect or Disconnect a Display actions for the displays or virtual screens you want to use, with their state set to On.
  2. Add actions for displays you want to remove from the desktop, with their state set to Off.
  3. Use explicit On/Off states rather than Toggle so running the Shortcut twice leaves the same intended configuration.

Connect the destination displays before disconnecting the current ones, and test while another usable display remains available. Connection management requires the relevant Pro feature and supported displays. Safeguards and automatic connection rules still apply. On a remotely accessed Mac, run the automation on that Mac and test how your remote-desktop application handles the changed screens.

Use groups alongside this automation for the layout and synchronization rules that should apply when the required members are present. Tools > Groups changes the groups' enabled state. Membership and priority rules determine which enabled groups become active.

See Shortcuts connection actions, CLI examples, and Groups. For a simple switch between physical desk displays, Shift-clicking the connection switch may be sufficient.

If switching off a monitor at its power strip leaves it present in macOS, do not assume a display-disconnection event will trigger automatically. Use the explicit connection action to remove that desktop, so windows and the pointer cannot remain on the invisible screen. Add Set Screen as Main after connecting your preferred main display when the preset should also change that role. Automatic detection of the power-strip state requires a separate, reliable trigger.

For a complete example with explicit connection requests, a visual readiness pause and separate group rules, follow Switch between laptop-only, home-desk, and office-desk setups.