What it runs on, and what's verified

Feature by feature

"Verified" means the feature was used and checked on that macOS version and type of Mac.

One download contains the app for both Apple silicon and Intel.

Universal Control arrangement

• Universal Display Magnet arranges Universal Control through a private macOS framework, the same one System Settings → Displays uses. Apple can change it in any macOS update.
• The app checks the framework each time it launches. If it's missing or different, the Universal Control page is hidden and Reset Universal Control is unavailable. The rest of the app keeps working.
• Mac sync recognizes your Macs through the identities Universal Control gives them, so it also needs Universal Control to have linked the Macs once.

Apple's Universal Control requirements

Universal Display Magnet can't change these. Apple lists them in Universal Control: Use a single keyboard and mouse between Mac and iPad. In short:

• Every Mac signed in to the same Apple Account, with two-factor authentication.
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Handoff turned on, with the Macs no more than 10 meters (30 feet) apart.
• Neither Mac sharing its internet connection.

Workspaces and Desktops

• To move windows back onto the right Desktop, the app uses the macOS Switch to Desktop shortcuts (⌃1…⌃0). If they're off, choose Enable ⌃1…⌃0 in Workspaces. You'll see Desktops switch briefly during a restore.
• Monitors are told apart by the serial numbers they report. Some monitors and adapters report the same serial number, or none, so two identical monitors can't always be told apart.

Waking your other Macs

• When this Mac wakes or you unlock it, the app asks your other Macs to turn their displays on. That works while they're connected.
• If another Mac is fully asleep, the app sends Wake-on-LAN. That needs Wake for network access turned on in that Mac's settings: see Apple's Set sleep and wake settings for your Mac. Your network has to pass the wake request too, so it isn't guaranteed.

Scrolling Windows

• It's optional and off by default. While it's on, window snapping and automatic window snapshots pause. Restoring a workspace by hand turns it off.
• Don't run it alongside another window manager that moves or tiles windows. Two apps arranging the same windows can conflict.
• Its trackpad swipes can conflict with the macOS swipes set in System Settings → Trackpad. Choose a different number of fingers in either place.
• See Scrolling Windows for everything it does.

Permissions

Every feature that moves windows needs Device Control and Data Access (called Accessibility on older versions of macOS). Sync and wake need Local Network. The app never asks for Screen Recording. Getting started shows where to turn them on.

Report a problem

If something doesn't work on your setup, email support@clevermechanisms.dev with:

• Your macOS version.
• Your Mac models.
• Your monitors and how they're connected, including docks, hubs and adapters.
• What you did and what happened.

In the app, About → Copy Version Info copies one line with the app version, build, macOS version and processor type. Paste it into your email. You don't need to send logs or window titles. If we ask for a diagnostic file, review it before you send it.