Best Software for Multiple Monitors: Boost Your Productivity

Introduction

Welcome to our guide on the best software for multiple monitors! If you’re a multitasker, creative professional, or simply need to increase productivity, multiple monitors are a must-have. With multiple monitors, you can enjoy an expanded desktop, increased screen real estate, and the ability to open multiple programs and work on them simultaneously. However, to make the most of your multiple monitors, you need the right software. In this article, we’ll explore the top software options for multiple monitors, their features, and benefits. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to choose the best software for your needs and take your productivity to the next level.

What are Multiple Monitors?

Multiple monitors, also known as a multi-display or multi-monitor, refer to the use of two or more computer screens to create an expanded desktop. With multiple monitors, you can have multiple windows, applications, or programs open and visible simultaneously, without the need to minimize or resize them constantly.

Multiple monitors are essential for tasks that require multitasking, processing large amounts of data, graphics work, coding, video and photo editing, gaming, and more. They can also help reduce eye strain, neck pain, and headaches by allowing you to adjust the screen height and angle.

Why is Software Important for Multiple Monitors?

While multiple monitors can be highly beneficial, without proper software, they can also be inefficient and challenging to manage. The right software will help you maximize your multiple monitors’ potential by enabling you to control and organize your display settings, applications, and windows.

Software for multiple monitors allows you to:

• Extend your desktop across multiple screens
• Adjust screen resolutions, orientations, and refresh rates
• Drag and drop windows and applications across different monitors
• Create virtual desktops and workspaces
• Customize shortcuts, hotkeys, and mouse gestures
• Save and restore window layouts and configurations
• Enhance visual clarity, color accuracy, and readability

Now, let’s dive into the best software options for multiple monitors.

Best Software for Multiple Monitors

Software	Price	Platforms	Features	Pros	Cons
DisplayFusion	$29	Windows	Multi-monitor taskbar, wallpaper management, window snapping, scripting, remote control, hotkeys	Easy to use, customizable, extensive support, regular updates	Basic version lacks some features, limited multi-platform support
Ultramon	$39.95	Windows	Multi-monitor taskbar, wallpaper management, window positioning, mirroring, profile manager	Stable, reliable, feature-rich, extensive community, keyboard shortcuts	Pricey, outdated interface, limited multi-platform support
Actual Multiple Monitors	$24.95	Windows	Multi-monitor taskbar, desktop mirroring, window snapping, hotkeys, multiple display profiles	Reasonably priced, intuitive interface, customizable, frequent updates, excellent support	Limited free version, not compatible with some apps, occasional glitches
MultiMonitorTool	Free	Windows	Multi-monitor taskbar, background wallpaper, window management, hotkeys	Free, portable, lightweight, easy to use, no installation required	Limited features, no comprehensive support, not suitable for advanced users
Matrox PowerDesk	Free	Windows, Mac, Linux	Multi-display management, desktop partitioning, screen resolution, pivot, bezel management	Free, robust, multi-platform, multi-tasking, high compatibility	Complex interface, outdated design, frequent updates required

DisplayFusion: The Best All-Round Software for Multiple Monitors

DisplayFusion is a powerful and feature-rich software that provides most of the essential features you need for your multiple monitors. It is easy to use and designed for beginner and advanced users alike, with extensive support and regular updates.

DisplayFusion offers:

• Multi-monitor taskbar: Add a taskbar to each monitor and customize it to your preferences.
• Wallpaper management: Set different wallpapers for each monitor or span one wallpaper across all monitors.
• Window snapping: Snap windows to specific areas or edges of a monitor, or across multiple monitors.
• Scripting: Automate tasks with scripts and macros.
• Remote control: Control your monitors from a mobile device or another computer.
• Hotkeys: Assign keyboard shortcuts to specific actions and commands.

DisplayFusion is compatible with all versions of Windows, and you can try the basic version for free before purchasing the pro version for $29. The basic version lacks some features, such as multi-monitor taskbars, but it is still a great option if you’re on a budget.

Ultramon: The Best Software for Advanced Users

Ultramon is a premium software that offers advanced features that cater to professional users who require extensive customization and control over their multiple monitors. It is stable, reliable, and feature-rich, with an extensive community and keyboard shortcuts.

Ultramon offers:

• Multi-monitor taskbar: Add a taskbar to each monitor and customize it with different skins and buttons.
• Wallpaper management: Span one image across all monitors, set individual images per monitor, or create a slideshow.
• Window positioning: Move windows across multiple monitors and resize them to specific dimensions.
• Mirroring: Mirror a monitor to another monitor or a projector.
• Profile manager: Save and load different monitor configurations and settings.

Ultramon is compatible with Windows and priced at $39.95. However, the interface can be outdated and may not appeal to everyone. It also has limited multi-platform support and may not work with some apps and programs.

Actual Multiple Monitors: The Best Value Software for Multiple Monitors

Actual Multiple Monitors is a reasonably-priced software that offers similar features to DisplayFusion and Ultramon. It is intuitive, customizable, and frequently updated, with excellent support and a free trial version.

Actual Multiple Monitors offers:

• Multi-monitor taskbar: Add a taskbar to each monitor and customize it with different buttons and settings.
• Desktop mirroring: Mirror a monitor to another monitor or a projector.
• Window snapping: Snap windows to specific areas or edges of a monitor, or across multiple monitors.
• Hotkeys: Assign keyboard shortcuts to specific actions and tasks.
• Multiple display profiles: Save and load different monitor configurations and settings.

Actual Multiple Monitors is compatible with Windows and priced at $24.95. However, the free version has limited functionality, and it may not be compatible with some apps and programs.

MultiMonitorTool: The Best Free Portable Software for Multiple Monitors

MultiMonitorTool is a free and portable software that offers basic features for multiple monitors. It is lightweight, easy to use, and requires no installation. It is suitable for beginners or anyone who needs to manage their multiple monitors on the go.

MultiMonitorTool offers:

• Multi-monitor taskbar: Add a taskbar to each monitor and customize it with different colors and fonts.
• Background wallpaper: Set background wallpaper images for each monitor.
• Window management: Move, resize, and minimize windows across monitors.
• Hotkeys: Assign keyboard shortcuts to specific actions and commands.

MultiMonitorTool is compatible with Windows and has no price tag. However, it has limited features compared to other software, and it may not suit advanced users.

Matrox PowerDesk: The Best Multi-Platform Software for Multiple Monitors

Matrox PowerDesk is a free software that offers advanced features for multiple monitors on different platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. It is robust, multi-tasking, and highly compatible, with support for up to 64 monitors.

Matrox PowerDesk offers:

• Multi-display management: Control multiple monitors from a single interface and create video walls.
• Desktop partitioning: Divide your desktop into smaller, customizable areas called “virtual displays.”
• Screen resolution: Adjust the resolution, color depth, and refresh rate of each monitor.
• Pivot: Rotate the orientation of your monitors to portrait or landscape mode.
• Bezel management: Compensate for the physical gaps or lines between monitors.

Matrox PowerDesk is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux and is completely free. However, the interface can be complex, and frequent updates are required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I use different monitors with different resolutions with multiple monitor software?

Yes, most multiple monitor software can handle monitors with different resolutions and sizes. However, some software may require manual configuration or adjustment to ensure proper scaling and alignment.

Q2. Do I need a specific graphics card for multiple monitors?

Yes, you need a graphics card that can support multiple monitors. Most modern graphics cards support at least two monitors, while high-end models can support up to six or more. Check your graphics card specifications before purchasing multiple monitors.

Q3. Can I use multiple monitor software with a laptop?

Yes, you can use multiple monitor software with a laptop, provided that your laptop supports external monitors. You may need to purchase an additional adapter or docking station to connect multiple monitors to your laptop.

Q4. Can I use multiple monitor software with a virtual machine?

Yes, you can use multiple monitor software with a virtual machine, provided that your virtual machine supports multiple displays. However, some software may not work as expected within a virtual environment.

Q5. Do I need to purchase a license for each monitor?

No, you only need to purchase a single license for each computer that you’re using multiple monitor software on, regardless of the number of monitors connected.

Q6. Can I switch between different monitor configurations and layouts?

Yes, most multiple monitor software allows you to save and load different monitor configurations and layouts. This feature allows you to switch between different presets depending on your task or work environment.

Q7. Is multiple monitor software compatible with Windows 10?

Yes, most multiple monitor software is compatible with Windows 10, and many offer specific features for the latest Windows version. However, check your software specifications before purchasing to ensure compatibility.

Q8. How do I set up multiple monitors?

Setting up multiple monitors involves connecting the monitors to your computer or laptop, configuring the display settings in your operating system, and adjusting the settings in your multiple monitor software. Consult your monitor and software manuals for specific instructions.

Q9. Can I use different brands of monitors with multiple monitor software?

Yes, you can use different brands of monitors with multiple monitor software, provided that they are compatible with your graphics card and have the necessary ports and connectors. However, using the same brand and model of monitors can help ensure better color consistency and image quality.

Q10. Is multiple monitor software suitable for gaming?

Yes, multiple monitor software can enhance the gaming experience by allowing you to run games in a borderless window, span the game across multiple monitors, or display game statistics or maps on a separate monitor. However, some games may not support multiple monitors or may require specific settings to work correctly.

Q11. Can I use multiple monitor software with a TV?

Yes, you can use multiple monitor software with a TV, provided that the TV has the same ports and connectors as your computer or graphics card. However, be aware that TVs may have lower resolution, refresh rate, and color accuracy than monitors, which can affect your viewing experience.

Q12. Can multiple monitor software improve productivity?

Yes, multiple monitor software can significantly improve productivity by allowing you to work on multiple tasks simultaneously, view more information on the screen, and reduce the need for constantly switching between windows and applications. Studies have shown that multiple monitors can increase productivity by up to 42%.

Q13. Can I test multiple monitor software before purchasing?

Yes, most multiple monitor software offers a free trial version or a basic version that you can use to test its features and compatibility. Trying out multiple software options can help you find the best fit for your needs and preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, multiple monitor software is essential for anyone who wants to increase productivity, multitasking, and creativity. With the right software, you can enjoy an expanded desktop, increased screen real estate, and the ability to control and organize your applications and windows. In this guide, we’ve explored the top software options for multiple monitors, their features, benefits, and drawbacks. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, there’s a software option for you.

We recommend DisplayFusion as the best all-round software due to its comprehensive features, ease of use, and affordable price. However, other software options, such as Ultramon, Actual Multiple Monitors, MultiMonitorTool, and Matrox PowerDesk, also offer unique benefits and can suit different preferences and budgets.

We hope this guide has helped you find the best software for multiple monitors and helped you take your productivity and creativity to the next level.

Closing or Disclaimer

Remember that while multiple monitor software can be highly beneficial, it can also take some time to set up and configure correctly. You may need to adjust settings, experiment with different features, or consult user manuals or forums to optimize your experience.

Additionally, multiple monitor software may not work correctly with specific apps or programs, and compatibility may vary depending on your hardware and operating system. Make sure to check the software specifications and requirements before purchasing or using it.

Finally, please note that the software prices and features mentioned in this guide are accurate at the time of writing and may change in the future. Always check the official software websites for the latest information and updates.