Detailed Setup Guide

Understand the connection

Mac Virtual Display is one part of the remote workflow. Each app has a separate role.

Turn on the virtual display before connecting from Artemis or Moonlight. Sunshine integration selects the newly created display automatically.

Install the required apps

Install the apps on both the Mac and the client device. Add Tailscale when you want to connect from outside the home.

Choose and turn on a display

Mac Virtual Display runs from the macOS menu bar. Open it, then select the profile that matches the device you will use.

Choose the profile that matches your device. Select the image to enlarge it.

1. Open the selected-profile area to show the device list.
2. Select the exact matching profile.
3. Enable Sunshine integration when using Sunshine.
4. Click Turn On before opening the stream.

Each profile already includes its native resolution, 2× HiDPI workspace, and 120Hz refresh rate. The app saves the existing display arrangement before activation and restores it when the managed display is turned off.

Prepare Sunshine

1. Install and open Sunshine.
2. Allow the macOS screen-recording and remote-input permissions requested by Sunshine.
3. Open https://localhost:47990 on the Mac.
4. Create a Sunshine Web UI username and password when prompted.
5. Leave Sunshine running until client pairing is complete.

If permissions were changed but screen capture or input still fails, fully quit and reopen Sunshine.

Prepare outside-the-home access

Tailscale is optional on a local network. For outside-the-home access, it is recommended instead of exposing Sunshine ports directly to the internet.

1. Install Tailscale on the Mac and client device.
2. Sign in with the same account on both devices.
3. Confirm that both devices show as connected.
4. Copy the Mac's Tailscale IPv4 address, normally in the 100.x.x.x range.
5. Enter only that address in Artemis or Moonlight. Do not add https:// or a port.

Mac Virtual Display shows Tailscale status only; it does not sign in, turn the VPN on or off, or manage the account.

Configure Artemis or Moonlight

Galaxy Z Fold or Galaxy Tab

Use Artemis. The following preset was used on Galaxy Z Fold8.

Leave Use Virtual Display off because Mac Virtual Display has already created the display on macOS. For Fold7, Fold8 Ultra, or Galaxy Tab, match Artemis's Custom resolution to the native resolution shown by the selected Mac Virtual Display profile.

iPad

Use Moonlight and select the matching iPad profile in Mac Virtual Display before connecting.

• iPad Pro 11-inch: 2420 × 1668, 120Hz
• iPad Pro 13-inch: 2752 × 2064, 120Hz

Set Moonlight's resolution and frame rate to match the selected profile. The Fold8 bitrate above is not presented as an iPad recommendation.

Pair and connect for the first time

Pairing is normally required once for each client device.

1. Confirm that the Mac Virtual Display profile is on and Sunshine is running.
2. Open Artemis on Galaxy or Moonlight on iPad.
3. If the Mac is not found automatically, choose Add PC manually.
4. Enter the Mac's Tailscale IP for remote use or local IP for local-only use.
5. Select the Mac and note the four-digit PIN shown by the client.
6. Open Sunshine's Web UI on the Mac and sign in.
7. Open PIN, enter the code and a recognizable device name, then submit it.
8. Return to the client and open Desktop.

Use touch and keyboard input

Trackpad-style input is convenient for macOS on Galaxy devices.

• One-finger movement: move the pointer
• Tap: click
• Two-finger movement: scroll
• Two-finger tap: right-click
• Three-finger tap: show or hide the Android software keyboard

Typing Korean or another composed language

1. Keep the Galaxy software keyboard in its English layout.
2. Change the input source on the Mac.
3. Type from Galaxy and let the Mac input method compose the text.

The Artemis Toggle On-screen full keyboard option is not required for this workflow. If no input reaches the Mac, check Sunshine's remote-input or accessibility permission.

Prepare clamshell and remote use

1. Connect the MacBook to power and Ethernet.
2. Keep the physical display available while selecting the client profile.
3. Enable Sunshine integration and click Turn On.
4. Confirm that Artemis or Moonlight can connect.
5. Only then turn off the physical monitor or use the tested clamshell arrangement.

Closing Artemis or Moonlight does not itself remove the Mac's virtual display. Clamshell and long-term headless behavior can vary by Mac model and macOS version, so test the complete state locally before leaving home.

Troubleshooting

Back to Mac Virtual Display

Set up Mac Virtual Display with Sunshine, Artemis or Moonlight, and Tailscale for device-matched 120Hz remote Mac access.