How to Use AirPlay Mirroring in OS X Mountain Lion

As of iOS 5, you could mirror your iPad or iPhone to an Apple TV. Mac users salivated and begged for the same ability. Well wipe your chin and listen up True Believer! OS X Mountain Lion brings AirPlay Mirroring to your late-model Mac. Here’s how!

One important note from Apple’s website:

“AirPlay Mirroring requires a second-generation Apple TV or later, and is supported on the following Mac models: iMac (Mid 2011 or newer), Mac mini (Mid 2011 or newer), MacBook Air (Mid 2011 or newer), and MacBook Pro (Early 2011 or newer).”

OK, if your Apple TV and Mac meet the above specs, let’s do this thing!

First, go into System Preferences > Displays > Display. Then select “Apple TV” from the “AirPlay mirroring drop-down menu. Your Mac will connect to your Apple TV and voila! Your Mac’s desktop is mirrored on your big screen TV. (You do have the Apple hooked up to a big screen display, right?)

After your Mac has connected to the Apple TV, you’ll see new settings in the Display preferences panel. You’ll see some resolution options. They will be: “Best for built-in display,” “Best for AirPlay,” or “Scaled.” “Best for built-in display” will replicate your current Mac resolution on the TV display. “Best for AirPlay” option will adjust your Mac display resolution to match the television’s resolution. Last but not least, “Scaled” will let you choose a resolution from a list of choices.

If you see your television chopping off part of the screen, check the “Overscan correction” option. It will make sure the screen is positioned correctly on your TV.

One time saving tip from your old Uncle Chris, be sure to click the checkbox for “Show mirroring options in the menu bar when available.” Then you’ll see a new item up there in your menu bar. (See below). Clicking on the new icon will let you connect to any available AirPlay mirroring-compatible Apple TVs you have laying around the house. Nice time saver if you’re a mirroring addict like me.

Mac|Life notes you can also enable AirPlay Audio from your Mac in Mountain Lion:

To do this, navigate to System Preferences > Sound > Output. Once there, select your available AirPlay device from the sound output list. AirPlay devices will be denoted by “AirPlay” in the Type field

The volume of the audio being sent through the AirPlay enabled device can be controlled using the volume buttons on your Mac keyboard, or in the menu bar.

All right folks, there you have it. How to use AirPlay from your Mac running OS X Mountain Lion. Enjoy!

Make sure to check out our full Mountain Lion coverage for all of the latest updates, or check our Mountain Lion U category to see all of the latest Mountain Lion features, tips, tricks, and tutorials!