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DeskPad – A virtual monitor for screen sharing (github.com)

1097 points by geerlingguy · 666 days ago · 157 comments on HN

Article summary

DeskPad is a virtual monitor for screen sharing that creates a dedicated, easily shareable workspace on macOS. It allows users to share a specific area of their screen, making it easier to present to audiences with different screen sizes. The application behaves like a regular display and can be adjusted through system preferences. DeskPad requires screen recording permissions to function properly.

Main themes

  • Virtual monitors
  • Screen sharing
  • macOS applications
  • Linux alternatives
  • Display management
  • Remote presentations

What commenters say

  • Some users find DeskPad to be a useful solution for sharing screens with audiences who have different screen sizes or resolutions.
  • Linux users have alternative methods for achieving similar functionality, such as using Xephyr or creating headless displays with Wayland compositors.
  • OBS can be used as a virtual camera to selectively share windows and scale different layers individually, providing an alternative to DeskPad.
  • The requirement for screen recording permissions to be enabled at all times is seen as a drawback by some users, but others consider it a minor issue for the convenience provided by DeskPad.
  • Some users prefer to use command-line tools or scripts to manage their displays and screen sharing, while others prefer user-friendly applications like OBS.
  • Adjusting resolution per window is not currently possible with DeskPad, but some users have found workarounds by using the virtual display's resolution settings.
  • DeskPad's functionality can be replicated on other platforms, such as Windows, using different tools and methods.
  • The use of virtual displays and screen sharing tools can be useful for presentations and remote meetings, but may also have limitations and drawbacks.