Where NotchStar appears with an external display

Getting started Published 4 November 2026

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With an external display, NotchStar stays on the screen that has the notch. On a MacBook with a notch, that is the built in display. The notch does not move to the external monitor, and it does not copy itself onto it.

How the screen is chosen

NotchStar looks for the first screen that reports a notch. If it finds one, it uses that screen. If none of your screens has a notch, it uses the main display that macOS reports, and shows the floating pill there. It checks again whenever the screen setup changes, for example when you plug in or unplug a monitor.

What this means for you

Laptop with a notch and an external monitor: use the notch on the laptop screen. Move the pointer to the top centre of that screen.
Laptop with the lid closed and only an external display: there is no notch screen, so NotchStar shows the pill on the main display.
A desktop Mac with one or two monitors: the pill appears on the main display.

If it is in the wrong place

Unplug and replug the display, or quit and reopen NotchStar from the star in the menu bar. If the notch still does not open, see why the notch does not open.

The Screenshot Tray also hangs under the notch on the same screen. Read about Macs without a notch for the pill.

Quick answers.

Can I show NotchStar on two displays at once?

No. There is one notch window, on one screen.

Link to this answer

Keep reading.

Does NotchStar work on a Mac without a notch: Yes. On a Mac without a notch NotchStar draws a small floating pill at the top centre of the screen and opens from there, with the same tools.
Notch apps for Macs without a notch: Do notch apps work on iMac, Mac mini or older MacBooks? Yes, often as a floating pill. Here is what to expect and how NotchStar handles it.
Why the NotchStar notch does not open: If the notch does not open on hover, check the star in the menu bar, the Open notch setting, the screen it is on and whether it is pinned or stuck.
Screenshot Tray: your screenshots wait under the notch: Every screenshot lands in a tray under your Mac notch. Drag it into a chat, an email or a folder, or send several at once.

Put your notch to work.

Buy it once for $4, activate it in a minute, and keep it. Not sure yet? Try every tool in the browser on the home page, or install the 7 day trial.

Buy NotchStar for $4 Try it in the browser