BoltKVM
Two-Mac desk guide

Share one keyboard and mouse between two Macs.

Run BoltKVM on both Macs, pair them directly, and place their display groups where they sit on your desk. Cross a configured edge to hand control over; cross back to return. Either Mac can start the handoff.

See the display editorCheck requirements
Controller
No fixed Mac
Handoff
Edge or shortcut
Clipboard
Explicit send
Internet
Not required

Set up one keyboard and mouse for both Macs.

01

Run BoltKVM on each Mac

Both Macs need macOS 14 or later, BoltKVM running, Input Capture and Input Injection permission, and access to the same local network.

02

Pair the two Macs

Select the nearby Mac and compare the short verification code shown on both screens. Trust is saved only after both sides approve.

03

Match the display layout to the desk

Move the other Mac's display group around the fixed local group. Align only the boundaries you actually want to cross.

04

Cross the edge

Move the pointer through an aligned boundary. Keyboard, button, and scroll input follow the active destination. Physical input on the target keeps priority.

Control works in both directions.

BoltKVM does not assign one Mac as the permanent master. The selected trusted pair can hand control from Mac A to Mac B and from Mac B back to Mac A. A configurable Quick Switch shortcut provides a deliberate alternative when an edge crossing is inconvenient.

Copy and paste between Macs

Send supported clipboard content when you choose, then paste on the other Mac. A regular file can also be sent as one explicit transfer. This is not continuous clipboard synchronization.

When a Mac sleeps or locks

Use Reconnect for an eligible sleeping trusted Mac; success depends on the Mac's network-wake settings and available wake address. Ordinary-lock control is restricted and off by default. It does not unlock FileVault, control LoginWindow, or send clipboard and files while locked.

Choose the connection and layout.

Network path
Automatic, Thunderbolt Bridge, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi
Compare paths →
More screens
Arrange several displays across two Macs
See layouts →
Product category
Understand what the software KVM shares
Read the overview →

One keyboard, two Macs FAQ.

Does either Mac need to stay in control?
No. There is no fixed master or client. Either trusted Mac can initiate a handoff to the other.
Can I use several displays?
Yes. Each Mac can contribute one display or several. You position the two display groups to match the desk and choose which aligned edges can be crossed.
Is the clipboard shared automatically?
No. Clipboard transfer is explicit. BoltKVM does not silently sync clipboard history in the background.
Can I use Wi-Fi?
Yes. BoltKVM can use Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Thunderbolt Bridge on the local network. Automatic mode prefers available paths in that order: Thunderbolt Bridge, Ethernet, then Wi-Fi.

Make two Macs feel like one desk.

Start with the real display editor, then review the required macOS permissions.

See BoltKVMRead setup support