If you are downloading a massive 50GB file, rendering a complex 4K video, or running a long background script on your Mac, you cannot put the computer to sleep, or the process will immediately stop. However, leaving the screen blazing at full brightness while you step away wastes electricity and reduces the lifespan of your monitor. You need a way to turn the display completely off while leaving the computer’s processor running.
The Hot Corner Method
The easiest way to turn off your Mac’s display is by using a hidden macOS feature called Hot Corners.
- Click the Apple Logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings… (or System Preferences on older Macs).
- Scroll down the left sidebar and click on Desktop & Dock.
- Scroll to the very bottom of the window and click the Hot Corners… button.
- A small diagram of your screen will appear with four dropdown menus representing each corner. Choose a corner you rarely use (for example, the bottom-right).
- Click the dropdown menu for that corner and select Put Display to Sleep.
- Click Done.
Using the Hot Corner
Now, whenever you want to turn your screen off, simply flick your mouse cursor all the way into the bottom-right corner of your screen. The display will instantly go pitch black, but your Mac will remain fully awake, continuing your downloads and rendering tasks in the background. To turn the screen back on, simply move your mouse or tap a key on your keyboard.