# Show a layout while a monitor is connected

Use Show Automatically… for a layout to choose a connected display as its activation condition.

Last updated 26 October 2026

## Follow these steps

1. Connect the monitor you want to use as a condition.

1. Open Settings › Layout and the named layout’s menu.

1. Choose Show Automatically… and select the display condition.

1. Save it, then test both connecting and disconnecting that monitor.

## What to expect

The display’s presence can choose the layout. This is useful when docking a laptop reliably marks a work setup.

The rule selects an arrangement, while Settings › Opening › Display selects where the grid appears. Set both intentionally if your desk layout should open on a particular screen.

## If the result is different

If a work Focus is active, inspect its CubbyPad filter because it takes priority. If the wrong monitor name was chosen, edit the rule rather than moving app icons. Use manual switching when the same screen does not reliably identify the activity.

For the broader walkthrough, read [set up layouts, focus and icloud sync](https://cubbypad.com/guides/layouts/).

## Related answers.

[### Schedule a layout for chosen days and hours

Choose a time condition in Show Automatically… to use a layout during a recurring part of your week.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/automatic-time-rule/)[### Understand overlapping automatic layout rules

An active CubbyPad Focus Filter takes priority; matching display rules are preferred over ordinary time rules.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/rule-priority/)[### Enable layout sync through iCloud Drive

Turn on iCloud Drive on each Mac, then enable Sync with your other Macs in CubbyPad’s Layout settings.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/icloud-enable/)

Source: https://cubbypad.com/help/automatic-display-rule/