How to change screen resolution on Mac

High-resolution displays can provide you with crisp images and plenty of desktop space. However, the default resolution may not always be right for your setup. For example, you might want to reduce the resolution to make everything a little bigger. In contrast, you might want to increase the resolution to fit even more on your screen.

If you’re a Mac user, you can quickly and easily change the resolution for both the built-in display and any external displays you might be using.

How to change screen resolution on Mac.

How to change the Mac screen resolution on the built-in display

You can use an external display with your Mac, but if you want to change the screen resolution of the built-in display, you can do that pretty easily through System Preferences.

If you’re using macOS Big Sur or earlier, some of your resolution options are initially hidden. You must know the trick to find them.

To change the screen resolution on a Mac built-in display:

1. open that system settings apartment
   
2. click To sue.
   
3. Under resolutionpress the scaled radio button.
   
4. Choose one of the options listed depending on whether you want more space or larger text.
   
5. After a few seconds, the screen resolution should change to your new setting.
6. If the options are too extensive and you’re using macOS Big Sur or earlier, you can access all possible display resolutions by pressing and holding the button options (old) button and click scaled again.
7. You will see a list of all possible resolutions.
   
8. You can click on those Show low resolution modes Check box if you also want to see low resolution mode options.
   
9. Choose your resolution and your screen should adjust after a few seconds.

How to change Mac screen resolution on an external display

If you use an external display with your Mac, you can change the screen resolution on that display independently of your built-in display. The resolution options available to you depend on the model of external display device you are using.

To change the Mac screen resolution on an external display:

1. start the system settings apartment
   
2. click To sue.
   
3. You should see a second display window on your external monitor.
   
4. press the scaled Radio button to show suggested resolution options.
   
5. To view the full list of possible resolutions, press and hold options (old) and click scaled again.
   
6. Choose your resolution and your external display should change after a few seconds.

How to restore the original screen resolution on a Mac

If you are not happy with your new screen resolution, you should be able to reset the resolution using the methods above. However, sometimes the screen may go black.

To revert to the original screen resolution when your screen goes black:

1. When the screen goes black for the first time, wait 15 seconds or press Enter to return to your original setting.
2. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to restart your computer in Safe Mode. You should then be able to revert to the default screen resolution.
3. To restart in Safe Mode, shut down your Mac.
4. For Intel Macs, restart your computer and hold change. When the login window appears, let go change and log in.
5. On Macs with Apple Silicon, press and hold the power button until you see Boot Options. Select your startup disk, press and hold change and select Continue in Safe Mode.
6. After your Mac boots into Safe Mode, reset your resolution to default settings by following the methods above.

How to open an app in low resolution mode on a Mac

If you want to keep your screen resolution but certain apps are awkward to use at higher resolutions, you can set apps to open in low-resolution mode.

This allows you to use the app at a lower resolution than the rest of your Mac display.

To open an app in low-resolution mode on a Mac:

1. Open finder.
   
2. Navigate to the location of the app you want to set to low-resolution mode. This will most likely be in the applications folder.
   
3. In Finder, right-click the app.
4. Select in the context menu get information.
   
5. In which The information window, check Open in low resolution.
   
6. If you launch the app now, it will open in low-resolution mode, but the rest of your system will keep your current resolution.
   

Take control of your Mac

If you know how to change the screen resolution on Mac, you can set up your computer to look exactly how you want it. There are many other ways you can take more control of your experience on the Mac.

You can use Mac shortcuts in macOS Monterey and beyond to automate common actions and save tons of time. You can disconnect your iPhone from your Mac if you are tired of your computer ringing every time you receive a call.

If you’re having a hard time focusing, you can also use Apple Focus on Mac to eliminate distractions.