4 Ways to Change Screen Resolution on a Mac

If you want to change the display resolution on your MacBook or Mac desktop computer, you can easily do so in the Displays settings. In this article, we’ll explain how to change the resolution of your built-in display or an external display, as well as how to run apps in low-resolution mode and troubleshoot common problems.

Changing the Display Resolution on Mac OS X

Open the Apple menu, then go to "System Preferences..." > "Displays" and toggle the "Scaled" resolution button. Select the resolution you want to use from the thumbnails below the "Scaled" button. Click "OK" to confirm your selection or "Cancel" to exit without making changes.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Built-in Display

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your Mac’s resolution should already be optimized for its built-in display, but you can change the resolution using the preset options in the Displays menu. Start by clicking the
    Mac Apple
    {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/f\/ff\/Macapple1.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Macapple1.png\/29px-Macapple1.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":476,"bigWidth":29,"bigHeight":30,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Mac icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Apple Menu in the top left corner of your screen. [1]
    • If you can’t see the Apple Menu because of your current resolution settings, press ⌘ + Space on your keyboard to launch Spotlight , then type in system preferences . Click the System Preferences icon when it comes up in the search results.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click System Preferences… near the top of the Apple Menu . This will open a new window.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Select Displays from the System Preferences window. The icon looks like a blue computer monitor.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    By default, the resolution should be set to Default for Display . Next to the Resolution heading, click the radio button next to Scaled to view other resolution options.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once you select Scaled , you’ll see a series of thumbnails showing different resolution options. Choose the one that fits your needs best.
    • For example, select Larger Text (1024 x 640) to display text, apps, icons, and other objects on your screen at a larger scale.
    • If you’d rather have more space on your screen, choose an option like More Space (1680 x 1050) to make text, windows, icons, and other objects on your screen look smaller.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Depending on the resolution you select, a dialog box may pop up asking you if you’re sure you want to change your display resolution. Click OK to confirm your choice or Cancel to exit the dialog box without making any changes.
    • This dialog only pops up if you choose a scale that is likely to hide parts of your screen, such as the Larger Text scale option. Otherwise, the changes are automatically applied when you click on the resolution you want.
    7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

External Display

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re using an external display, such as a monitor or a TV , you can adjust the resolution using the System Preferences menu on your Mac. Start by connecting the display to your computer. Depending on what type of Mac you are using, you can do this by: [2]
    • Plugging the display into your HDMI or Thunderbolt port.
    • Plugging the display into your Mac using an adapter that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, Thunderbolt 3, or Thunderbolt 4.
    • Connecting to the display wirelessly using AirPlay .
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once your external display is connected, open the
    Mac Apple
    {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/f\/ff\/Macapple1.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Macapple1.png\/29px-Macapple1.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":476,"bigWidth":29,"bigHeight":30,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Mac icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Apple Menu in the top left corner of your screen. [3]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Select System Preferences… from the menu. A System Preferences window will pop up.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In the System Preferences menu, click the Displays button. It looks like a blue computer monitor.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once you add a new display, you will see this additional option in the Displays menu. Click the Display Settings… button to change your resolution and make other adjustments.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In the Display Settings dialog box, click the display you want to adjust in the menu on the left side of the window.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Depending on what kind of device you are using as an external monitor, you may see an option to adjust the resolution. The resolution should be automatically optimized for the device selected in the Optimize for dropdown menu. To change the resolution: [4]
    • Click the radio button next to Scaled .
    • Click on the scaled resolution you want from the thumbnails that appear below the Scaled option.
    • Depending on the option you select, the resolution may change immediately, or a dialog box may pop up asking you to confirm your selection.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you’ve chosen the resolution you want, click Done to close the Display Settings dialog box.
    9. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Low-Resolution Mode (Big Sur and Earlier)

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Some apps may not display properly at your Mac’s default resolution. In Mac OS 11 (Big Sur) and earlier Mac operating systems, it is possible to run apps in low resolution mode, which may improve how they look on your screen. If you’re already running the app, quit it so you can relaunch it in low-resolution mode. [5]
    • As of September 2022, low-resolution mode is not available in Mac OS 12 (Monterey).
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-16.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once you’ve quit the app, launch a
    Mac Finder
    {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/1\/1d\/Macfinder2.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1d\/Macfinder2.png\/32px-Macfinder2.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":431,"bigWidth":32,"bigHeight":30,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a macOS icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Finder window and click on Applications in the side menu. [6]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-17.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Locate the app you want to run in low-resolution mode in the Applications folder. Select the app by clicking it once, but don’t launch it.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-18.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    With the app still selected, click the File menu at the top of the screen. [7]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-19.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-19.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-19.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-19.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In the File menu, click on Get Info . This will launch a dialog box with information about the app. [8]
    • You can also open the Get Info dialog box by pressing ⌘ Command + I with the app selected.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-20.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-20.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-20.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-20.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In the Get Info window, look for an option to Open in Low Resolution . Click the box next to this option to turn it on. [9]
    • Depending on which operating system you’re running, you might not see this option. Some apps are also automatically set to run in low-resolution mode.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-21.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-21.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-21.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-21.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once you’ve made your selection, click the red Close button in the top left corner of the Get Info window to close the dialog.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-22.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-22.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-22.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-22.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After you close the Get Info window, double-click the app to open it again. It should now run in low-resolution mode.
    9. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Troubleshooting

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-23.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-23.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-23.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-23.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you selected a resolution that isn’t supported, you might see a black screen after changing the resolution. If this happens, wait 15 seconds to see if your screen resets automatically. [10]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-24.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-24.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-24.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-24.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If waiting doesn’t work, touch the Esc key. This should revert your screen’s resolution back to your previous selection. [11]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-25.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-25.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-25.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-25.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Restart your Mac in Safe Mode if you still can’t reset your display. In some cases, you may need to reset the resolution in Safe Mode. [12] To do this: [13]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-26.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-26.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-26.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-26.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After your Mac starts up in Safe Mode, click the
    Mac Apple
    {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/f\/ff\/Macapple1.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Macapple1.png\/29px-Macapple1.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":476,"bigWidth":29,"bigHeight":30,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Mac icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Apple Menu in the top left corner of your screen. [14]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-27.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-27.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-27.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-27.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click System Preferences in the menu to launch the System Preferences window. [15]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-28.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-28.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-28.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-28.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In System Preferences , click on the Displays icon. It looks like a blue computer monitor.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-29.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-29.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-29.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-29.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In the Displays window, click Display Settings or Display , depending on your OS.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-30.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-30.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-30.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-30.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Next to the Resolution header, click the radio button next to Default for Display . This should reset your computer back to its default screen resolution. [16]
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-31.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-31.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-31.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-the-Screen-Resolution-on-a-Mac-Step-31.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Restart your Mac. Once you’ve reset your resolution, restart your Mac as you normally would.
    10. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I reset my screen resolution on a Mac?
    Josef Storzi
    Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist
    Josef Storzi is an Apple and Mobile Phone Repair Specialist and the Owner of Imobile LA, a mobile phone repair company based in Los Angeles, California. Josef specializes in repairing screens, charging ports, batteries, water damage, speakers, and microphones on all mobile phone brands including Apple, Samsung, LG, Nokia, and Sony. He also specializes in tablet, laptop, and computer repairs as well as the pros and cons of recent mobile software updates.
    Josef Storzi
    Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Open your System Preferences. You can find this by either searching "preferences" in Spotlight search, or you can open "Finder," navigate to "Applications," then choose System Preferences." Once that's open, click on "Displays." There, you'll see an option for "Resolution." Change that from the default to "Scaled." Once you click on "Scaled," the resolutions available for your display will appear. You may select any resolution you desire.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
  • Question
    How do I change it to my own resolution that these methods do not support?
    H. S.
    Community Answer
    You cannot change your screen's resolution to custom values. This is because these apps aforementioned do not support it; you have to look for a third-party app that supports this function.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 7
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Tell if Your Mac Is Too Old to Update
      Can You Change Your Apple ID Without Losing Everything? Learn How to Keep What You Need
      How to
      Automatically Shut Down Your Computer at a Specified Time
      How to
      Install MacOS on a Virtual Machine Using VirtualBox
      How to
      Force Shut Down or Restart a Frozen Mac
      5 Ways to Turn On a Mac Computer - wikiHow
      How to
      Open Executable Files on Mac: Wine, Parallels, and Boot Camp
      How to
      Find Your Internal & External IP Address on a Mac
      How to
      Create a TXT File on Mac
      How to
      Change Your Apple ID Password
      How to
      Install AltStore on an iPhone or iPad
      How to
      Change the Scroll Direction on a Mac
      How to
      Disable Password Login on Mac (Plus Troubleshooting)
      How to
      Quickly Open the Launchpad on a Mac
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-your-displays-resolution-mchl86d72b76/mac
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102555
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/mchl86d72b76/mac
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/mchl86d72b76/mac
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/100626
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/100626
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/100626
      8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/100626
      9. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/100626
      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/picture-change-resolution-mchlp2660/mac
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/picture-change-resolution-mchlp2660/mac
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/mac-help/mchlp2660/12.0/mac/12.0
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/picture-change-resolution-mchlp2660/mac
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/picture-change-resolution-mchlp2660/mac
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/mac-help/mchlp2660/12.0/mac/12.0
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/picture-change-resolution-mchlp2660/mac

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 355,843 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement