Some people employ their Macs to repel enormous HDTVs , letting them access a wide-cut orbit of sound and video apps on a Mac and streaming video inspection and repair while also retaining the security of the Mac operating system . However , it ’s easy to hunt into a problem : the user interface elements on the external exhibit can wind up so small that you have a hard time making them out .
You have a few ways to improve this situation , though readers have found that not all work in their circumstances .
Set the display size to Default or Larger Text
In > System preferences > Displayswith your large display selected , the default place setting shown have a “ Use as ” section with at least four pick . Larger Text and Default cause macOS to playact as if the display is low resolve relative to the case and interface element used .
However , what ’s rendered on the covert , like face , images , and telecasting , continues to use the machine ’s native resolution . This is often the easiest and best solvent — if it works for your exhibit .
you could prefer among a greater range of sizes and demonstrate the effect of high - resolution rendering to yourself by fall into place theAdvancedbutton inDisplaysand then enable “ Show resolution as list . ” This bring out all resolutions for which the native show concentration is retained even as the size of it of interface factor change .
Set your display to show larger text sizes using standard options in Displays.
If you enable “ Show all resolutions , ” you will see some solution show with “ ( low solution ) ” after them . If you select one of those and compare it to the same choice without the recording label , you may see how the rendering differs — the “ jaggies ” are quite obvious at low resolution .
Work with Accessibility settings
InSystem options > approachability > Displayunder theTextandPointersections , you could adapt the size of it of type systemwide , increase the menu streak ’s size of it , and make the pointer easy to see or make out ( when jiggled ) . Not all apps support the “ school text size ” setting , but it ’s likely you ’re using only a few — or just the goggle box and Safari apps — with your outside display .
Turn to a third-party app, BetterDisplay Pro
Many reader suggestBetterDisplay Proas a more ended set of options for scale the Mac ’s user interface element relative to the size of the display without causing other issues . This public utility lets you unlock high-pitched - definition rendition ( HiDPI ) when the show does n’t meet Apple ’s more restrictive set of solvent for which it permit you set bigger substance abuser port elements .
The developer ’s wikihas a detailed pageon how to customise this feature . However , it mostly involves installing the app , turning on “ blue-pencil the arrangement contour of this showing model ” and “ Enable pliant grading ” and then clickingApplyfor the show you want to check .
BetterDisplay has a free and a Pro version ; the Pro version is required to unlock the HiDPI feature film . However , the developer offers a 14 - day free tribulation , which allows you to essay whether the option clear your trouble . To keep using it , the price is $ 19.99 or € 19.99 , calculate on your region .
Set your display to show larger text sizes using standard options in Displays.
Ask Mac 911
We ’ve compiled a list of the interrogation we get asked most frequently , along with answers and links to columns : read our super FAQto see if your question is covered . If not , we ’re always looking for new problems to resolve ! netmail yours tomac911@macworld.com , including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used . Not every enquiry will be answered ; we do n’t respond to electronic mail , and we can not render direct troubleshooting advice .
You can see all resolutions, including ones that render at a lower resolution than the display’s true capability.
Accessibility options may help with legible text and pointer sizes on a large external display.
Using BetterDisplay Pro, you can tune the way in which user interface and display resolution interact.
