How to set custom screen resolution on Mac

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To set a custom screen resolution on a Mac, you can navigate to System Preferences, select Displays, and choose your desired resolution from the available options. For more advanced settings, you may need to use third-party applications or terminal commands.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before attempting to set a custom screen resolution on your Mac, ensure you meet the following requirements:
  • •A Mac running macOS Mojave (10.14) or later.
  • •An external monitor or display that supports the desired resolution.
  • •Administrator access to modify system settings.
  • •Backup important data to prevent any potential loss during configuration.

Method 1: Using System Preferences

This method is the simplest way to adjust your screen resolution and is recommended for most users.
  • •Step 1: Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'System Preferences'.
  • •Step 2: In the System Preferences window, click on 'Displays'.
  • •Step 3: Under the 'Display' tab, you will see a list of available resolutions. Select 'Scaled' and choose your desired resolution from the list.
  • •Step 4: To verify the change, check if the display looks as expected. If it doesn't, repeat the steps and select a different resolution.

For macOS Monterey (12) and later

In macOS Monterey and later, you may find additional resolution options due to improved display scaling.
  • •Step 1: Follow the same steps as above to access 'Displays'.
  • •Step 2: Look for the 'Resolution' section and select 'More Space' or 'Larger Text' for different scaling options.

For macOS Big Sur (11) and earlier

In earlier versions, the options may be more limited, and you may need to rely on third-party applications for custom resolutions.
  • •Step 1: Access 'Displays' as described above.
  • •Step 2: If the desired resolution is not listed, consider using third-party software like SwitchResX.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Applications

For users needing more advanced resolution options, third-party applications can provide additional flexibility.
  • •Step 1: Download and install SwitchResX from the official website.
  • •Step 2: Open SwitchResX and select your display from the left sidebar.
  • •Step 3: Click on the 'Custom Resolutions' tab and then click the '+' button to add a new resolution.
  • •Step 4: Enter your desired resolution settings and click 'OK'. You may need to restart your Mac for changes to take effect.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while setting a custom screen resolution, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Resolution not supported' - Solution: Ensure your monitor supports the resolution you are trying to set.
  • •Issue: Display is blurry or distorted - Fix: Try selecting a different resolution or adjusting the scaling settings.
  • •Problem: Changes revert after restart - Workaround: Use a third-party application like SwitchResX to enforce the resolution.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users, here are some tips to optimize your display settings:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Command + Option + F1/F2 - Adjust brightness of the display.
  • •Command line: `sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.windowserver DisplayResolutionEnabled -bool true` - Enables custom resolutions via terminal.
  • •Hidden feature: Use 'Display Menu' from the Mac App Store for quick access to resolution settings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For the best display experience, always use resolutions that match your monitor's native settings.