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Mac users have the option to regulate the aspect ratio and resolution of their display to suit their preferences. It’s easy to adjust these settings using the Display preferences in System Preferences. However, the options you get will depend on the type of Mac you’re using.
Changing Aspect Ratio on a Mac Screen: Step-by-Step Guide
- Go to System Preferences on your Mac.
- Click on Displays.
- Select Scaled.
How to Change Aspect Ratio on a Mac Screen: Retina Display Mac
If you are using a Mac with a Retina display, you will see four windows labeled “Larger Text” or “More Space”. When you click on any of these options, you can adjust the size of items as they appear on your Retina display while maintaining the exact resolution.
There is no standard way to adjust the resolution of a Retina display Mac. According to Apple, “Retina displays use scaled resolutions instead of the specific resolution settings that external displays use. If you need to use a different resolution than that on the built-in display, connect an external display via HDMI, Thunderbolt or DisplayPort.”
How to Change Aspect Ratio on Mac Screen: Non-Retina Mac and External Display
If you’re using a Mac with a non-Retina display or if you have an external display connected to your Mac, you’ll have more options for customizing the aspect ratio. Under Scaled, you’ll see the available options, which will depend largely on the screen you are using.
On a MacBook Air with an 11-inch screen, for instance, you’ll get the following options:
- 1366 x 768
- 1280 x 720
- 1152 x 648
You can view more resolution options by holding down the Option key and clicking Scaled. However, some aspect ratios may not fit the display well, causing edges to appear on the left and right sides of the screen. If you choose a significantly small resolution, you may also have trouble customizing on-screen app windows.
In such cases, you may see a warning when you launch the app. Return to Display Preferences and select a different aspect ratio to use the app accurately.
FAQs on Changing Aspect Ratio on Mac Screen
1. Can I adjust the aspect ratio using keyboard shortcuts?
No, you cannot adjust the aspect ratio of your Mac’s screen using keyboard shortcuts. You need to open the System Preferences and go to the Display preferences to change the aspect ratio.
2. How do I reset the aspect ratio on my Mac’s screen?
To reset the aspect ratio on your Mac’s screen, go to System Preferences > Displays > Scaled, then select “Default for display” under Resolution. This will restore the display to its original factory settings.