Make text bigger or smaller on your Mac's external monitor

Why it happens

Your Mac draws everything at a scaled size it picks for each monitor. On a large or very sharp monitor that can leave text tiny, and on a small one it can look oversized. Changing the scaled resolution resizes text, icons and windows together.

How to fix it

1. With the monitor connected, open the Apple menu, choose System Settings and click Displays.

2. If you have more than one screen, click the external monitor at the top of the page so the settings below are for it.

3. Under Resolution, pick another option. Towards Larger Text makes everything bigger; towards More Space fits more on screen.

   Displays›Resolution

4. The screen changes straight away. Try a couple and keep the one that's easiest to read.

Still not fixed?

1. Prefer a list of exact sizes? Click Advanced… in Displays and turn on Show resolutions as list, then turn on Show all resolutions.

   Displays›Advanced…

2. Still don't see the size you want? Turn on Show all resolutions for the full choice.

   Displays›Resolution›Show all resolutions

3. Only some text too small? Many apps zoom with Command-plus. For the sidebar, Finder and some other apps, change Text size in Accessibility > Display.

   Accessibility›Display›Text size

4. Text blurry rather than small? Try the Default option, and use a cable or adaptor that supports your monitor's full resolution. Older HDMI cables and some adaptors limit it.

5. If the monitor shows the wrong resolution with every cable, or flickers or goes dark, try it with another computer. If it works there, contact Apple Support about your Mac; if not, the monitor's maker or a repair shop can help.