How To Adjust the Monitor Resolution on a Mac

The monitor resolution on your Mac can be adjusted to suit your needs. You may find icons, images, documents or files too small to read or so big that they take up too much space on your monitor. Adjusting the monitor resolution will remedy this and set the right resolution for your needs.

1. Go to System Preferences. The System Preferences application on your Mac lets you change user settings. You can modify the appearance and functions on your computer to your personal specifications.  To adjust the monitor resolution on your Mac through the System Preferences, go to the Display section of System Preferences. The Display section will let you modify the color depth, refresh rate, the resolution and even the brightness among other settings. The Display section will show a list of available resolutions you can choose from. The resolutions will be listed from lowest to highest. Adjusting the monitor resolution using lower options will display images and files in a larger format and will use up more space on your monitor. Choosing a higher option will let you maximize the space on your monitor, since the images and files will be displayed in a smaller format. Pick the resolution you prefer and exit the Display section. The changes will happen immediately, so observe the changes to your display and decide if it is the resolution you want to keep.
2. Use the Control Strip. You can adjust the monitor resolution on your Mac through the Control Strip on your desktop. Click the end of the Control strip to display its options and click the icon that looks like a TV with a checkered pattern. You will see options for the monitor resolution; pick a resolution higher or lower than the one you are already using. You will see the change right away, so decide it this is the right resolution for you or change it again if you are not satisfied. Once you get the desired resolution, you can exit the control strip.
3. Go to Monitors and Sound Control Panel. To change the monitor resolution of your Mac, go to the Apple menu on the left top corner of your desktop and click the Control Panels option, then choose Monitors and Sound. The Monitors and Sound window will show different resolutions for you to pick from. Select a resolution that you want and notice that the change happens instantly, so observe how the resolution has changed the appearance of your monitor, and decide whether to keep the chosen resolution or continue to change it. When you find the right resolution, close the Control Panel window.

Using one of these procedures will adjust the monitor resolution to one that you will be comfortable with.