Hey guys – I got a used 27 Thunderbolt monitor. I can't read text very well in most applications like Safari, Evernote, Excel with the default resolution of 2560 x 1440. I can read text fine at 2048x1152 but obviously there is lower clarity of graphics. I also heard that changing a monitor's default resolution isn't ideal. Does Sequoia have any function within accessibility to increase text size in all applications and not just macOS applications like notes? Text Size (Displays) only lists the default MacOS apps it can impact. Any other options or 3rd party apps that I should check out here? Evernote does have an option to increase font size and Safari does but hopefully to do something system wide so I don't have to play with individual app settings as there are quite a few there apps. I constantly find myself zooming in documents, etc
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Text size in all applications
- Thread starter etaleb
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Setting the display scaling is pretty much your only option (or look into using the zoom accessibility feature, but you probably wouldn't like how that works).
In your case, you may be better off with a 27" 4K monitor instead. That would have a default "looks like" resolution of 1920x1080...so just tiny bit larger than 2048x1152, but everything would be pixel perfect and look sharp.
In your case, you may be better off with a 27" 4K monitor instead. That would have a default "looks like" resolution of 1920x1080...so just tiny bit larger than 2048x1152, but everything would be pixel perfect and look sharp.
This has been an issue with Apple for decades. I remember Steve Jobs trying to explain it, but he couldn't quite do it. This is one of the reasons I've always preferred a Windows PC for everyday tasking. It's much more user-friendly at a viewing distance of around 20 inches. Even Google Chrome handles screen content better than Apple/Safari.
—Apple products consumer since 1983
—Apple products consumer since 1983
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Yes, it has more pixels, but macOS will make it look like 1080p by default while making use of the full 4K resolution. In the same vein, Apple's 27" Studio Display is 5K (5120 x 2880), but looks like 1440p by default.
Basically, for these higher pixel density displays, Apple downscales the full resolution by 2x to make things sized appropriately and look sharp. I've got a post here that explains how that works.
I don't know of any specific monitors to recommend, but maybe someone else can. Apple has never made a 27" 4K monitor, but they did endorse the LG UltraFine monitors before they started making their own again. People have been happy with Dell monitors too. You shouldn't have to worry about compatibility issues as long as you get one that has DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C, or Thunderbolt and the appropriate cable to go with it. Could probably wait for Black Friday deals to find a new one for cheap, and then be able to return it if you aren't happy with it.
OP:
You're not going to like this reply.
You bought the wrong display.
I sense that you're like me -- "older eyes", perhaps?
I find text displayed at "normal" font sizes on a 27" display that "looks like 1440p" just too small to read comfortably.
What you SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT is a 27" 4k (NOT 5k) display.
Text on these (at "looks like 1080p") will be somewhat "larger" (but not overly so) and VERY clear.
Much better for older (or weaker) eyesight ...!
You're not going to like this reply.
You bought the wrong display.
I sense that you're like me -- "older eyes", perhaps?
I find text displayed at "normal" font sizes on a 27" display that "looks like 1440p" just too small to read comfortably.
What you SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT is a 27" 4k (NOT 5k) display.
Text on these (at "looks like 1080p") will be somewhat "larger" (but not overly so) and VERY clear.
Much better for older (or weaker) eyesight ...!
Understood. I think I can sell this monitor locally. Which 4K monitor are you using today? And yes you did guess correctly about my weak old eyes.
Also, I got some improvement with Display - text size but it doesn't seem to make any difference to text size in the date time on the top right
FYI, there's a setting to make the menu may larger. Search for "menu" or "large" in Settings
There's also a setting to have Mac announce the time at regular intervals. I find this very useful. Search for "announce" or "time"
I have the Dell U2723QE free from work. It's fine. It's mainly good for the connectivity because it's USBC and has a built in hub with lots of ports and KVM switch. I've seen it on Dell for around $350 refurbished. At the regular price of $500+ I think there are better options
I did try it briefly and it did work. But I moved my PC into the closet soon after and just use remote desktop if I ever need to run something on it, so I can't say for sure how well it does work on day to day basis
Went to the apple store yesterday and oddly, the 5K Retina display was quite clear and the text was big enough for me even at the native resolution of 25 60 x 14 40 and I checked the display settings and they were set to default as well. A little puzzled and a store employee didn't have an answer why I should differ from my 27 inch thunderbolt set the same resolution.