When I use my external monitor the text is very blurry. Why?

[frederikhn]

Using an one year old external monitor for my MacBook Pro Early 2015 but the texture is blurry. Why is that? Using HDMI to HDMI cable and also tried this one with HDMI in the other end. Cheers guys.

 

[lclev]

It would help to know if this is a new development, what version of OS you are running, is it a 15" or 13" MBP and what is the brand of the external monitor plus what resolution is it set at.

Lisa

 

[joevt]

Is that a screenshot or a photo?

If it's a screenshot, then it appears that you are not using a Retina mode.

 

[iMacDragon]

Yeah, I'd wager that it's indeed just because of resolution. mac has always gone for a softer more aliased font for visual accuracy of shape over a sharper edged one on windows for cleaner appearance, which is much more visible on a non 'retina' display.

 

[lclev]

Could be the non-retina factor. I have a 2020 13" MBP that I connect to 2-27" HD Viewsonic monitors. The resolution is set by the OS and it is not blurry.

It would be easier to come up with a suggestion if the OP would supply some more information!

 

[kylew1212]

This is likely due to the resolution. I have similar issues.

My setup: 2015 MBP 13"
1080P Dell Monitor -> blurry text
1080P Asus something gaming monitor -> blurry text

I've tried both HDMI cables and Displayport cables, neither made a difference for me. I currently use DisplayPort though for convenience. All of the text is plenty readable, but not nearly as crisp as on my MBP screen, or other computers that I've used. Honestly, it's extremely aggravating but I live with it.

 

[frederikhn]

Hi guys. Thank you.

No, it's not a new development. It has always been like this. Just to make it clear, it's a screenshot.

I'm running Big Sur version 11.3.1 on a 13 inch MacBook Pro. The resolution of my external monitor is 1920 x 1080.

Like Kylew1212, I can live with it but I was just wondering if there's any solution. Especially when I'm using the screen as a second screen, the difference is a bit annoying for my eyes

Cheers

 

[macsound1]

My mac running big sur is a headless mac mini, so I don't know if this option is gone in big sur or just because there's no display. It is in System Preferences > General

 

[kylew1212]

My mac running big sur is a headless mac mini, so I don't know if this option is gone in big sur or just because there's no display. It is in System Preferences > General
View attachment 1770844

I don't have this option on my MBP running 11.3

 

[Mac2727]

Have a read of this thread and try what is suggested. That may well 'fix' your blurry emboldened text

Any way to disable font smoothing in Big Sur?

Seems the option is gone from System Preferences. *Edit* possible with this command: Thanks to @KALLT !

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