Larger UI on 5k monitor

[MythicalPhelix]

Hello,

I currently am using a Studio Display in combination with the latest M1 MacBook Pro.

I want to use the "Larger Text" (1600x900) or 2048x1152 (in between large text and default) scaling, but the problem is that it is blurry and not sharp compared to default scaling or lower.

Does someone know if this problem is on me or if everyone has it and that I have to live with it?

 

[xraydoc]

Scaling up the UI elements might "soften" the image, but text shouldn't be blurry.

Apple UI elements (the app button icons, Finder icons, menu bar buttons, etc.) come in two sizes from the programmer's perspective -- 1x and 2x. The 2x size is used to produce the image on your 'retina displays' (your MacBook's internal display and your Studio Display). The 1x size is used for non-retina displays or non-HiDPI modes. If you choose a non-default screen resolution, the 2x UI element image is scaled up or down in size to make it fit the new resolution. That will have some effect on how it looks, but still very much better than the 1x non-retina version of it. So as long as you're using the so-called HiDPI scaling modes, which include the baseline selections in the Displays system setting, it will look as good as possible on screen.

In other words, unless you're forcing it into a non-HiDPI mode (non-retina mode), then it looks as good as it'll get and it's something you'll have to live with.

 

[MythicalPhelix]

Thanks for the explanation!

I have tried to use the HiDPI mode, even tried via SwitchResX but unfortunately, the text and UI is not as sharp as the default scaling (1440p). I have even tried to compare between them 2 with same text size on my screen and the larger text scaling was less sharp.

I will just continue using the default scaling and make the font size larger myself.

 

[Amethyst1]

If you choose a non-default screen resolution, the 2x UI element image is scaled up or down in size to make it fit the new resolution.

macOS draws a framebuffer four times the size of the indicated HiDPI mode and uses the 2× UI elements. The entire framebuffer is scaled up or down to fit the monitor’s native resolution, which causes a “softer” image. The only thing that changes with the various HiDPI modes is the size of the framebuffer.

 

[xraydoc]

macOS draws a framebuffer four times the size of the indicated HiDPI mode and uses the 2× UI elements. The entire framebuffer is scaled up or down to fit the monitor’s native resolution, which causes a “softer” image. The only thing that changes with the various HiDPI modes is the size of the framebuffer.

I was trying to be as simplistic as possible, but your more detailed explanation is correct.

 

[Amethyst1]

I was trying to be as simplistic as possible, but your more detailed explanation is correct.

And I wasn't trying to "supersede" your explanation. Sorry if it came across like that.

 

[Basic75]

You could sell the Studio Display, purchase any 27" 3840x2160 UHD/4K display and run it with native 1920x1080@2x retina resolution. That should give you exactly the size that you want, with pixel-perfect rendering.