Why Does System Prefs Show 2560 Resolution on 5k iMac?

[dandrewk]

I'm not sure if this has been answered here, but I've noticed that when setting resolution via System Prefs/Display, it gives an option between "Scaled" and "Best for display". The assumption here is that selecting "Retina" under "Scaled" is the same as "Best for display".

When doing so, the graphic on the pref pane shows "Looks like 2560 x 1440". Shouldn't that be "Looks like 5120 x 2880"?

 

[tillsbury]

Read up on retina displays first.

 

[petvas]

2560x1440 is the point resolution being used. For each point 4 pixels are used when in "best for retina" mode.

 

[\-V-/]

Retina works by having the same size images on the screen, but at a much higher pixel density. So the icons and whatnot on the 5K iMac will look the same size as the 27" non-Retina iMac, but they will be drastically sharper.

If you click on the "More Space" option, you will get the resolution you are looking for.

 

[tillsbury]

If you hold down 'option' while clicking on 'Scaled' you'll get an option to see what 5120 looks like really...

 

[poematik13]

"best for" just adjusts the proportion of the UI (at a familiar res, so 2560) so your eyes dont blow up trying to read a 5k screen at actual 5k res. You can switch to that if you want, use switchresx or hold option and click "scaled"

 

[dandrewk]

.

 

[leman]

You can read this excerpt from Apple's documentation about how retina displays work on OS X. It should clear up many common misconceptions.

 

[NathanColby]

If you hold down 'option' while clicking on 'Scaled' you'll get an option to see what 5120 looks like really...

This guy just saved my life. I've been looking for this since I got the riMac.

 

[macmee]

.

It means the size of objects on your screen will appear as the same physical size as a normal 27" iMac, but those objects will be comprised of way more pixels