Connecting your Mac to a large external display like an HDTV can provide an expansive workspace, but it often comes with a drawback - tiny text and interface elements that strain your eyes. Fortunately, macOS offers several built-in options to increase text size and improve readability on large screens. Let’s explore the most effective methods to make text larger and more legible when using your Mac with a big display.
Adjust Display Scaling
The simplest and most effective way to increase text size across your entire system is to adjust the display scaling:
Step 1: Click the Apple menu and select “System Settings”.
Step 2: Choose “Displays” from the sidebar.
Step 3: With your large display selected, look for the “Use as” or “Resolution” section.
Step 4: Select “Scaled” to reveal additional options.
Step 5: Choose a scaling option to the left of “Default” for larger text. Options like “Larger Text” will increase the size of all interface elements while maintaining sharpness.
This method scales the entire interface, making everything larger and easier to read without sacrificing image quality. It’s ideal for most users as it provides a consistent experience across all apps.
Use Accessibility Text Size Options
For more granular control over text size in specific apps:
Step 1: Open “System Settings” and select “Accessibility”.
Step 2: Choose “Display” from the sidebar.
Step 3: Adjust the “Text size” slider to increase font size in supported apps.
Step 4: Toggle on “Larger text” for even bigger font options.
Step 5: Use the “Apps” dropdown to customize text size for individual applications.
This method allows you to boost text readability in certain apps without affecting your entire system. It’s particularly useful if you only need larger text in specific programs like Mail or Safari.
Utilize Zoom Features
macOS includes powerful zoom capabilities that can help with readability:
Step 1: Go to “System Settings” > “Accessibility” > “Zoom”.
Step 2: Enable “Use keyboard shortcuts to zoom”.
Step 3: Use Command + Plus Sign (+) to zoom in and Command + Minus Sign (-) to zoom out.
Step 4: Explore additional options like “Hover Text” for a magnified view of text under your cursor.
Zoom features provide a flexible way to temporarily enlarge any part of your screen, which is helpful for reading small text or examining details in images.
Adjust Individual App Settings
Many Mac applications offer their own text size settings:
Safari
Step 1: Open Safari and go to “Safari” > “Settings” in the menu bar.
Step 2: Click on the “Websites” tab.
Step 3: Select “Page Zoom” and set your preferred default zoom level.
Step 1: Open Mail and go to “Mail” > “Settings” in the menu bar.
Step 2: Click on the “Fonts & Colors” tab.
Step 3: Adjust the “Message font size” slider.
Notes
Step 1: Open Notes and go to “Notes” > “Settings” in the menu bar.
Step 2: Click on the “Font” dropdown to select a larger size.
Customizing text size within individual apps gives you precise control over readability in the programs you use most frequently.
Consider Third-Party Solutions
For users needing more advanced scaling options, third-party apps like BetterDisplay offer additional functionality:
Step 1: Download and install BetterDisplay from the developer’s website.
Step 2: Open the app and select your large display.
Step 3: Enable “Edit the system configuration of this display model”.
Step 4: Turn on “Enable flexible scaling” for more granular control over display scaling.
Third-party solutions can unlock HiDPI modes and scaling options not available through macOS settings, but they may require more technical knowledge to use effectively.
By combining these methods, you can significantly improve text readability on your Mac when connected to a large display. Start with adjusting the display scaling for an overall improvement, then fine-tune with accessibility options and app-specific settings as needed. Remember to take regular breaks and position your display at a comfortable distance to reduce eye strain during extended use.