Software M1 Max MacBook Pro Resolution Workaround User Guide

June 13, 2024
Software

Software M1 Max MacBook Pro Resolution Workaround

Product Information

The M1 Max and M1 Pro MacBook Pro laptops have a limitation in their native screen resolution, which prevents users from changing to lower 16:10 resolutions such as 1280×800 and 1600×1000. This limitation restricts the resolution to 1920×1200, resulting in smaller text. Apple is aware of this issue and actively working on a patch to resolve it. In the meantime, a 3rd party solution called SwitchResX can be used to adjust screen resolution options.

Product Usage Instructions

  1. Click here to download the most recent version of SwitchResX.
  2. Install the application by following the on-screen instructions.
  3. Restart your laptop.
  4. Ensure both Xebec Tri-Screens are connected to your MacBook Pro via the USB-C cables.
  5. Launch SwitchResX from your System Preferences window.
  6. Click “Install Helper Tools” and follow the on-screen instructions.
  7. Click “Launch Daemon”.
  8. In the left-hand menu, click “RTK HDR (2)”.
  9. In the Display Information tab, select the checkbox next to “Scaled resolutions base:” and change the numbers to 1920 x 1200.
  10. Select the Custom Resolutions tab and click the “+” button in the bottom left.
  11. In the Scale to input field, enter 1280 for Horizontal and 800 for Vertical. Click OK.
  12. Click the “+” again and enter 1600 for Horizontal and 1000 for Vertical. Click OK.
  13. In the SwitchResX Control Apple Menu bar, select File -> Save settings or press the “S” key.
  14. Restart your MacBook Pro.
  15. Launch SwitchResX from your System Preferences window.
  16. In the left-hand menu, click “RTK HDR (2)” and go to the Current Resolutions tab.
  17. Scroll to find and select “1280 x 800, 60 Hz”. Notice how the resolution scales and the text on your screen appears larger.
  18. In the left-hand menu, click “RTK HDR (3)” and in the Current Resolutions tab, scroll to find and select “1600 x 1000, 60 Hz”.
  19. Congratulations! You have now installed 1280×800 and 1600×1000 resolutions as native options on your M1 Max or M1 Pro.

To access these resolutions within your Display Settings menu:

  1. Open your Display Settings (System Preferences -> Displays -> Display Settings).
  2. Select either of your Tri-Screens from the left-hand menu (RTK HRD (1) or RTK HRD (2)).
  3. Under the Color Profile dropdown, select “SwitchResX4 – RTK HDR”.
  4. Select “Scaled” under Resolution.
  5. You should now see your two new resolutions that you can select: 1280 x 800 and 1600 x 1000.

INTRODUCTION

We are aware of the current native screen resolution limitations on the new M1 Max and M1 Pro MacBook Pro laptops that affect your ability to change to a lower 16:10 resolution such as 1280×800 and 1600×1000, thus limiting your resolution to 1920×1200 (aka – rather small text). We have been in close contact with Apple regarding this limitation and they are both aware of the issue and actively working on a patch in MacOS to resolve this issue.
In the meantime we found a 3rd party solution, SwitchResX, that allows you to adjust your screen resolution options

Install Instructions

  1. Click here to download the most recent version of SwitchResX

  2. Install the application following the on screen instructions

  3. Restart your laptop

  4. Make sure you have both of your Xebec Tri-Screens connected to your MacBook Pro via the USB-C cables.
    Launch SwitchResX from your System Preferences window

  5. Click “Install Helper Tools” and follow the on screen instruction

  6. Click “Launch Daemon”

  7. In the left hand menu click “RTK HDR (2)”

  8. Within the “Display Information” tab select the checkbox next to “Scaled resolutions base:” and change the numbers to “1920” x “1200”

  9. Select the “Custom Resolutions” tab and click the “+” button in the bottom left

  10. In the Scale to input field, under the Horizontal column input “1280” and under Vertical input “800”. Click “OK”

  11. Click the “+” again and under the Horizontal column input “1600” and under Vertical input “1000”. Click “OK”

  12. In the SwitchResX Control Apple Menu bar select File -> Save settings. Or key in ⌘ S

  13. Restart your MacBook Pro

  14. Launch SwitchResX from your System Preferences window

  15. In the left hand menu click “RTK HDR (2)” and click in the “Current Resolutions” tab. Under Resolution scroll to find and select 1280 x 800, 60 Hz. Notice how the resolution scales and the text on your screen appears “larger”

  16. In the left hand menu click “RTK HDR (3)” and in the “Current Resolutions” tab, under Resolution scroll to find and select 1600 x 1000, 60 Hz

Congratulations! You have now installed 1280×800 and 1600×1000

resolutions as native options on your M1 Max or M1 Pro.

You can now access these resolutions within your Display Settings menu.

  • Open your Display Settings (System Preferences –> Displays –> Display Settings)

  • Select either of your Tri-Screens from the left hand menu (RTK HRD (1) or RTK HRD (2))

  • Under the Color Profile dropdown select SwitchResX4 – RTK HDR
    Select “Scaled” under Resolution

  • Now you should see your two new resolutions that you can select: 1280 x 800 and 1600 x 1000

References

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)  >>

Download This Manual (PDF format)

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