BetterDisplay

BetterDisplay is an advanced display manager for macOS. It adds flexible HiDPI scaling, custom resolutions, brightness and volume control, XDR and HDR brightness tools, virtual screens, Picture in Picture, display configuration protection, automation and other controls that macOS does not provide by default - all from the menu bar.

Anyone who connects a Mac to an external monitor, TV, projector, iPad, remote desktop or multi-display workstation. It is especially valuable for 1440p, 4K, 5K, ultrawide, high-refresh-rate, HDR and non-standard displays, and for developers, designers, video professionals, remote workers and technical users who need precise control over their setup.

BetterDisplay includes a practical set of free features for personal, non-business use. Advanced capabilities are available with BetterDisplay Pro, and the complete Pro feature set can be evaluated during a 14-day trial. Business use requires a license after the trial period, including use of the free features.

No. BetterDisplay Pro uses a perpetual license rather than a subscription. A purchase unlocks the current major version permanently and includes at least one year of free updates, including any major upgrade released during that period. Versions unlocked by the license remain available after the update period ends.

Pro features are disabled when the trial expires unless a license is activated, while the included free features remain available for eligible personal, non-business use. The trial is meant to confirm the features you need work correctly with your Mac, macOS version, monitor, dock, adapter and connection type before purchasing.

The current BetterDisplay release supports both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs running recent macOS, including macOS Tahoe, Sequoia, Sonoma and supported Ventura releases (13.2 or later). Legacy BetterDisplay versions remain available for older macOS. Individual features may require a specific Mac architecture, macOS version, GPU, display or connection type.

Yes. BetterDisplay can unlock flexible HiDPI scaling and additional scaled resolutions on compatible displays, including many monitors for which macOS offers limited or unsuitable scaling. This helps when native resolution makes text too small, standard scaling makes the interface too large, or a 1440p, ultrawide or non-standard display does not receive useful HiDPI options automatically.

Yes. BetterDisplay can use the native brightness, volume and mute keys to control compatible external displays. Depending on the monitor and connection, control may use hardware DDC commands, software image adjustment or a combination of both, and can include brightness, volume, mute, input selection and display power.

No. Hardware control depends on whether the monitor supports DDC and whether the cable, adapter, dock and connection path allow DDC communication. Some USB-C, DisplayPort and HDMI connections work directly, while certain docks and adapters block or limit it. BetterDisplay also provides software-based brightness and color adjustment where hardware control is unavailable.

Yes, on compatible hardware. BetterDisplay provides several XDR and HDR brightness-upscaling methods that can extend brightness beyond the standard macOS range. Available methods depend on the Mac, macOS version, display, HDR capabilities and connection type. It can also combine hardware and software dimming to reduce brightness below the monitor’s normal minimum.

Virtual screens create additional macOS displays without physical monitors or HDMI dummy plugs. Each can use a chosen resolution, aspect ratio, orientation, refresh rate and HiDPI configuration. They are useful for remote access, headless Macs, screen recording, streaming, presentations, testing, custom Sidecar layouts, Picture in Picture and any workflow that needs a display surface with specific dimensions.

Yes. A headless Mac can otherwise provide restricted resolutions or low-quality display modes to remote desktop software. BetterDisplay can create a high-resolution HiDPI virtual screen for remote access, allowing the session to use a sharper, more practical desktop without keeping a physical monitor connected.

Yes. BetterDisplay can help maintain resolution, refresh rate, rotation, variable refresh rate, color profile, brightness, scaling and arrangement across multiple displays. It can also synchronize controls, organize screens into groups, create adaptive arrangements and disconnect or reconnect compatible displays without physically unplugging them.

Yes. BetterDisplay supports command-line control, macOS Shortcuts, App Intents, custom URLs, HTTP requests, shell scripts and notification-based integrations. These can switch display configurations, automate workspaces, manage remote systems and create repeatable setups for offices, studios, laboratories and technical environments.

BetterDisplay is not built around advertising, behavioral analytics or a marketing mailing list. Network communication is used for functions such as licensing, crash diagnostics, software updates and downloading application components, and an option is available to disable all network communication. Payments and license delivery are handled through Paddle, while crash diagnostics use Sentry.

BetterDisplay is supported through its public GitHub repository and community resources. GitHub Issues track bugs and known problems, GitHub Discussions help with configurations and feature requests, and the BetterDisplay Wiki contains technical guides, setup instructions, compatibility information and integration documentation.