MacBook Pro M4 Pro: Text too small at high resolution

Hello,


I have a MacBook Pro M4 Pro and I’m using the Cisco VPN application. I would like to change the resolution from 1800x1169 to 3024x1964, but the problem is that the text becomes too small and I can’t enlarge it on the desktop or in the settings. Is there any solution that allows me to keep the maximum resolution while making the text larger? It would really help me both for Cisco VPN and for general use on my MacBook.


Thank you!


Posted on Dec 1, 2025 3:31 AM

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Posted on Dec 1, 2025 3:48 AM

Running your M4 Pro MacBook at the full 3024×1964 resolution makes text extremely small, especially in older apps like Cisco VPN. You can keep maximum resolution and increase text size by adjusting system Text Size, enabling Low Resolution Mode for Cisco, using HiDPI scaling modes, or using zoom accessibility features. The Cisco client is not HiDPI-friendly, so “Open in Low Resolution” usually fixes it.

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Dec 1, 2025 3:48 AM in response to Alexandru000

Running your M4 Pro MacBook at the full 3024×1964 resolution makes text extremely small, especially in older apps like Cisco VPN. You can keep maximum resolution and increase text size by adjusting system Text Size, enabling Low Resolution Mode for Cisco, using HiDPI scaling modes, or using zoom accessibility features. The Cisco client is not HiDPI-friendly, so “Open in Low Resolution” usually fixes it.

Dec 1, 2025 6:16 PM in response to Alexandru000

When you use Retina scaling modes with “half” of the native resolution of the LCD panel, or more, you are using the panel’s full resolution.


In Retina “like 1512x982” mode, the Mac sizes text and objects @as if@ the screen only had 1512x982 pixels, but actually draws at a 3024x1964 level of detail. (Assuming Retina-aware applications, which most are, these days.)

Dec 1, 2025 8:21 AM in response to Alexandru000

Scaled resolution ALWAYS uses the maximum resolution.


The "resolutions" cited when using scaled refer ONLY the what Text "looks like". Your screen actually runs at its natural maximum resolution, and graphics are drawn that way.


Text is first drawn into a temporary off-screen buffer at multiples of the size needed, such as 4x size. Then MacOS uses smart Scaling to reduce the size while keeping sharp edges and smooth diagonals, and renders the Scaled text into the screen buffer for display.

Dec 1, 2025 10:21 AM in response to Alexandru000

Alexandru000 wrote:

Hello,

I have a MacBook Pro M4 Pro and I’m using the Cisco VPN application. I would like to change the resolution from 1800x1169 to 3024x1964, but the problem is that the text becomes too small and I can’t enlarge it on the desktop or in the settings. Is there any solution that allows me to keep the maximum resolution while making the text larger? It would really help me both for Cisco VPN and for general use on my MacBook.

Thank you!


Not sure the significance of < Cisco VPN application > maybe I am missing something.


I don't have a M-series mac..however


On my Intel I have an option to see all resolution—

pick something in-between if you have an issue with your "3024x1964"... as described(?)



For in app text size the universal keyboard shortcut commands:


Command + larger

Command - smaller

Command 0 default size



ref:


Dec 1, 2025 11:21 AM in response to Alexandru000

Alexandru000 wrote:

I tried setting the same resolution you have, like 1792x1120 or another one, but it doesn’t look clear.


and ?


Your default is likely not same default for screen size on an Intel Mac....so I don't get the significance of your reply.



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MacBook Pro M4 Pro: Text too small at high resolution

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