Best Free macOS Apps to Control External Displays and Their Resolutions | Best free macOS app for external display | change resolution macOS | free display manager for Mac | control external display resolution | macOS external display management tools | adjust resolution macOS

 If you're using a Mac with an external display, you might have faced the challenge of adjusting the display settings, such as resolution, scaling, or layout. Fortunately, there are several free macOS apps that make managing external displays and controlling their resolution a breeze. These apps allow you to enhance your productivity by providing more control over your screen setup, improving multitasking, and ensuring that your external display is always running at its optimal resolution.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top free apps for controlling external displays and their resolution on macOS, step by step. Let’s dive in!

1. DisplayMenu

DisplayMenu is a straightforward and free app that offers a simple way to change the resolution and control display settings for your external display directly from the menu bar.

Key Features:

  • Easily switch between available resolutions for your external monitor.
  • Works seamlessly with macOS to provide a smooth user experience.
  • Simple interface with quick access through the menu bar.

How to Use:

  1. Download DisplayMenu from the Mac App Store.
  2. Once installed, it will appear in your menu bar.
  3. Click on the DisplayMenu icon in the menu bar, and it will show you a list of available resolutions.
  4. Select the resolution that best suits your external display.

Pros:

  • Very lightweight and easy to use.
  • Provides a quick way to switch display settings.

Cons:

  • Limited advanced features compared to other apps.
  • Some users might miss more customization options.

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2. SwitchResX (Free Trial)

SwitchResX is an advanced utility for macOS that allows you to adjust external display resolution, change display orientation, and more. While the app is not entirely free, it does offer a 14-day free trial, which is perfect for users who want to test its features before committing.

Key Features:

  • Change the resolution and color depth for external displays.
  • Ability to save custom resolutions.
  • Modify screen orientation and layout.
  • Provides advanced monitor calibration options.

How to Use:

  1. Download SwitchResX from its official website.
  2. Install the app and restart your Mac.
  3. Open SwitchResX from System Preferences or Menu Bar.
  4. Under the “Display” tab, choose your external monitor and adjust the resolution, scaling, and other settings.
  5. Save the settings and enjoy the new display configurations.

Pros:

  • Great for users who need advanced features.
  • Allows creation of custom resolutions.

Cons:

  • Free trial is limited to 14 days, after which you'll need to purchase the full version.
  • A bit more complex for new users compared to simpler apps.

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3. DisplayBuddy

DisplayBuddy is another great free tool to control your external displays and their resolutions on macOS. It allows you to adjust the brightness, contrast, and resolution of your external display with a few clicks.

Key Features:

  • Control the brightness, contrast, and resolution of your external monitors.
  • No need for additional hardware—works directly through your Mac’s settings.
  • Clean interface with easy-to-navigate controls.

How to Use:

  1. Download and install DisplayBuddy from the official website or Mac App Store.
  2. Open the app, and it will automatically detect all connected external displays.
  3. Use the DisplayBuddy interface to adjust your display’s brightness, resolution, and other settings.
  4. Save your preferred settings.

Pros:

  • Offers more control than simple resolution changers.
  • User-friendly interface.

Cons:

  • More limited features than SwitchResX.
  • Only works with supported display types.

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4. RDM (Retina Display Menu)

RDM (Retina Display Menu) is a lightweight and free app designed specifically for users with Retina displays and external monitors. It provides a straightforward way to manage resolution settings, making it an ideal choice for those who need quick adjustments without overcomplicating things.

Key Features:

  • Change resolution for Retina displays and external monitors.
  • Provides quick access to available resolutions.
  • Simple, no-frills interface.

How to Use:

  1. Download RDM from the official GitHub page or third-party sites.
  2. Install the app and open it.
  3. RDM will automatically detect your connected displays.
  4. Click the RDM icon in the menu bar and select the desired resolution from the list.

Pros:

  • Fast and easy to use.
  • No ads, bloatware, or unnecessary complexity.

Cons:

  • Only supports Retina displays and certain external monitors.
  • Lacks advanced features found in other apps.

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5. EasyRes

EasyRes is a simple and free app that provides quick access to adjust the display resolution on macOS. It offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface for external monitor users who want to quickly modify their screen settings.

Key Features:

  • Provides a list of available resolutions for your external display.
  • Fast access via the menu bar.
  • Works with multiple displays connected to your Mac.

How to Use:

  1. Install EasyRes from the Mac App Store.
  2. Open the app, and it will show up in your menu bar.
  3. Click on the EasyRes icon and choose from the available resolutions.
  4. Enjoy seamless switching between different display resolutions.

Pros:

  • Very easy to use with minimal setup.
  • Free and lightweight.

Cons:

  • Lacks advanced display features like color calibration.
  • Might not work perfectly with older external monitors.

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6. Conclusion: Best Free Apps for Controlling External Displays on macOS

Managing external displays on macOS doesn't need to be difficult, and with the right apps, it can be a breeze. Whether you’re looking for something simple like DisplayMenu or something more feature-rich like SwitchResX, there’s a free macOS app for controlling external display resolution that can fit your needs. Each of the apps listed above has its unique strengths, so choose the one that best suits your workflow.

With these tools, you’ll be able to quickly adjust your external displays and ensure they’re always running at their best, whether you're working on a high-resolution display or managing multiple monitors for enhanced productivity.

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