SwitchResX for Mac

Used SwitchResX for Mac?

SwitchResX Analysis

AI Assisted Content · January 7, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

SwitchResX is a utility designed for macOS that allows users to switch between various screen resolutions effortlessly. It is particularly useful for those who frequently change display settings due to different screen sizes or when connecting external monitors. The application provides a comprehensive list of default resolutions accessible through a convenient drop-down menu, making it easy to find the right setting quickly. Additionally, users have the option to create custom resolutions tailored to their needs, enhancing its versatility for various display scenarios.

One of the standout features of SwitchResX is its ability to link monitor settings to specific system events, which can streamline the user experience, especially for those familiar with AppleScript. However, the interface can be somewhat complex, potentially posing a challenge for new users. Despite this, the utility remains a valuable tool for adjusting screen settings and includes a restore option to revert to previous configurations.

SwitchResX for Mac

Used SwitchResX for Mac?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: September 10, 2020

Latest update: January 7, 2026

Version: 4.14.2

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System: macOS 10.15

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 36,460

Downloads Last Week: 7

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Last Updated

User Reviews

3.4/5

36 User Votes

WARNING- DO NOT DOWNLOAD
Ww BlogJanuary 18, 2016
Pros
... nothing
Cons
- Set Yahoo as my default search engine on Chrome and Safari - Put Ebay in my Chrome extensions - Did not do what a CNET article told me it would do - ONLY LET ME USE IT FOR 10 DAYS DURING MY FREE TRIAL - Also most likely gave me some kind of trojan virus! :D
Summary
DO NOT DOWNLOAD THIS, DO NOT TRUST THIS!!
Works great for setting up a default resolution
kingdude1August 19, 2011
Pros
Works fantastic. I was having problem keeping a 1366x768 resolution - I'd reboot and sometimes have 1366x768 but mostly would get 1280x768 - now everytime I boot - I get my default resolution. Fantastic
Cons
It takes a couple of minutes to figure out how to use, but just fool around with it, you'll figure it out. Plus it has a manual, that definitely helps.
Summary
For setting up a default resolution in Mac - it works fantastic!
Lacks instructions and user friendly features
jb510November 8, 2009
Pros
One of only two choices out there... Neither of which are very friendly to use.
Cons
Can't test/apple screen resolutions without rebooting. No built in graphic for determining screen size/overscan like DisplayConfigX has.
Summary
I only tried this out during the free trail period and never could get it to create a screen resolution that really worked right on my HDTV. I must of fiddled and rebooted a hundred times. I'm glad I didn't pay for it. If it had an graphic on screen that showed you what you'd get after adjsut screen sizes it'd be worth it, but it doesn't. It's incredibly non-user friendly even for those that actually understand screen resolutions/overscan etc. This is one step up from the command line, and a long way from what most expect in a Mac focused app.
Saved The Day - Fantastic Software
bsetterJune 27, 2006
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I could not get my new 19" LCD display to work with my Powerbook G4 and with this software I was able to make a custom screen resolution and presto it is working great! If you are in my shoes this will save the day and the price was great! Way better than buying a $99 apple product to do the same thing!
SwitchRes X 3.7.4 UB Support Complete
chashulmeJune 16, 2006
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Version 3.7.4 Universal Binary (UB) plays very nicely with Unsanity's Application Enhancer 2.0 UB on my MacBook Pro. So, extended support for blocking res changes on Mac Intel machines (at least my MacBook Pro) is back and works great. Thanks Stephane.
Keep your fingers off this, if...
info807March 27, 2006
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Keep your fingers off this product, if you don't know details about monitor resolutions and adjustments. SwitchResX is a highly professional tool, that can change lots of things. If you don't know, what your doing, and you do a guessing job instead, don't complain about strange effects, that might appear afterwards. My experience with SwitchResX is: great product with lots of options, that helped me a lot both with various beamers (tutoring) and my journalistic work (testing LCD-TV and other) with any type of connection (DVI, HDMI, D-Sub) on my PBG4-15"-1G.
Great app!
micha221January 23, 2006
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Hello, I use SwitchRes for so many years and I'm glad to have it onboard. It's a great app, it saved my life in so many situations. But for all those, who are grumbling about SwitchRes, you should know something about the basics (frequency, etc.) before trying bad things to your monitor. This is for all of you, who are crying that your monitors are destroyed after using SwitchRes. So just think before doing any careless things in SwitchRes!!
Good Screen Driver Tuner
VersionTrackerUserOpinionJanuary 8, 2006
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I had an overscan problem when connecting in Full HD (1920x1080/60Hz) my G4 Cube w/ Radeon 7500 under OSX 10.3.9 to a Sony video projector VPL-VW100. SwitchRes 3.6.3 solved my problem by shifting the screen +16 pixels right. It would benefit from a better user manual / tutorial for non-experts thou.
Good tool
EllemJanuary 8, 2006
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Allowed me to correctly set up my plasma display with my mini. A bit difficult to set up, though, but very good support from the developer
DESTROYED MY MONITOR
japanimeDecember 24, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Tried to use this when plugging my PowerBook G4 12-inch via DVD-to-S-video adapter to our plasma TV. Upon rebooting the PowerBook, the screen on the computer comes up white, and there's no way to get it back. Tried uninstalling, deleting the trash, zapping the PRAM, etc. etc. I will be the first to admit that it's completely my fault for trusting this junk $hareware in the first place, but it still must be said: THIS CRAPTACULAR $OFTWARE HAS HOSED MY POWERBOOK. Merry Effing Christmas.

Developer’s Description

By Stephane Madrau

Custom resolutions, desktop icon position saving & more.

SwitchRes X helps you manage the resolution of all your monitors. You can access to the resolutions of all your displays in a simple, customizable menu. SwitchRes X incorporates features relative to the Monitor Resolution, Monitor BitDepth, and Video Mirroring into one single utility. You can use its menu in the Menu Bar or click on the Finder Desktop with its Contextual Menu Plugin to gain access to all these settings from within every application. It even allows you to create new custom resolutions.