SDR colors washed out and dim with external HDR display in macOS Big Sur

If HDR is enabled, HDR content looks great, but regular content such as the desktop is very dim. This happens initially in Windows too, but Windows has an "SDR/HDR Brightness Balance" setting to correct it. Does macOS have any setting like that? I am using a non-Apple display.

Mac mini, macOS 11.2

Posted on Mar 10, 2021 2:04 AM

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1 reply

Mar 11, 2021 10:06 AM in response to idjwert

Hello idjwert,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. It sounds like you're having trouble with SDR colors when using HDR. We are happy to share information that may help.

First, check out the information here: Play HDR video on Mac.

If you wish to make changes to the resolution or color of your display, you can find options under Apple menu  > System Preferences > Display.

Take care.

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SDR colors washed out and dim with external HDR display in macOS Big Sur

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