Apple Preview - 100% image scale displays as 200%?

I have a 5120x2880 image. That resolution exactly matches the resolution of my 27" iMac (currently set to "Default for display" under the display preferences.


Most image apps I use, when displaying this image at 100%, fill the screen exactly, with 1 image pixel to every 1 physical screen pixel. This includes Capture One Pro, Affinity Photo, and XnViewMP.


Apple Preview, in contrasts, when set to "Actual Size", displays the image at what looks like 200%. Note that I have the Images preferences set to "Define 100% scale as: 1 image pixel equals 1 screen pixel:



I'd have expected that setting to fill the screen exactly, not double it.


So: why is Preview doubling the size of the image? Does it not handle the Retina display the same as other image apps? Any insights appreciated.



Posted on Apr 9, 2021 11:22 AM

Reply
2 replies

Apr 19, 2021 5:58 AM in response to KrisAK

I have a similar issue (Big Sur on Mac Mini M1 and 5k).

I noticed that if I have an image with 144 DPI, Preview display it at 100%, any other DPI will be displayed at 200%.

In the attacched images, on the left the original image (96 DPI) and on the right a copy with DPI set to 144 (not resampled).


Really annoing because the expected behavior is "1px equal 1px" always!


This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Apple Preview - 100% image scale displays as 200%?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.