How can I increase the font size on my MacBook Pro menu bar?

Question

Level 1

46 points

How can I increase the font size on my MacBook Pro menu bar?

I'm using a 5K studio display to edit high resolution video. I'd like to keep the display at full resolution and make the text size much larger on the menu bar and app UI.

Every thread on this topic ignores the need for creatives to use the full resolution of their displays while also avoiding eye strain from reading the text. It is not the same to read small text and to focus occasionally on high resolution details in graphical content like video or still images. As of today, Apple's limited ability to adjust the GUI of the OS is not adequate of for the task.

In some previous but similar threads, I fond it insulting and ignorant when others told the OPs to lower the screen resolution. What't the point of buying a 5K display if you are expected to use it at half resolution to be able to use the OS?

We want the ability to have larger text and full resolution graphics. Is this too much to ask?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.2

Posted on Jan 7, 2025 3:35 PM

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Answer 1

tbirdvet

Level 6

17,277 points

Jan 8, 2025 4:19 PM in response to m010726

Go to preferences, accessibility, menu bar size and set to large. Also you can make some changes to text size with the custom setting in Accessibility pane.

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Answer 2

m010726 Author

Level 1

46 points

Jan 9, 2025 11:01 PM in response to Tom Gewecke

Thanks, Tom Gewecke, for that info about the direct feedback reports for deficiencies like this. I sent one their way, along with a few other bug reports.

Barney 15E, I have 20/10 vision. My concern is a more complex issue of geometry and ergonomics. Clearly, the text in menu bar is at extreme edge of display, hence further from my central eye position. I'd like to keep my head centered at a healthy distance to see fine details in the center, but not have to move my head repetitively to refocus.

My needs are more sophisticated or nuanced.

[Edited by Moderator]

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Answer 3

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

122,420 points

Jan 8, 2025 9:56 AM in response to m010726

m010726 wrote:

We want the ability to have larger text and full resolution graphics. Is this too much to ask?

To directly bug Apple about this, you need to use

hhttp://www.apple.com/feedback

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Answer 4

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,696 points

Jan 9, 2025 8:21 PM in response to m010726

Where does your 20/10 vision focus?

Mine is primarily near. My right eye focuses farther away than my left. That causes problems when viewing a computer. My right eye is also 20/15 at distance. My left not so much.

Getting glasses that corrected the focus disparity makes the menu bar text quite clear. If it is not easy to see for you, maybe your vision isn’t as perfect as you think.

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Answer 5

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,696 points

Jan 7, 2025 6:59 PM in response to m010726

In some previous but similar threads, I fond it insulting and ignorant when others told the OPs to lower the screen resolution. What't the point of buying a 5K display if you are expected to use it at half resolution to be able to use the OS?

You could buy some glasses.

We want the ability to have larger text and full resolution graphics. Is this too much to ask?

You should ask the people who can do something about it. We don't work for Apple nor have any input into their design decisions.

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