Adjusting the screen image

    To adjust the image on your screen, use the Monitors control panel.

    Open the Monitors control panel for me.

    For help using the Monitors control panel, open the Help menu and choose Show Balloons. Then, point to the item you want to know more about.

    Tip: You can also use the Control Strip or the controls on your monitor to adjust certain settings. To view all the resolutions supported by your monitor, hold down the Control key and click the Display Resolutions portion of the Control Strip.

    If you have more than one monitor:
    Use the control panel that appears on each monitor to adjust its settings. Use the control panel on the primary monitor to arrange how your monitors are set up.

    If you can't change your monitor's resolution:
    The resolutions available are determined by the amount of video memory in your computer and the capabilities of your monitor. Make sure your monitor is properly connected to your computer. Connect the monitor cables to your computer, then connect your keyboard to the port on the monitor. Also make sure that the software that came with your monitor is installed and active.

Solving problems with the screen image

    If the image is wavy:
    Try selecting a different resolution, or change the desktop pattern by using the Appearance control panel.

    Open the Appearance control panel for me.

    Try adjusting the tracking setting if your Monitors control panel has a tracking option.

    If the image is distorted:
    Try one or more of these solutions:
    • Unplug and move any electrical motor devices, such as fans, away from your monitor.
    • Turn the monitor's power off and on again.
    • If your monitor has a Degauss button (on the front of the monitor or in the Monitors control panel), press it to reset the screen image. If you have an Apple Studio Display (21-inch CRT), the Degauss button becomes available 20 minutes after the last time you reset the screen image.
    • If your Monitors control panel has a Geometry section, adjust the screen shape using the Geometry section options.

    If there is a rainbow effect, or text is blurry:
    You may need to adjust the convergence or tracking. If your Monitors control panel has a Geometry section, click the Convergence button in the Geometry section, then follow the onscreen instructions. If your monitor has a Tracking button in the Flat Panel section, click it and then follow the onscreen instructions.

    If the colors look grainy:
    The number of colors, called "color depth," that your monitor can display is determined by the amount of video RAM in your computer and the current resolution setting of the monitor. If your computer supports it, try switching to a lower resolution and a higher color depth using the Monitors control panel.

    If you want to return to the original settings:
    If your Monitors control panel has a Geometry section, you can restore the original settings for contrast, brightness, and color by holding down the Option key and clicking the Factory Settings button in the Geometry section.

    If you can't see the menu bar:
    If your Monitors control panel has a Geometry section, try turning off Overscan or adjusting the image position and height and width in the Geometry section options.

    If you have an Apple Studio Display (21-inch CRT) and you see color patches on the top, bottom, and corners of the screen image:
    Adjust the Beam Landing in the Geometry section of the Monitors control panel.

    Note: For more detailed information on troubleshooting, see the setup documentation that came with your monitor.

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