Is it possible to set a higher resolution desktop, but make it look like a smaller one?

[Intelman07]

I want to increase my desktop resolution to something above 1024x768, but I want things to look just as 'big' as 1024x768. The reason for this is, cleartype looks better at higher resolutions, and I like cleartype. At lower resolutions it is kinda blury, even after tweaks. Was just wondering if there was a utility out there that did this or not. I know you can play with DPI settings and icon size and such.

 

[DBSX]

I don't really think so. other than by changing icon sizes and maybe trying "Use Large Fonts" or "Extra Large Fonts"?

\Dan

 

[magomago]

I Know what you mean. I just use extra large fonts for windows, which helps a little. I also increase it in Linux, but in both OS/es it doesn't seem big enough...

 

[xtknight]

You can also use a virtual desktop where you scroll the screen.

 

[sourceninja]

You can increase yoru DPI which will make everything bigger. But it doesnt' work right on windows and will break some apps.

 

[acole1]

Originally posted by: Intelman07
I want to increase my desktop resolution to something above 1024x768, but I want things to look just as 'big' as 1024x768. The reason for this is, cleartype looks better at higher resolutions, and I like cleartype. At lower resolutions it is kinda blury, even after tweaks. Was just wondering if there was a utility out there that did this or not. I know you can play with DPI settings and icon size and such.

Maybe I didn?t get enough sleep last night, but what you want to do does not make sense to me.

You want to raise the resolution to make things sharper... but still keep them big. Well it seems like keeping them big is why you?re having blur issues in the first place. Wouldn't it be counter productive to increase resolution and then blow everything up?? It would seem like it would just distort again. 1024 is good enough for most people. If you're having trouble seeing things at 1024 you might try some glasses. (No offence intended... but it's a standard size for a reason. Most people can see things fine without blowing up icons at 1024x768.)

Now I could see the problem with 1280x1024 on a monitor that is 15", but 1024x768 expected on everything 17", and 1280x1024 on 19", and so on. You could always get a larger monitor! 1024x768 on a 19" looks nice and large.

 

[Smilin]

Display properties | Settings tab | advanced button.

Change DPI setting from Normal size (96dpi) to Large (120dpi).

You'll get things about the same size as a lower resolution, but with sharp details.


Be forewarned, application and form developers are supposed to write things in such away that this is automatically compensated for. I've seen an occasional app that fomats forms kinda funny when this is on. Doesn't break anything but the cosmetics can be ugly. Rare tho.