My Apple Cinema Display (2004) will only display the resolution I want with having MacBook Pro (2017) with the lid OPEN

Question

My Apple Cinema Display (2004) will only display the resolution I want with having MacBook Pro (2017) with the lid OPEN

I have a MacBook Pro (2017) connected to a 30-inch Apple Cinema Display (2004) via the StarTech USB 3.1 Type-C to Dual Link DVI-I Adapter, running macOS Ventura.

On my MacBook, the Displays set-up for Cinema HD Display is:

Mirror for Built-in Display

Optimise for Ben's MacBook Pro

Colour profile: Cinema HD Display

And the Displays set-up for Cinema HD Display is:

Use as Main display

Optimise for Ben's MacBook Pro

1440x900 (Default)

The result is a fantastic-looking set-up, with the UI looking "larger" than normal, but with excellent readability (that is, the text is smooth and everything on-screen is in proportion) and the desktop "fits" on the display perfectly.

Super-helpful for this 47yo with eyes that aren't what they once were.

However!

It will only do this with the lid open!

I've tried everything that I can think of but can't get it to replicate this look with the lid down.

I've just ordered an M4 Mac Mini (as an upgrade to the MacBook) and am suddenly worried I'll lose my perfect set-up!

Can anyone help at all?

I hope I've included enough information.

Thank you in advance!

BenPod

[Edited by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 13″

Posted on Aug 4, 2025 12:02 PM

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Answer 1

tbirdvet

Level 6

16,721 points

Aug 4, 2025 01:52 PM in response to DislikesTheCold

Perhaps this will help from AI assistant:

When using a MacBook Pro with an external monitor in clamshell mode (lid closed), the external display may show the wrong resolution or settings because macOS treats the external monitor as a new display setup when the lid is closed and opened again. To fix this, you need to configure the display settings separately for each scenario (lid open and lid closed).

Here's how to address this issue:

1. Configure Display Settings with Lid Open:

Open System Settings: Go to Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences) > Displays.
Select External Display: Choose the external monitor from the list of displays.
Adjust Resolution: Set the desired resolution and refresh rate for the external monitor.
Arrange Displays: If you have multiple displays, arrange them according to your preference in the "Arrangement" tab.

2. Configure Display Settings with Lid Closed (Clamshell Mode):

Close the Lid: Close the MacBook's lid to activate clamshell mode.
Repeat Steps from 1: Follow steps 1-4 from the "Configure Display Settings with Lid Open" section above to adjust the resolution and arrangement of the external monitor specifically for this mode.
Alternatively: You can also use the "Show all resolutions" option to see additional resolutions for the display

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