Why is my screen squished, zoomed in, cramped space

We recommend 15" screens and a resolution of 1680 x 1050 (16:10)

When using a laptop or computer for your daily tasks, screen size and resolution play  a crucial role in your productivity and comfort. If your screen feels "squished" or elements appear overlapped, you may need to make some adjustments.

1. Quick Fix: Adjust Zoom Settings

A common cause of overlapping or cramped displays is your browser or system's zoom level. You can adjust this easily with keyboard shortcuts:

  • The keyboard shortcuts to zoom out are command - / control - (for mac / pc respectively).
  • The keyboard shortcuts to zoom in are command + / control + (for mac / pc respectively).

2. Use Full-Screen Mode:

Running your app in full-screen mode can reduce clutter and improve visibility.

3. Quick List Real Estate Tip:

Click the "blue flag" on the quick list to gain more screen real estate, allowing more content to fit comfortability on your display.

4. Screen Resolution Settings:

Your display resolution could be misconfigured. Check your device’s resolution settings to ensure they match the recommended 1680 x 1050 (16:10 aspect ratio) for optimal display quality.

Why Screen Size Matters

While smaller laptops with 13" screens are great for portability - ideal for browsing on the go, presenting  at a conference, or jotting down quick notes - they aren't designed to be your primary workstation. Here's why:

  1. Limited Screen Real Estate:
    A smaller screen means less space to view documents, tabs, and applications side-by-side, leading to frequent switching between windows and slower workflow.

  2. Lower Resolutions:
    Smaller screens often support lower resolutions, which can make text and visuals appear cramped and harder to read.

  3. Productivity Challenges:
    Working on a smaller screen can feel restrictive, reducing your ability to multitask efficiently and potentially slowing down your workflow.

Tech Support Solutions

If you’re still experiencing issues, consider these troubleshooting tips:

  • Screen Resolution: Why does my screen look cramped or blurry? Double-check your resolution settings.
  • Button Overlaps: Are interface elements overlapping? Adjust scaling or zoom settings.
  • Full-Screen Mode: Always use apps in full-screen mode for the best experience.

The Ideal Setup for Productivity

We recommend using a screen size of 15" or more will increase your overall quality of life, allowing you to serve more students in less time.

If you’re unsure how to adjust resolution, check out this helpful video:

How to Set Your Screen Resolution

 

 

 

  • Screen size

  • Screen resolution

  • Display settings

  • Aspect ratio

  • Pixel density (PPI)

  • Screen dimensions

  • Monitor resolution

  • Display scaling

  • Resolution settings

  • Refresh rate

  • "What is the best screen size for ___?"

  • "Why doesn’t my resolution look right?"

  • "How do I reset display settings?"

  • "Best display settings for my monitor/laptop"

  • "Why does my screen resolution keep changing?"

  • "Adjusting screen size for better visibility"

  • Display calibration

  • Resolution settings for gaming

  • Wide-screen vs. standard displays

  • How to check screen resolution

  • Why does my screen look stretched or blurry?

  • Adjusting scaling for text and icons

  • Display resolution compatibility with software