‘Scale to Fit’ Workaround Scales Apps That Don’t Support MacBook Pro’s Display Notch

The new MacBook Pro models with Mini-LED screens have run into further controversy around the notch, with Apple having to introduce what seems to be a quick workaround for apps that run into trouble with said notch.

According to 9to5Mac, the new MacBook Pro models include a new feature called “Scale to fit below built-in camera.” This option can be found in the Get Info menu of macOS apps. It’s off by default, as most apps play nicely with the notch. However, if an app is misbehaving and showing menus/icons behind the notch, then toggling it is a good idea.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Select an application in which you want to hide the notch
2. Right-click on the app and select Get Info
3. Select Scale to fit below built-in camera
4. Re-open the application and the top bar will be scaled, shown with a black bar, moving the rest of the application further down, essentially making it look just like a 16-inch MacBook Pro from 2019.

This feature shrinks your MacBook’s display, so digital black bars emerge from all sides. You end up with a smaller screen, but the notch will no longer be in the way.

Good news for notch haters! If you’ve got an app (or apps) with menus that collide with the notch, just Get Info on the app, and enable “Scale to fit below built-in camera”.

While the app is running (even in the bg), your display is scaled.#Apple #M1Pro #M1Max #MacBookPro2021 pic.twitter.com/nlGqkFkXAH

— Joseph from Sketch (@Jatodaro) October 27, 2021

This is expected behavior in macOS, with Apple adding this compatibility mode into macOS Monterey specifically so that apps won’t “unintentionally put content in the region the housing (eg: the notch) occupies.”

We’re not entirely sure why Apple is making this a per-app choice; when we feel the better option would be to turn the compatibility mode on system-wide until developers have updated their apps to stay out of the notch.