RetinaDesk Tools is a set of three free, browser-based utilities for anyone choosing or troubleshooting an external display for a Mac.
Mac PPI Calculator & Retina Checker - enter any monitor's resolution and screen size to compute pixel density, see a live pixel-grid visualization, and find out whether it clears Apple's ~218 PPI Retina target and how macOS HiDPI scaling will render text on it.
Mac Cable Bandwidth Calculator - pick a resolution, refresh rate, and cable type (HDMI 2.0/2.1, DisplayPort 1.4/2.1, USB-C DP Alt Mode, Thunderbolt 3/4/5) and see the exact bandwidth required in Gbps, plus whether that link can actually carry 4K 120Hz, 5K 60Hz, or 6K.
Mac External Display Support - pick your exact Apple Silicon Mac (M1 through M5, 52 Mac variants covered) and see the maximum external display count, per-port resolution and refresh caps, and valid configurations - all sourced from Apple's official tech specs.
Why it exists: most "best monitor" lists recommend 4K panels that render text poorly on macOS. Apple's rendering pipeline targets ~218 PPI, and these tools answer the three questions that actually matter for Mac monitor shoppers: will it look sharp, will my cable carry it, and can my Mac drive it.
All tools are completely free, run entirely in the browser, require no account, and collect no data. Built by RetinaDesk, a no-fluff guide to 5K and 6K displays for Mac.
