The recently released BetterDisplay 5 introduced advanced image adjustments and custom 3D LUTs, picture-in-picture for individual windows, HDMI-CEC TV control, visual display arrangement, a built-in console, expanded automation, and a refreshed interface with an optional sidebar layout. This version focuses on fixing reported issues, improvements to display control configuration, arrangement, image adjustments, streaming, and macOS compatibility.
BetterDisplay 5 is a free upgrade for Pro licenses purchased on or after January 1, 2025.
- Updating through the built-in updater preserves an already completed activation with an older Pro license, but displays an outdated-license notice. A current license removes the notice.
- An outdated license cannot activate a new or deactivated BetterDisplay 5 installation. Do not deactivate your existing installation if you intend to continue using it with an older license.
- Free features remain available without a Pro license, as before.
More information: Outdated Pro License FAQ
BetterDisplay 5 supports Apple silicon and Intel Macs running macOS 27 Golden Gate or macOS 26 Tahoe. Users running an earlier version of macOS should continue using BetterDisplay 4.
What's New in v5.0.6
- Simplified Device Control configuration. Reorganized controller settings make available options easier to find and understand. DDC, Apple brightness control, and control integrations can now be added and removed similarly to other controllers. (#5831)
- Faster multi-display DDC control. Dedicated command queues allow displays to respond independently, improving responsiveness during simultaneous adjustments and syncing. Enabled by default on Apple Silicon and optionally available on Intel Macs. (#5827)
- Stronger sharpening effects. Increased the maximum Sharpness value from 2 to 10 and Unsharp Mask from 10 to 25. Sharpness now also expands its radius above 2, preserving existing behavior at lower values. (#5830)
- Stream video filter automation. Added CLI controls for configuring video filters used by PIP, display streams, and Video Filter Windows. (#5820)
- Adjustable rounded display corners. Added sliders to configure rounded corners for displays. (#5826)
- Improved visual display arrangement. Mirrored displays are indicated behind their source, and an edge glow helps identify the physical display being dragged in Move Displays > Arrange. (#5808, #5807)
- Safer built-in display handling on base M3 Macs. Disconnecting the built-in display is now disabled by default on affected MacBook models, where reconnection may require a restart. An explicit setting allows users to override this protection. (#4723)
- Safer color table control with custom profiles. A new safeguard, enabled by default, disables color table adjustments across all displays when a custom color profile is selected to prevent a macOS black-screen bug. Color profile warnings explain the restriction or risk when overridden. (#5835)
- Clearer image adjustment status. Settings now shows the active image adjustment method and explains why color table control may be unavailable. (#5834)
- Improved color profile identification. Shared custom profiles now have a distinct icon, and Remove All Factory Profiles preserves them while removing only macOS-generated factory profiles. (#5833)
These changes are accompanied by performance optimizations, stability improvements, compatibility updates, and bug fixes throughout the app.
View all v5.0.6 enhancements and bug fixes
BetterDisplay 5 Highlights
- Advanced image controls: Compositor filters, sharpening, color adjustments, and custom 3D LUTs.
- Expanded PIP and streaming: Capture individual windows or groups of windows, with flexible filtering and presentation.
- Improved display and device control: Visual display arrangement, more flexible groups, HDMI-CEC, and improved external controllers.
- A refreshed interface: Optional sidebar layout, faster app menu, refined OSDs, and simpler Settings.
- More automation and diagnostics: Built-in console, expanded CLI and Shortcuts support, display event commands, and richer reports.
- Broader language support: 39 language and regional variants, with right-to-left support.
View the original BetterDisplay 5 release notes
Included Localizations
Arabic, Bulgarian, Catalan, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, English (British), Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latvian, Malay, Norwegian Bokmål, Persian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
Contributors: @afkeceli, @aldoraibi, @AndryTi, @andrwmai, @BingoKingo, @brzenio, @cfuentea, @chihuahua-experience, @cristianritco, @dimaitre, @dotWee, @DrRoglaa, @dvanzoerlandt, @enormous-rat, @giulianopires, @gpnunes75, @HaiBliss, @hshsilver, @hw0603, @ibrayd, @jacktechstudio, @JulyIghor, @Kcraft059, @MapleLeaf14, @marcinkardas, @MazlumSerbest, @mickimnet, @mikevic18, @MonolitheMedia, @moriLiu, @niklasbogensperger, @old-cookie, @PatrykM13, @pavlik000-collab, @PuzzledUser, @SakiPapa, @shpokas, @skantek, @stonkol, @sup3rb3ar, @yeager, @waydabber.
