How to Change the Screen Resolution on Linux

Linux steps vary depending on your desktop environment (Ubuntu GNOME, KDE Plasma, XFCE, etc.), but the process is very similar across all major distributions.

Table of Contents

On Ubuntu / GNOME

Open Settings.
Go to Displays.
Under Resolution, choose your desired resolution.
Click Apply.
Confirm the change within the countdown to keep the new resolution.

On KDE Plasma

Open System Settings.
Select Display and Monitor.
Go to Display Configuration.
Choose a resolution from the Resolution dropdown.
Click Apply.

On Linux Mint (Cinnamon)

Open the Menu → Preferences.
Click Display.
Select a resolution from the list.
Click Apply.

Using Terminal (Universal Method)

If the GUI method is not available or you’re running a minimal environment, use:

1. View available resolutions

xrandr

Linux Terminal

2. Set a resolution

Example:

xrandr --output HDMI-1 --mode 1920x1080

3. Add a custom resolution

cvt 1920 1080

Copy the generated modeline and run:

xrandr --newmode "1920x1080_60.00" <paste-modeline-here>
xrandr --addmode HDMI-1 1920x1080_60.00
xrandr --output HDMI-1 --mode 1920x1080_60.00