The 2021 MacBook Pro has a notch, and some apps may have an issue where the menu bar items are hidden behind the blank. Fortunately, Apple has included a toggle to ensure that menu bar items appear under the notch instead.
What’s the problem here?
Apple moved the macOS menu bar on its new MacBook Pro models to the bezel, but cut out much of the screen for the FaceTime HD camera, TrueTone sensor, and ambient light sensor. Some people have strong opinions about change, but no matter what you think about it, problems can arise with the first degree.
The menu bar is where you’ll find contextual controls for the app you’re currently using, with sections like File, Edit, View, etc. Most apps don’t have a huge number of menu bar items to choose from, but some do. This can cause some items to disappear behind the slit, out of sight.
The problem may be exacerbated if you use a resizing display mode that makes the items on the screen larger. Older versions of apps that are not yet optimized for redesign suffer the most.
Related: Mac camera not working? Here’s how to fix it
How to Avoid Hiding Menu Bar Items on Mac
Apple has provided a solution that you can switch to on a per-app basis. If you notice that an app with its menu bar items is obscured by the notch, open Finder and head to the Applications folder.
If you’ve removed apps from your favourites, you can get there by clicking Go > Apps in the menu bar (don’t worry, Finder isn’t affected by the notch). Find the app in question and right-click on it and choose Get Info or select it and use the keyboard shortcut Command + i.
In the window that appears, check the “Scale to fit under the built-in camera” checkbox to enable the feature. Note that our example above uses Photoshop alternative Affinity Photo, an app that has already been updated to account for the degree that has not been affected by the issue.
Joseph Todaro from Sketch proof The feature on Twitter in a video uses the not-yet-updated Maxon Cinema 4D as an example.
Good news for those who hate class! If you have an app (or apps) with menus that conflict with the notch, just get info on the app, and enable “Scale to fit the built-in camera below”.
While the app is running (even in bg), your screen is scaled.#An apple #M1Pro # M1 Max # MacBookPro2021 pic.twitter.com/nlGqkFkXAH
– Joseph from Sketch (Jatodaro) October 27, 2021
Only apps affected by the problem will show any changes. If the app’s menu bar items fit snugly to the left of the notch, nothing changes.
slit problem
The notch is perhaps the biggest sticking point for many new MacBook Pro shoppers. The blast around the notch can be said to be a lot of fuss about nothing as this is the first MacBook Pro in years that many professionals have wanted to buy.
