https://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=509628
Bug ID: 509628
Summary: [Feature request] Support for 4:3/5:4 desktop
resolutions at full refresh rate via viewport scaling
(similar to Windows "desktop mode vs signal mode")
Classification: Plasma
Product: kwin
Version First 6.4.5
Reported In:
Platform: NixOS
OS: Linux
Status: REPORTED
Severity: wishlist
Priority: NOR
Component: general
Assignee: [email protected]
Reporter: [email protected]
Target Milestone: ---
Created attachment 185037
--> https://bugs.kde.org/attachment.cgi?id=185037&action=edit
Screenshot from Windows 11 display settings: "Desktop mode: 1400×1050@240Hz,
Active signal mode: 1920×1080@240Hz"
SUMMARY
I would like to request a feature in KWin Wayland sessions: the ability to run
applications at **non-native desktop resolutions** (e.g. 1400×1050, 1280×1024)
while keeping the **monitor’s physical mode at 1920×1080@240Hz.**
STEPS TO REPRODUCE
1.
2.
3.
OBSERVED RESULT
* I have a 240 Hz display. Some classic/competitive games (e.g. Counter-Strike
1.5, Ballance) only work correctly at 4:3 or 5:4 resolutions.
* On Windows I can select:
Desktop mode: 1400x1050 @ 240Hz
Active signal mode: 1920x1080 @ 240Hz
Windows handles the scaling automatically.
* On Linux X11, I can replicate this using `nvidia-settings` and `metamodes`
(ViewPortIn, ViewPortOut).
* On Wayland with KWin, there is currently no way to do this. Forcing EDID
timings is unreliable and can cause display issues.
EXPECTED RESULT
* Allow setting a logical desktop resolution independent from the physical
mode.
* GPU scales or letterboxes the logical resolution into the panel’s active
signal mode.
* Provide scaling options in the settings:
* Preserve aspect ratio (pillarbox/letterbox)
* Stretch to full screen
* Integer scaling (where possible).
SOFTWARE/OS VERSIONS
Operating System: NixOS 25.11
KDE Plasma Version: 6.4.5
KDE Frameworks Version: 6.18.0
Qt Version: 6.9.2
Kernel Version: 6.16.7 (64-bit)
Graphics Platform: Wayland
Processors: 20 × 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-12700H
Memory: 24 GiB of RAM (23.3 GiB usable)
Graphics Processor: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Existing X11 mechanism: nvidia-settings metamodes
`$ nvidia-settings -a CurrentMetaMode="DP-1: 1920x1080_240 +0+0
{ViewPortIn=1400x1050, ViewPortOut=1920x1080+0+0, Panning=1400x1050}"`
WHY THIS MATTERS
* Without this feature, many older or competitive games cannot be played
properly once X11 support is removed.
* Gamers often rely on 4:3 stretched or black-bar modes for both compatibility
and personal preference.
* Windows users expect this feature to exist; lack of it makes Linux less
viable for gaming.
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