Built-in computer magnification tools are invaluable for anyone seeking greater clarity while reading on screen. These digital tools function like handheld magnifying glasses, enlarging items for easier viewing. You can find various magnifiers within your computer’s operating system settings, making it simple to enhance your reading experience. In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions for using magnification tools on Windows, Mac, and Chrome. Plus, don’t forget to keep offline solutions, like a handheld magnifier, handy for reading paper materials or when technology isn’t available. Let’s explore the benefits of these useful tools!
The benefits of computer magnification tools:
- Enlarges images and text making it easier to see and read
- Reduces eye strain and fatigue
- Increases productivity by viewing information more clearly and accurately
Microsoft: Magnification tools in Windows
Full screen, docked, or lens magnifier in Windows
The Windows Magnifier enables you to enlarge parts of your screen. The magnifier will follow your mouse pointer or text cursor. It starts with full screen magnification. You can change the view to a docked magnifier or a lens magnifier.
AbilityNet does a beautiful job providing step-by-step instructions with screenshots. Rather than replicate their work, I will send you straight to their instructions: How to magnify the screen in Windows 11. Click on the My Computer My Way icon to find instructions for your specific Windows version.
Magnifier Reader in Windows
The Magnifier Reader feature pairs magnification with text-to-speech technology. The magnification toolbar includes a play button for spoken feedback of selected text and another button (arrow and speaker icon) to point and click where you want text read aloud.
- Press the Windows icon/Start icon on the bottom left of your screen
- Select Settings (gear icon)
- Click on Ease of Access
- In the left side bar, select Magnifier under the heading Vision
- Enable “Turn on magnifier”
Microsoft Support article: How to use Magnifier reading
Apple: Magnification tools in macOS
Full-screen, split-screen, or picture-in-picture magnifier
The built-in magnification tool for macOS is called Zoom (not to be confused with the web browser zoom tool).
Like the Windows Magnifier, the Mac Zoom Magnifier enables you to enlarge parts of your screen. In addition, you may choose to use the full screen magnifier or change the view to a split-screen magnifier or a picture-in-picture magnifier.
AbilityNet does a great job providing step-by-step instructions with screenshots. Rather than replicate their work, I will send you straight to their instructions: How to magnify the screen in macOS 13 Ventura. Click on the My Computer My Way icon to find instructions for your specific macOS version.
Hover Text
The Hover Text Magnifier displays a window of enlarged text under the mouse pointer. Enable the checkbox in the Zoom magnifier settings.
- Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of the computer screen.
- Select System Settings (or System Preferences)
- Double-click Accessibility
- Press Zoom
- Enable Hoover Text
- To adjust the magnification levels, press the Advanced button. Then, select the Controls tab and determine your preferred method for adjusting the degree of magnification.
Google: Magnification tools in Chrome OS
Chrome OS which runs on Chromebooks includes a full screen magnifier and a docked magnifier. With the full screen magnifier, you can use the mouse cursor to pan around or the tab key and zoom to twenty times. With a docked magnifier, the top one-third 3 of the screen will be magnified and the other two-thirds of the screen will be at the default setting.
Learn how to turn on the magnifier by reading the AbilityNet article: How to use the screen magnifier in Chrome OS
You may also find this Google Chrome YouTube video helpful: Making Your Chromebook Easier to See The screen magnifier is mentioned at 1 minute 16 seconds into the video.
Additional tools for seeing text more clearly
There are 5 more ways to improve the visibility of text and make reading online easier.
- Increase spacing between words, letter, or lines
- Personalize font type and size
- High contrast theme, dark mode, or different background color
- Zoom tool
- Adjust screen brightness
Resource
My Computer My Way – Vision – This resource by AbilityNet provides step-by-step instructions for accessing accessibility features that help you see websites and applications more clearly. Use the operating system drop down to find directions for your specific device.
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