How to Change the Text Size in Your Internet Browser
Modern browsers such as Internet Explorer, FireFox, Safari, Google Chrome, Opera, and Netscape provide a setting option to adjust the text (font) size of the web pages you are viewing. Once your text size preference is set, it will be the default option for all websites you visit.
Follow the simple instructions below to increase the text size in your browser window.
“View” Menu Options
In most browsers, there are text resizing options in the “View” menu.
- In Internet Explorer, use View -> Text Size -> Largest
- In Firefox or Netscape, use View -> Text Size -> Increase
- In Opera, use View -> Zoom -> %
- In Safari, use View -> Zoom In
Keyboard & Mouse Options
There are simple mouse and keyboard commands that accomplish the same effect.
- On a keyboard, hold down the Control key (for Windows users) or Command key (for Mac users) and +. (Pressing Control/Command and – will make the text smaller.)
- On a wheel mouse, hold down the Control key and spin the wheel to make the text larger or smaller.
Additional Resources
Text Resizing in Your Browser – A Visual Guide by Accessify
A 3-minute visual beginner’s guide on how to resize text.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54iSS7KVcos
How to Change Text Size or Colors by the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative
Includes a chart with example menu options and shortcuts for various browsers.
http://www.w3.org/WAI/changedesign
A Note on Web Accessibility
These browser settings work when browsers and Web sites meet WAI guidelines and are designed for accessibility, flexibility, and user control. However, some browsers do not provide as much user control, and some Web sites are designed to defeat browser settings. Text resizing does not work well in browsers and Web sites that do not meet accessibility guidelines.