How to zoom out on a Mac

Are you trying to figure out how to zoom on a Mac? We’ve got the answer. 

Zooming in and out on a Mac for many is a necessity, but can be so confusing at times. However, did you know that you can customize accessibility features to make zooming easier?

Here are three ways to zoom out a Mac, but you may have to set up your preferred method first.

How to zoom out on a Mac with keyboard shortcuts 

1. Click on the Apple menu (with the Apple icon) on the top-left corner of your screen.

2. Click on "System Settings."

3. Tap on "Accessibility" before clicking on "Zoom."

4. Turn on “Use keyboard shortcuts to zoom.”

5. Now you can use any of the following shortcuts:

   • Zoom in by holding down the Option, Command, and Equal (=) keys 

   • Zoom out by holding down the Option, Command, and Minus (-) keys 

   • Toggle between Zoom in and Zoom out by holding down the Option, Command, and Eight (8) keys

However, you don’t need to set a preference for some keyboard shortcuts, but these are limited to certain browsers and windows on your Mac:

• Command and Plus (+) to zoom in 

• Command and Minus (-) to zoom out 

How to zoom out on a Mac by tapping on your trackpad 

1. Click on the Apple Menu (with the Apple icon) on the top-left corner of your screen.

2. Click on "System Settings."

3. Click on "Accessibility" and "Zoom."

4. Turn on “Use trackpad gesture to zoom.”

5. Now you can:

   • Gradually zoom in and out by dragging three fingers along your trackpad 

   • Quickly zoom in and out by double tapping the trackpad with three fingers

How to zoom out on a Mac by scrolling 

1. Click on the Apple menu (with the Apple icon) on the top-left corner of your screen.

2. Click on "System Settings."

3. Click on "Accessibility" and "Zoom."

4. Turn on “Use scroll gesture with modifier keys to zoom.”

5. Customize your modifier key by clicking “Modifier key for scroll gesture.”

6. Now you can zoom by holding your modifier key and scrolling with your trackpad or mouse.