How to Zoom in Google Docs — A Detailed Overview

Hey! Why is the text so small on the document you shared with me on Google Docs? 

Is there any way I can zoom in or out of the document for better readability?

Definitely, there is — if you know how to access it no matter what share access you have with that particular document.

So, if you’re ready to learn this process, read on.

 

How to Zoom in Google Docs

If you have editor access, click the Zoom button on the toolbar and select a zoom level in the dropdown menu. You can also directly type inside the box for a custom zoom level. If, however, you are a viewer or commenter, head to the View button, select Zoom, and choose what zoom level you’ll use.

 

Zooming in Google Docs — Easy or Not?

Zooming in (or out) in Google Docs isn’t as hard as it seems. 

To get started with zooming in Google Docs, you need to determine what kind of viewership access you have.

As you know, there are 3 viewership access in Google Docs: Viewer, Commenter, and Editor.

 

Zooming in Google Docs as a Viewer or Commenter

When you have a viewer or commenter access in Google Docs, you’re not allowed to change (edit) anything in the file.

Hence, you’re only allowed to read or make some comments on the file shared with you.

With that said, you’ll have a slightly different manner of zooming in a particular file in Google Docs.

Step 1: Once you’ve opened the file, head to the View button on the menu bar.

Step 2: In the dropdown menu that appears, select the Zoom button. You’ll then see an arrow pointing to the right, indicating another set of options available.

Click on that right-pointing arrow.

Step 3: On the panel that appears, choose what zoom level you want to use for the document.

Since you only have a viewer or commenter access, you cannot type in a custom zoom level. Hence, you’re limited to using the available zoom levels presented.

If you want to make the text appear bigger, choose a larger zoom level (presented in percentages). 

If, however, you want to make the text smaller, or zoom out, select a smaller zoom level instead.

Step 4: If you prefer a simpler method of zooming in or out in Google Docs, just select the Fit option from the Zoom dropdown menu.

This option will then automatically make the file fit the width of the screen of your device.

Very simple, right? But, there are some steps that differ when you’re zooming in Google Docs once you have editor access.

 

Zooming in Google Docs as an Editor

If you’re given editor access in Google Docs, it simply means you can change any part of that file — text, image, etc.— to make it look better.

Step 1: On the file you’ve opened, head to the toolbar and click on the Zoom button. This button appears with a “100%” written inside the box.

Click the downward-pointing arrow.

Step 2: You’ll then see a dropdown menu presenting various zoom levels available. Scroll down and click on the zoom level you prefer.

This step will then make the text bigger or smaller depending on the zoom level you selected.

Step 3: If you prefer a custom zoom level, simply type inside the Zoom button box. The document will then assume the zoom level you typed inside it.

Step 4: But, if you prefer a simpler zooming method, click on the Zoom button again. Instead of choosing a particular zoom level, just click the Fit option.

Automatically, the Google Docs file will zoom in to the width of the screen of the device you’re using.

And, just like that, you’ve successfully zoomed in and out of your files in Google Docs. 

Remember, this process isn’t rocket science — you only need to locate what button you’ll click to activate it.

But, if you’re still looking for the easiest method of zooming in Google Docs, better read the third method below.

 

Shortcuts to Zooming in Google Docs

As you’ve noticed with the methods above, the process of zooming in Google Docs depends on the kind of access you have to the file.

But, with a keyboard shortcut, your share access won’t become an issue anymore. 

Plus, regardless of whether you’re a Windows or Mac user, you’ll still be able to use this feature anytime and anywhere.

 

Zooming in Google Docs with Cmd/Ctrl + A Keyboard Shortcut

Step 1: Open the Google Docs file that you want to edit by double-clicking on the document thumbnail in Google Drive. 

A new tab will then open featuring the document you selected.

Step 2: Now, place your hands on the keyboard. There’ll be a slight difference with the keys you’ll use, but pretty much they’re the same in function.

If you’re using Mac, press the Cmd + Up arrow key simultaneously to zoom in on the document.

As for Windows users, you need to press Ctrl + Up arrow key simultaneously to achieve the same effect.

 

Zooming in Google Docs with Cmd/Ctrl + Mousewheel

Ever wonder what the mousewheel is used for on your computer mouse?

Well, you’ll finally know about it in this section as it’s part of another method in zooming in Google Docs.

And, the good news is, both Mac and Windows users can enjoy this method as well.

Step 1: Open the Google Docs file from your Google Drive by double-clicking on the document thumbnail.

Step 2: Once you’re inside the document, place one of the fingers on your left hand on the Cmd (for Mac) or Ctrl (for Windows) key.

Step 3: Now, place your right hand on the mouse, making sure one of your fingers rests on the mousewheel.

Then, press the Cmd/Ctrl key while you scroll the mousewheel upwards. You’ll then notice a pop-out window showing you the zoom level.

Amazed at the different methods you can do to zoom in on a document in Google Docs? 

Better try all those out to see what works best for you.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Zoom in Google Docs

 

Is there a limitation with the custom zoom level you can encode in the Zoom option?

There’s a limitation with the custom zoom level you can input. The value you encode must be between 50% to 200%.

 

Can you zoom in or out of a Google Docs file even if you only have a viewer or commenter access?

You definitely can zoom in or out of a file in Google Docs even if you don’t have editor access to it. Just select the View button on the menu bar, select Zoom, and choose what zoom level you’d want to use.