Computer Based Screen Magnifiers

Resources on this page were compiled to assist with general use of screen magnification on a computer. Information on customizing operating system settings for low vision, including text size, contrast, etc can be found on the Customizing your Computer for Low Vision Access page.

Contents:

• General Resources for Windows Screen Magnification

• Chromebook Screen Magnification Resources

• Fusion and ZoomText Resources

• Microsoft Windows Magnifier Resources

• Zoom Utility on the Mac Resources

These general resources are not specific to any one screen magnification option and contain information on customization of the unit's operating system as well as using the screen magnifier. Software and oporating system options specific to screen magnification and low vision are further categorized below this section.

• AbilityNet: Factsheet and Comparison of Common Screen Magnifiers

• Hadley Helps: Getting Online with Low Vision Series
  More content is available for users with free accounts

• Hadley Helps: Customizing Windows for Low VIsion Series
  More content is available for users with free accounts

• Mystic Access: Getting Comfortable with Computers Audio Session Recording March 2024

• Perkins Paths to Technology: Getting Started with Screen Magnification

Please note that these resources focus on the Magnifier on Chromebook devices but may mention other options for magnifying text. Other low vision accessibility features are outlined on the Customizing your Computer for Low Vision page

Chrome Magnifier Resources from Google and Around the Web

• Zoom in or Magnify your Chromebook Screen
  Please note that this article contains information on various means of magnifying the Chromebook screen, including use of the Magnifier.

• Abilitynet: How to Use the Screen Magnifier in Chrome OS

• Perkins Paths to Technology: Getting Started with Magnification Settings in Chromebook
  Please note that this article contains information on both the Magnifier and the ability to use zoom options to increase text size. 

Chrome Magnifier YouTube Short Videos and Playlists

• Updates to the Chromebook Magnifier - YouTube
  Please note that this link takes the user to a pertinent portion of a YouTube video on accessibility updates from Google

• Quick Bytes: Screen Magnifier Accessibility Tool on a Chromebook - YouTube

• Tropical Tech: How to Turn On or Turn Off Screen Magnifier on Chromebook - YouTube

The vast majority of the information in these resources applies to both ZoomText and Fusion when used as screen magnification. For resources related to using Fusion as a screen reader, there is further information on the Jaws and Fusion area of our resources site. 

ZoomText Resources from Freedom Scientific

• Freedom Scientific Main Training Site
  Includes links to podcasts, tutorials, etc.

• ZoomText Product Page

• ZoomText User Guide (downloadable PDF)

• Getting Started with ZoomText
  Includes an overview of the ZoomText interface, an introduction to settings, and other important information on getting started with ZoomText.

• ZoomText Frequently Asked Questions

• ZoomText Hotkeys

• ZoomText Magnifier with Speech Webinar 

• What's New in ZoomText?
  This page updates according to the latest ZoomText release. Information on previous releases is also available. 

• How to Choose the Right JAWS, Fusion, or ZoomText Software Edition and License

ZoomText Resources and Videos from Around the Web

• APH Hive Course: Getting Started with ZoomText

• Freedom Scientific Podcast: What's New in JAWS, Fusion, and ZoomText 2025

• FS Companion
  FS Companion is an online AI tool allowisn gusers to ask questions related to the use of ZoomText and other Freedom Scientific applications.

• ZoomText Webinars from the American Printing House for the Blind

• ZoomText YouTube Playlist from Freedom Scientific

Windows Magnifier Resources from Microsoft

• Use Windows Magnifier to Make Things Easier to See

• Setting Up and Using Windows Magnifier

• Windows Magnifier Keyboard Shortcuts and Gestures

Windows Magnifier Resources from Around the Web

• ElevenForum: Turn On or Off Windows Magnifier

• Perkins Paths to Technology: Comparing the use of Control +/- zooming with Windows Magnifier

• Perkins Paths to Technology: Windows Magnifier and Low Vision

Windows Magnifier YouTube Short Videos and Playlists

Note: Both of these playlists contain videos specific to Narrator as well as other content related to Windows accessibility.

• Carrie On Accessibility: Make your Computer Easier to See with Windows Magnifier

• Josh Boykin: How to Use Windows Magnifier - YouTube Video

• MSFTEnable: Accessibility 101 - YouTube Playlist

• MSFTEnable: Windows Accessibility - YouTube Playlist

• TechConnect Live: Windows Magnifier vs. ZoomText - YouTube Video

• Windows Accessibility Series Vision Forward YouTube Playlist

These resources cover the basics of VoiceOver on the Mac. It is not necessary to be utilizing the most recent version of Mac OS and many of these resources were written based on older versions. Unless otherwise stated, these resources can be used across OS versions. 

Documentation from Apple

• Apple's Accesibility Features for Vision
  Resources related to accessibility features for both nonvisual and low vision access.

• Accessibility Features for Vision on Mac

• Change Zoom settings for accessibility on Mac

• Change Zoom Advanced Options for Accessibility on Mac

• Zoom in on What’s Onscreen on Mac

Zoom Utility Videos and Resources From Around the Web

• AbilityNet: How to Magnify the Screen in macOS 14 Sonoma

• Lifewire: How to Use Zoom, Apple's Built-In Screen Magnifier

• Perkins Paths to Technology: Zoom Magnifier and Low Vision 

• Unpacked Technology: How to Adjust the Accessibility Zoom Settings on MacOS

• Apple-A-Day: How to set up Screen Zoom on MacOS - YouTube