How to increase the text size on your MacBook

Nikshep Myle

2 June 2024 at 11:17 am·3-min read

Figuring out how to increase the text size on your MacBook will enhance your reading experience, especially if you’re straining to read text on your screen.

Text too tiny to read can cause discomfort over time and hamper productivity. Apple offers convenient ways to adjust text size across its devices, tailoring your digital environment to your visual needs — whether in an app, desktop, or sidebar. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to adjust the text size, making reading on your MacBook a breeze.

If you feel a larger monitor would enhance your productivity, check our roundup of the best monitors for varying budgets and resolutions.

Tools and requirements

MacBook

Steps for how to increase the text size on your MacBook

Click the Apple menu (Apple icon) at the top left corner.
Select System Settings and click Accessibility in the left sidebar
Choose Display > Text > Text size.
Drag the slider to adjust the text size.

Step by step guide to increase the text size on your MacBook

1. Navigate to System Settings > Accessibility

Screenshot on a MacBook with red arrows pointing at the Apple menu and System Settings.

(Image: © Future)

Click the Apple menu (Apple icon) at the top left corner of your screen. Select System Settings, and then click Accessibility on the left sidebar.

2. Select Display > Text > Text size

Screenshot on a MacBook with red arrows pointing at the Accessibility menu and Text size menu.

(Image: © Future)

After selecting Accessibility, choose Display, select Text, and then click Text size to reveal a slider.

3. Adjust the Text Size

Screenshot on a MacBook with red arrows pointing at the Text Size slider, listed apps, and Done.

(Image: © Future)

Drag the slider to the right to increase the text size. This will make text bigger in the listed apps, sidebars, and on the desktop.

You’ll find listed apps under the slider. If you want a different text size for a listed app, click the Use Preferred Reading Size menu beside the app and select a size.

Click Done once you’ve updated your text size preference.

4. Increase the text size while using Finder or a specific app

Screenshot on a MacBook with a red arrow pointing at the Text size menu in the Show View Options.

On the desktop or in the Finder, control-click an empty space and select Show View Options. Then, click the Text size menu and select a size.

While using apps like Mail, Messages, or Chrome, press Command and + to increase the text size. To decrease the text size, press Command and – (minus).

In Safari, press Command, Option, and + (plus) to increase the text size and Command, Option, and – (minus) to decrease the text size.

5. Adjust the text size only for the sidebar

Screenshot of the System Settings on a MacBook with red arrows pointing at the Appearance menu and Sidebar icon size pop-up menu.

Head to System Settings and select Appearance from the left sidebar. Then, click the Sidebar icon size pop-up menu to choose a size for the sidebar.

Final thoughts

Similar to other Apple devices, adjusting the text size on your MacBook is a straightforward process. Whether you're working on a computer document, browsing the web, or using an app, knowing how to increase the text size is crucial for comfort and productivity.

For more MacBook tips and tricks, explore our guides on how to reset a Mac, how to clean a MacBook keyboard, and how to check your MacBook's temperature.

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Tools and requirements

Steps for how to increase the text size on your MacBook

Step by step guide to increase the text size on your MacBook

1. Navigate to System Settings > Accessibility

2. Select Display > Text > Text size

3. Adjust the Text Size

4. Increase the text size while using Finder or a specific app

5. Adjust the text size only for the sidebar

Final thoughts

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