Make Your Mac Screen Easier to See: A Simple Guide to Mac's Accessibility Features
- AnewVista Staff
- Jun 1
- 4 min read
Is your Mac screen feeling a bit too small for comfort? Do you find yourself squinting at text or struggling to find icons? You're not alone! Many people, especially as their eyes change, benefit from making things bigger on their computer screen. The good news is, your Mac has fantastic built-in features to help with this, and a whole lot more, under its "Accessibility" settings.
At AnewVista Community Services (ANVCS.org), we empower seniors to confidently navigate technology. We believe everyone deserves to enjoy the digital world without frustration. That's why we're breaking down how to make your Mac more visually friendly, and highlight some other amazing accessibility tools.
How to Make Text and Icons Bigger on Your Mac
Making things bigger on your Mac is surprisingly easy! You have a few main options, and they all work together to create a more comfortable viewing experience.
1. Zoom In on Your Entire Screen
This is like using a magnifying glass for your whole Mac screen. It's great for temporarily enlarging anything you're looking at.
System Zoom:
Go to System Settings (the gear icon in your Dock or from the Apple menu).
Click on Accessibility in the sidebar.
Select Zoom.
Check the box next to "Use scroll gesture with modifier keys to zoom". You can choose your modifier key (Control, Option, or Command). We recommend Control.
Now, hold down your chosen modifier key (e.g., Control), and then scroll up on your mouse or trackpad. Everything on your screen will zoom in! Scroll down to zoom out.
2. Make Text and Icons Larger
This is a more permanent change that adjusts the size of text, icons, and windows across your system and in many applications.
Display Resolution:
Go to System Settings.
Click on Displays.
Under "Resolution," you'll see options like "Default for display" and "Larger Text" or "More Space." Choose "Larger Text" to make everything on your screen appear bigger. You can also click on "Scaled" and select a lower resolution, which will make everything on your screen appear larger.
Text Size in Applications:
Many individual applications (like Mail, Safari, or Messages) allow you to adjust the text size independently. Look for a "View" menu at the top of your screen, then select "Make Text Bigger" or "Zoom In." You can also often use the keyboard shortcut: Command (⌘) + Plus Sign (+) to zoom in, and Command (⌘) + Minus Sign (-) to zoom out.
3. Adjust Icon Size on Your Desktop
Want bigger icons on your desktop so they're easier to click?
Click on an empty space on your Desktop.
Go to the View menu at the very top of your screen.
Select Show View Options.
A small window will pop up. You'll see a slider for "Icon size." Drag it to the right to make your desktop icons bigger.
Beyond Bigger Text: Key Mac Accessibility Features
Making things bigger is just the beginning! Your Mac's Accessibility settings are a treasure trove of tools designed to make your computer easier to use, no matter your needs. ANVCS offers classes on many of these topics, including digital literacy and cybersecurity.
Here are some other important features you might find helpful:
Voice Over: This powerful screen reader describes aloud what's on your screen, perfect for those with visual impairments. It can read text, describe images, and help you navigate your Mac using just your keyboard.
Display Adjustments: Beyond just bigger text, you can change display contrast, reduce transparency, and even invert colors for better readability. These options are also found under System Settings > Accessibility > Display.
Mouse & Trackpad Controls:
Pointer size: Make your mouse pointer larger so it's easier to find on the screen.
Mouse Keys: Control the mouse pointer using your keyboard's numeric keypad.
Slow Keys & Sticky Keys: These settings can help if you accidentally press multiple keys or find it difficult to hold down modifier keys while typing.
Keyboard Accessibility:
Full Keyboard Access: Navigate your entire Mac using only your keyboard, without needing a mouse.
Onscreen Keyboard: If you have difficulty typing on a physical keyboard, this virtual keyboard can be helpful.
Captions & Live Captions: For those who are hard of hearing, Live Captions can generate real-time captions for any audio playing on your Mac, such as video calls or streaming content.
Siri: Your Mac's virtual assistant can perform many tasks with voice commands, making it easier to open apps, search the web, and control settings without typing or clicking.
Ready to Learn More?
Exploring these accessibility features can significantly enhance your Mac experience. If you're a senior looking to gain confidence with technology, AnewVista Community Services is here to help! We offer over 150 class topics, including in-depth sessions on Mac usage, online safety, and how to utilize health management apps.
Visit our website at www.anvcs.org to see our full class catalog and learn how you can become a tech-confident senior! You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok for more tips and updates. Don't let technology be a barrier – let us help you bridge the digital divide.
Watch our class on Mac's Accessibility features here:
Need Help with Tech?
AnewVista offers a variety of FREE technology classes/talks and one-on-one support to help seniors master their devices. Contact us today to learn more.
Check out our upcoming classes at anvcs.org/classes.
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For more technology tips for seniors, visit us at www.anvcs.org or send an email to info@anvcs.org where we make learning easy.
Useful!