Windows 7: Use the magnifier in practice

A little noticed function is the screen magnifier, which is even significantly improved in Windows 7. You can use it to easily read, for example, the fine print on websites or tiny cell contents in large Excel sheets. How to use the enlargement tool correctly.

Use the magnifying glass function correctly in Windows 7

To call up the magnifying glass, the key combination [Windows] + [+] is sufficient; [Windows] + [-] cancels the enlargement.

• Further control takes place via the magnifying glass symbol, which is shown at the top left. Clicking on it will bring up the dialog, which will later automatically be minimized again.
• Click on "Views" and select the method that you like best for the respective purpose. Windows remembers this setting and starts the magnifying glass again in this view the next time.
• The »magnifying glass« view shows a rectangular area with an enlarged view like a classic magnifying glass. Because this can quickly become irritating when you continue to work, you have to switch the view again or close the magnifying glass completely by closing the dialog that appears via the magnifying glass symbol.

Further settings of the magnifying glass function

• The new »full screen« variant is particularly practical. So you can keep the magnifying glass active or even open it when you start the system. If you do not need the magnifying glass, bring the display back to normal size with the key combination [Windows] + [-] and you can work normally.
• The "Anchored" view is also helpful in some situations, for example to edit rows of data with small letters in Excel. By default you will see an enlarged preview of the active area at the top of the screen. The program window is reduced accordingly so that the control elements remain visible.
• For the »Full screen« and »Anchored« views, adjust the options by clicking on the transparent magnifying glass and then on the »Options« icon. Leave the setting "Follow the mouse pointer" active and also activate the options "Follow the keyboard focus" and "Follow the magnifier of the text insertion point". Confirm this with »OK«. This ensures that the magnifying glass always shows the required section.