The quickest way to make text larger when printing
Most printers and computers let you enlarge what prints without changing the document itself. The fastest method is to use your printer's scaling feature, which enlarges everything proportionally before it reaches the paper. Open the document you want to print, go to File > Print, look for a Scale or Zoom option (exact names vary by printer), and enter a percentage above 100—try 125% or 150% to start. This works in nearly every program: web browsers, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, PDFs, and most others.
If your printer does not have a scaling option visible, look for a Properties or Preferences button in the print dialog. Clicking it opens a second window where manufacturers often hide the enlargement controls. Some printers call this feature Zoom, others call it Scale, and a few label it Fit to Page—but the effect is the same: everything gets bigger.
The second-fastest method is to enlarge the document before printing. In Microsoft Word, use Ctrl+A to select all text, then increase the font size using the toolbar or Ctrl+] (the right bracket key). In Google Docs, select all text and use the font size dropdown. In web browsers, press Ctrl+Plus (the plus key on your keyboard) to zoom the entire page; press it multiple times to go larger. These changes only affect what you see on screen and what prints—they do not alter the saved document.
Key Takeaways
- The printer scaling option (usually called Scale or Zoom) enlarges everything proportionally and is found in the print dialog or printer properties.
- You can also enlarge text in the document itself before printing by selecting all text and increasing the font size in Word, Docs, or your browser.
- Browser zoom (Ctrl+Plus on Windows, Command+Plus on Mac) enlarges web pages and works for printing too.
- Printer scaling works across all programs and document types, making it the most reliable method when you need consistent results.
Using printer scaling in Windows
Open the document and press Ctrl+P to open the print dialog. In the main window, look for a Scale, Zoom, or Enlarge option—it is usually a text field or dropdown showing a percentage. Enter a number higher than 100; most printers allow scaling up to 200% or more. A setting of 125% makes text about one-quarter larger; 150% makes it half again as large. Click Print to send the enlarged version to your printer.
If you do not see scaling options in the main print dialog, click Printer Properties or Preferences (the button location varies by printer brand). A second window opens with additional settings. Look through the tabs—scaling is often under a tab labeled Layout, Effects, Advanced, or Page Setup. Once you find it, enter your desired percentage and click OK, then Print.
Using printer scaling on a Mac
Open the document and press Command+P to open the print dialog. Look for a dropdown menu that says Copies & Pages or similar. Click it and select Layout or Scaling from the list. A Scale field will appear where you can enter a percentage above 100. Enter your desired size and click Print.
If the dropdown shows different options, look for one labeled Paper Handling or Print Settings. Mac printers vary in how they organize these controls, but the scaling field is always present somewhere in the print dialog. If you cannot find it after checking all dropdown menus, try enlarging the document itself instead using Command+Plus in your web browser or by selecting all text in Word or Docs and increasing the font size.
Enlarging text directly in Microsoft Word
Open your document in Word. Press Ctrl+A to select all text in the document. Look at the toolbar at the top and find the font size dropdown—it usually shows a number like "11" or "12". Click the dropdown and select a larger size, or type a custom number. Sizes jump in standard increments (10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 24, 28, 32, etc.), but you can type any number you want. Try 16 or 18 if the current size is 12.
After you change the size, the entire document reflows to fit the larger text. Some pages may become longer. Press Ctrl+P to preview how it will print, then click Print. If the result is still too small, go back, select all again, and increase the size further. You can also use Ctrl+] (right bracket) to increase font size in one-point increments without opening the dropdown.
Enlarging pages in Google Docs and web browsers
In Google Docs, select all text by pressing Ctrl+A, then click the font size dropdown in the toolbar and choose a larger size. The document updates when ready. When you print, the enlarged text prints as you see it on screen.
For web pages or documents viewed in a browser, press Ctrl+Plus (hold Ctrl and press the plus key) to zoom in. Each press makes the page about 10% larger. Keep pressing until the text is the size you want. You can zoom up to 500% on most browsers. When you print using Ctrl+P, the zoomed version prints. To return to normal size, press Ctrl+0 (zero). On a Mac, use Command+Plus and Command+0 instead.
Printing PDFs with larger text
Open the PDF in your default PDF reader (usually Adobe Acrobat Reader or your browser). Use the zoom controls to enlarge the page—in most readers, you can press Ctrl+Plus or click the zoom percentage at the bottom of the window and select a larger size. Zoom to whatever size is readable on your screen, then press Ctrl+P to print. The enlarged version prints as you see it.
Alternatively, open the print dialog without zooming first. Look for a Scale or Zoom option in the printer settings and enter a percentage above 100. This method is faster if you want to print multiple pages at a consistent enlarged size without manually zooming the PDF itself.
When to call for help
If you have tried scaling in the print dialog and the text still prints small, or if the scaling option does not appear in your printer settings, contact your printer manufacturer's support line or visit their website. Printer controls vary widely by brand and model, and support staff can walk you through the exact steps for your specific printer.
If you are printing from a work computer or a shared network printer, your IT department may have restricted certain print settings. Contact them to ask whether scaling is available or whether they can adjust the default print settings for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does enlarging the print size affect the saved document?
No. When you use printer scaling, the document itself does not change—only what prints gets enlarged. If you enlarge text directly in Word or Docs and save the document, the changes are permanent. To avoid saving changes, use printer scaling instead, or make a copy of the document before enlarging the text.
What percentage should I use to make text readable?
Start with 125% or 150% and print a test page. If it is still too small, try 175% or 200%. The right size depends on your eyesight and the original font size. Larger percentages may cause text to run off the page edges, so check the preview before printing.
Can I enlarge just one section of a document instead of everything?
Yes. Select only the text you want to enlarge, then increase its font size in the toolbar. Unselected text stays the same size. Printer scaling, by contrast, enlarges the entire page proportionally.
Why does my text look blurry after I enlarge it?
If you enlarged text in the document itself and it looks blurry on screen, your monitor may be struggling to display the larger font smoothly. The printed version usually looks sharp. If the printed version is blurry, your printer may be running low on toner or ink—replace the cartridge and try again.
Can I set a default print size so I do not have to change it every time?
Yes, but the method depends on your printer. In Windows, open Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, click your printer, select Printing Preferences, and look for a scaling or default size option. On a Mac, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and click Options & Supplies. Not all printers offer this feature—check your printer manual or manufacturer website if you do not see it.