The quickest way to change font size on your Chromebook
You can change the size of text on your Chromebook in three ways: zoom the entire page, adjust the default text size in Chrome settings, or change the system-wide text size in your Chromebook's accessibility settings. The zoom method works when ready and applies only to the current tab. The settings methods are permanent and affect all websites and apps you use.
Most people use the zoom shortcut because it takes two seconds. Hold Ctrl and press the plus key to make text larger, or Ctrl and the minus key to make it smaller. Press Ctrl and 0 to reset to the default size. This zoom level stays in place for that website the next time you visit it.
Key Takeaways
- Use Ctrl + plus to zoom in on any webpage or document, and Ctrl + minus to zoom out; this is the fastest method and works everywhere.
- Zoom resets to default when you close the tab, but Chrome remembers your zoom level for each individual website you visit regularly.
- To change the default text size for all websites permanently, go to Chrome settings, scroll to Appearance, and adjust the Font Size slider.
- If you have vision difficulties, your Chromebook's accessibility settings let you enlarge text across the entire system, including menus and buttons.
Using the zoom shortcut on any page
The zoom method is the fastest because you do not have to open settings. While you are reading or working on any webpage, document, or email, hold down Ctrl and tap the plus key (the key with the equals sign on it). Each tap makes the text about 10 percent larger. Keep tapping until the text is the size you want.
To make text smaller, hold Ctrl and tap the minus key. To return to the original size, hold Ctrl and press 0 (zero). This zoom level stays in place only for that tab. If you close the tab and come back to the same website later, Chrome will remember the zoom level you set for that specific site.
Changing the default font size in Chrome settings
If you want text to be larger on all websites by default, you can change the font size setting in Chrome. Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings from the menu.
On the left side, click Appearance. Scroll down until you see Font Size. You will see a slider with options: Small, Medium, Large, and Very Large. Click the size you prefer. This change takes effect when ready on all websites you visit from that point forward. Websites you have already zoomed using Ctrl + plus will keep their individual zoom levels.
Enlarging text system-wide through accessibility settings
If you need text to be larger across your entire Chromebook — including menus, buttons, and system text — use the accessibility settings instead of Chrome's font size option. Click the time in the bottom right corner of your screen, then click the Settings gear icon.
On the left side, click Accessibility. Under the Display section, you will see Text and Display Size. Drag the slider to the right to make text larger. This affects not just websites but also your Chromebook's menus, file names, and system notifications. You can also turn on High Contrast Mode in the same section if you want text to stand out more against the background.
Changing font size in Google Docs and Sheets
If you are working in Google Docs or Google Sheets, you can change the font size directly in the document. Open your document and select the text you want to resize. At the top of the page, you will see a font size dropdown (it usually shows a number like 11 or 12). Click it and choose a larger size, or type a custom number.
You can also select all text in the document by pressing Ctrl + A, then change the font size once to resize everything at once. This method only affects the current document, not other documents or websites.
Resetting zoom and font size to default
If you have zoomed into a page and want to return it to normal size, hold Ctrl and press 0. This resets only the current tab. If you have changed the default font size in Chrome settings and want to undo it, go back to Settings > Appearance > Font Size and select Medium.
If you have enlarged text system-wide through accessibility settings, go back to Settings > Accessibility > Text and Display Size and drag the slider back to the left. Each method resets independently, so changing one does not affect the others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does zooming in with Ctrl + plus work on all websites?
Yes, it works on every website, document, and email in Chrome. Some websites may not display perfectly at very large zoom levels, but the zoom function itself works everywhere. If a website looks broken at a large zoom, try using the Chrome font size setting instead, which only enlarges text without changing the layout.
Will my zoom level stay the same if I close Chrome completely?
Chrome remembers the zoom level for each individual website. If you zoom into a website, close that tab, and come back to the same website later, it will still be zoomed. However, if you close Chrome entirely and reopen it, the zoom level for that website remains saved.
Can I change font size in a PDF on my Chromebook?
Yes, use Ctrl + plus to zoom into any PDF open in Chrome. You can also use the zoom controls in the PDF viewer toolbar at the top of the page. These changes do not affect the PDF file itself, only how you see it on your screen.
What is the difference between Chrome's font size setting and the accessibility text size setting?
Chrome's font size setting only changes text on websites. The accessibility text size setting enlarges text across your entire Chromebook, including system menus, file names, and notifications. Use accessibility settings if you need larger text everywhere, not just online.