How to Change Text Size in Safari Browser Step-by-Step

Author: Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/05/06 - Updated: 2026/01/19
Publication Type: Instructive / Helpful
Category Topic: Website - Related Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This guide provides practical instructions for adjusting text size in Safari browser, offering valuable accessibility support for users who need larger or smaller text for comfortable reading. The information demonstrates clear authority through its straightforward, tested methodology that covers both mouse-based menu options and keyboard shortcuts (Command+ for enlarging, Command- for reducing, and Command+0 for resetting to default size). People with visual impairments, seniors experiencing age-related vision changes, and anyone working in varied lighting conditions will find these techniques particularly beneficial for customizing their browsing experience to match their specific reading needs without requiring additional software or browser extensions - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

Information on how to make website page text size bigger or smaller in the Safari browser.

Main Content

Using the Mouse to Resize Text:

a) Select the Safari View menu to see the various options for adjusting text size.

b) Make Text Size Bigger. This option will increase the web page text size in small increments each time you select it.

c) Make Text Smaller. This option decreases website text size in small increments each time you select it.

d) Make Text Normal Size. This is a new option in Safari 3.0 and later. It allows will return the page to a website's original default text size.

Change Text Size From the Keyboard:

a) Make your selection from the Safari Browser's View menu.

b) Command + + To increase text size using your keyboard, simultaneously press and hold the command key and the plus (+) key.

c) Command + - To decrease text size, simultaneously press and hold the command key and the minus (-) key.

d) Command + 0 To return to a page's default text size, simultaneously press and hold the command key and the 0 (zero) key.

Changing Text Size in Other Web Browsers:

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: While Safari's built-in text scaling features represent an important first step toward accessible web browsing, users should know that these controls work best on websites designed with flexible, responsive typography. Some websites may resist text size changes due to fixed CSS layouts, which highlights why web developers need to build adaptive designs from the ground up. For those who find Safari's native options insufficient, exploring the browser's accessibility preferences or considering third-party extensions may provide more robust solutions. As digital accessibility continues to advance, the gap between browser capabilities and user needs should narrow, but for now, knowing how to maximize your current browser's features remains essential for anyone seeking a more comfortable reading experience online - Disabled World (DW).

Ian C. Langtree Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.