Increase Text Size and Fonts in Internet Explorer

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/05/06 - Updated: 2013/12/12
Category Topic: Website Accessibility - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: How to guide for changing the default text size on website pages when using Internet Explorer web browser.

Introduction

Main Content

When using Internet Explorer you can Increase or decrease the default font or text size on the web page by:

From version 7+ of Internet Explorer a handy zoom feature is included which allows you to enlarge the whole of the browser window.

To use the Internet Explorer zoom feature press "Ctrl" and "+" to increase the zoom level and "Ctrl" "-" to decrease the level of zoom.

To change the default Internet Explorer text size:

a) Open the"Page"menu using your mouse or by pressing the "Alt" and "P" keys.

b) Select the "Text Size" option with your mouse or press the letter "X".

c) You can then choose your text size by clicking on it or use the up and down arrow keys to select it and then press the "Enter" key.

If you find that the text on the website hasn't changed to your new text size preference it may mean the website has fixed the size of their web page text ('hard-coded'). If you would like to use larger text on these sites you will need to follow these steps:

a) First click on the "Tools" menu at the top of Internet Explorer with the mouse or press the "Alt" and "O" keys.

b) Click on "Internet Options" with your mouse button or press the letter "O". You will then see "Internet Options".

c) Click on the "Accessibility" button with your mouse or press the "Alt" and "E" keys.

d) In the Accessibility box click "Ignore font sizes specified on web page" checkbox or press your "Alt" and "Z" keys.

e) Click the "OK" button to return to Internet Options.

d) Next click the "OK" button or press the "Tab" key until "OK" is highlighted then press the "Enter" key.

If Internet Explorer Text Sizing Doesn't Work on Some Web sites

Some Web sites are designed not to resize the text even when browser settings are adjusted. You can get around this problem in Internet Explorer Version 6 and earlier by:

a) Selecting - Menu items - Tools - Internet Options

b) In the Internet Options dialog box select the - Accessibility button.

c) In the Accessibility box select the following:

i) Ignore colors specified on Web pages

ii) Ignore font styles specified on Web pages

iii) Ignore font sizes specified on Web pages

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.