Making the screen smaller on your laptop can help fit more content on the display or reduce the size of text and images if they appear too large. Whether you want to adjust the size of apps, text or the entire screen there are several easy ways to do this on Windows and macOS laptops.
This guide explains how to make your laptop screen smaller using display settings, resolution changes and zoom features.
Adjusting Display Scaling on Windows
To make screen elements smaller on Windows, right-click the desktop and select Display settings. Under Scale and layout, choose a lower percentage such as 100% or 90% from the dropdown menu.
This decreases the size of text, icons and apps making more content fit on the screen. You may need to sign out and sign back in or restart apps for changes to take full effect.
Increasing Screen Resolution
Raising the screen resolution also makes items appear smaller by increasing the number of pixels displayed. In Display settings, find the Display resolution option and select a higher resolution than the current setting.
Choose the highest resolution supported by your screen for the sharpest and smallest display. Keep in mind that very high resolutions on small screens can make text difficult to read.
Using Magnifier Tool to Zoom Out on Windows
Windows includes a Magnifier tool that can zoom in and out on the screen. Open it with Windows + Plus (+) keys and press Windows + Minus (-) to zoom out, making screen content smaller.
This method is useful for temporarily adjusting the view without changing resolution or scaling settings.
Decreasing Text Size on macOS
On a MacBook, you can reduce text size by going to System Settings > Displays and selecting Scaled. Choose a resolution option that makes text and interface elements smaller.
You can also zoom out in apps like Safari or Mail by pressing Command + Minus (-) to shrink page content.
Using Zoom Accessibility Feature on Mac
macOS allows you to zoom in or out across the screen with accessibility options. Enable zoom in System Settings > Accessibility > Zoom. Use Option + Command + Minus (-) to zoom out when zoom is active.
Making Text Smaller in Web Browsers
If you only want smaller text while browsing, most browsers let you zoom out using keyboard shortcuts. Press Ctrl + Minus (-) on Windows or Command + Minus (-) on Mac to decrease the page size.
This adjusts webpage content without affecting your system-wide display.
Tips for Comfortable Viewing
When making the screen smaller, ensure that text remains readable to avoid eye strain. Adjust brightness and contrast accordingly and consider using clear fonts.
If you find items too small for comfortable use, try balancing screen resolution and scaling for an optimal experience.
Conclusion
Making your laptop screen smaller can be done by reducing display scaling, increasing resolution or using zoom tools. Whether you want to see more content or make text less large, these options give you flexibility. Experiment with settings to find the most comfortable view for your needs.