Definition: Changing the magnification of document pages in desktop publishing software is done with the zoom tool. Zoom refers to both the process of changing the magnification and the tool used to magnify. Zoom changes the magnification of the page bringing it in closer for detailed work and zooming out to see the whole page, spread, or pasteboard. The zoom tool is often represented as a magnifying glass in the toolbar of desktop publishing software.
There may also be a menu command (often called View) which includes several preset magnification levels such as 25%, 100%, 150%, etc. Zoom or magnify may be an option when right-clicking within a document. Most software has multiple ways to magnify your view including keyboard shortcuts, buttons, and menu choices.
Zoom Out to See the Big Picture
In some
apps, the text becomes unreadable or
greeked when zoomed out far enough. This allows you to focus on the overall layout without being distracted by the words. By greeking the text, the software improves performance by not using up valuable resources to render readable text at tiny sizes.
Zoom In to See the Details
Zoom in close for precision placement of text and graphics. Most programs allow for some preset or user specified magnification settings. In some apps, such as QuarkXPress or Adobe InDesign, it is possible to make certain elements (such as guides) visible only at specific magnifications. In this way the guides are available for precision work when the page is magnified but don't clutter up the view when zoomed out.
Using Zoom in Desktop Publishing Apps
Also Known As: magnifying tool | magnification | view
