Adjusting Magnification & Screen Scale on Chromebooks – KIPPNYC Support

This guide covers how to adjust the visual scale of a Chromebook screen. These shortcuts are particularly helpful for students who require larger text for accessibility or need to fit more content on their screen during lessons.

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

These commands change the "Screen Scale" (the size of everything on the display).

Action	Key Combination
Increase Size (Make items larger)	`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `+`
Decrease Size (Make items smaller)	`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `-`
Reset to Default (Standard view)	`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `0` (or `)`)

Testing Compatibility

During a computer-based testing session, the Chromebook is locked into a secure "Kiosk Mode."

Supported: You can use the Increase (+) and Decrease (-) shortcuts listed above while inside the testing session.
Recommendation: If a student requires a specific magnification level, it is best to set it before they launch the testing app.

Important Details to Note

User Login Required: You must be logged into the Chromebook for these shortcuts to take effect. They will not function on the initial login or "Add Person" screen.
Persistent Settings: Once you adjust the screen scale, the Chromebook will "remember" this setting. It will remain the new default for that specific device until it is manually changed back.
Accessibility vs. Zoom: Please note that these shortcuts adjust the system-wide resolution. To zoom in only on a specific webpage (like a Google Doc) without changing the size of the taskbar or menus, use Ctrl and + (without the Shift key).

Tech Tip: If a student’s screen looks "stretched" or unusually small, the first step is always to use the Reset shortcut (Ctrl + Shift + 0) to return the device to its factory-standard resolution.