How to Zoom Out in Microsoft Word and Office Apps
Question details
The user wants to reduce the viewing percentage or magnification of a document, presentation, or worksheet because it appears too large on the screen.
- Product
- Microsoft Office / Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Adjusting the document view to see more of the page or layout at once.
- Observed behavior
- The active document is displayed at a large magnification, requiring the user to zoom out for a better overview.
Ensure that the document or worksheet you want to adjust is the currently active window, as zoom settings only apply to the active interface.
Use the Zoom Slider on the Status Bar
The quickest and most common method to adjust document magnification using your mouse.
Look at the bottom-right corner of the Word or Office application window to find the zoom slider on the Status bar.
Click and hold the slider handle, then drag it to the left to reduce the viewing percentage. Alternatively, click the minus (-) button next to the slider to zoom out in increments.
Use Keyboard and Mouse Shortcuts
A highly efficient method for users who prefer to keep their hands on the keyboard and mouse.
Adjust Zoom via the View Tab
Ideal for when you need to set a precise, specific zoom percentage.
Easily Manage Document Views in WPS Office
WPS Office provides highly intuitive zoom controls and a familiar interface, making it effortless to adjust your document view. It is lightweight, fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, and completely free to use.
- 1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document you wish to read or edit.
- 2. Locate the status bar: Find the zoom slider at the bottom-right corner of the WPS interface.
- 3. Drag to zoom out: Drag the slider to the left or click the minus (-) icon to decrease the magnification size.
- 4. Use the ribbon menu: Alternatively, navigate to the 'View' tab on the top ribbon and select a specific zoom percentage for precise control.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I quickly return to the default 100% zoom level?
To reset your view, go to the 'View' tab on the ribbon menu and click the '100%' button. This instantly snaps the document back to its default magnification.
Can I view multiple pages at once while zoomed out?
Yes. In the 'View' tab, you can click on 'Multiple Pages' (or 'Multiple' in some versions). This allows you to see several pages side-by-side as you zoom out.
Does zooming out affect how the document prints?
No, adjusting the zoom slider only changes how the document is displayed on your screen. It does not alter the actual font size, layout, or how the document will appear when printed.




