Screen magnification software

Computer monitor with standard view at the top, and magnified view at the bottom

Desktop Zoom

Desktop Zoom is a free Windows screen magnification programme. It allows you to zoom the area around your mouse pointer, a fixed window, or the entire desktop. You can use the mouse wheel or the keyboard to adjust zoom levels, and it also comes with basic speech capability.

Lightning

Lightning is a Windows screen magnification programme from ScreenReader.net. It allows you to magnify the area around the mouse pointer, the full screen, or read one line at a time with the strip magnifier. It supports up to 32x magnification, and helps you improve colour contrast by inverting colours.

Lunar

Lunar is a Windows screen magnification programme from Dolphin. You can choose between seven different magnifier views, and adjust the appearance of the magnifier view window. It supports up to 60x magnification, and lets you choose between 23 preset colour schemes or define your own.

Mac OS X Zoom

Mac OS X Zoom is a free screen magnification programme that comes with Mac OS X. It allows you to choose between three different modes, and supports up to 40x magnification. You can use it on its own, or in conjunction with other Mac OS X features such as cursor magnification and colour inversion.

Magic

Magic is a Windows magnification programme from Freedom Scientific, sold by Sight & Sound in the UK. It has several adjustable views, and supports up to 16x magnification. You can apply different visual enhancements to magnified text and graphics, and change the appearance of the mouse cursor.

Magnifying Glass Pro

Magnifying Glass Pro is a Windows screen magnification programme from Workers Collection. The screen position of the magnifying glass can be adjusted, and you can show/hide it by shaking the mouse from side to side. You can also apply visual enhancements to magnified text and graphics.

Windows XP Magnifier

Windows XP Magnifier is a free screen magnification programme that comes as part of Windows XP. It has a single magnification mode, and you can invert colours or choose a high contrast colour scheme.
To start Magnifier in Windows XP:

  1. Open the Start Menu.
  2. Select Programs.
  3. Select Accessories.
  4. Select Accessibility.
  5. Select Magnifier.

Windows 7 Magnifier

Windows 7 Magnifier is a free screen magnification programme that comes as part of Windows 7. It has three different magnification modes, and you can invert colours and choose a high contrast colour scheme.
To start Magnifier in Windows 7:

  1. Open the Start Menu.
  2. Select All programs.
  3. Select Accessories.
  4. Select Ease of Access.
  5. Select Magnifier.

ZoomText Express

ZoomText Express is a Windows screen magnification programme from AI Squared, and sold by Sight & Sound in the UK. It allows you to choose between three different magnification views, and you can change the colour and size of the mouse pointer. It supports up to 2x magnification, and let's you invert colours and apply tints to help with readability.

ZoomText Magnifier

ZoomText Magnifier is a Windows screen magnification programme from AI Squared, and sold by Sight & Sound in the UK. It allows you to choose between eight different zoom options, and you can save settings for individual programmes. It supports up to 36x magnification, and includes colour, contrast and brightness controls.