Simple Steps to Zoom Out in Adobe Illustrator

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Learn how to zoom out and in using Adobe Illustrator
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This wikiHow article shows you a few ways to zoom in and out of your artwork using Adobe Illustrator.

Things You Should Know

  • Go to "View > Zoom Out/Zoom In".
  • Alternatively, press "Z" to activate the Zoom tool, then press the left mouse button to Zoom in.
  • Zoom out this way by holding "Opt" (Mac) or "Alt" (Windows) and left-clicking the mouse button.
  • Or you can use more keyboard shortcuts to zoom in and out of your artwork. Press "Cmd + -" (Mac) or "Alt + -" to zoom out.
Section 1 of 4:

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

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  1. Step 1 Press and hold ⌘ Cmd++ (Mac) or Ctrl++ (Windows) to zoom in.
  2. Step 2 Press and hold ⌘ Cmd+- (Mac) or Ctrl+- (Windows) to zoom out.
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Section 2 of 4:

Using the Zoom Tool

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  1. Step 1 Select the Zoom tool.
    The pointer becomes a magnifying glass with a plus sign in its center.
    • You can also press Z on your keyboard.[1]
  2. Step 2 Click in the center of the area that you want to magnify.
  3. Step 3 Hold down Alt (PC) or ⌥ Opt (Mac) and click in the center of the area that you want to reduce.
    • Depending on your "View with CPU/GPU" settings, you can also drag the mouse left or right to zoom in and out of areas of the canvas. If dragging only creates a small box, you can zoom into the highlighted box by releasing the mouse button.
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Section 3 of 4:

Using the Zoom Menu

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  1. Go to View > Zoom In (or View) > Zoom Out.
    You'll see the View menu in the toolbar above your artboard.
Section 4 of 4:

Using the Zoom Percentage Menu

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  1. Set the zoom level using the zoom percentage menu.
    It's in the lower left corner of the window.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I draw a straight line?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Select shape tool. There is a line tool and you can select a single row or column marquee tool.
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  • Question
    How do I reset how far Illustrator is zoomed in at when I open it?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Press the keys "Command + 1" to get your zoom scale back to 100%, "Command + 0" to fill the screen with your artboard.
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Tips

  • Go into Settings or Preferences and head to "Performance" to make sure you have "Animated Zoom" enabled if you want a scrubby zoom option, which you get via dragging the mouse left or right.
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  • Press the keys Cmd + 1 (Mac) or Ctrl + 1 (PC) to get your zoom scale back to 100%, Cmd + 0 (Mac) or Ctrl + O (PC) to fill the screen with your artboard.
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  • Make sure "Zoom with mouse wheel" is enabled in Settings/Preferences if you want to be able to scroll in and out.
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References

  1. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/tool-techniques/zoom-tool.html#:~:text=To%20zoom%20out%2C%20hold%20Alt,Cmd%20%2B%200%20(macOS).

About This Article

Darlene Antonelli, MA
Written by:
Darlene Antonelli, MA
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Darlene has been writing and editing tech content at wikiHow since 2019. She previously worked for AppleCare, served as a writing tutor, volunteered in IT at an animal rescue, and taught as an adjunct professor for EN101 and EN102. Darlene has completed Coursera courses on technology, writing, and language. She holds both a BA (2011) and an MA (2012) from Rowan University in Writing, with a focus on workplace communication. With her extensive experience, academic background, and ongoing learning, Darlene has become the go-to grammar expert for her friends and family, as well as a skilled wordsmith for anyone in need. This article has been viewed 648,974 times.
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Co-authors: 8
Updated: May 12, 2025
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Categories: Adobe Illustrator
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