How to Zoom in on a Photo in Microsoft Paint

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: April 8, 2021

When you are working in Microsoft Paint, you may find yourself needing a closer look at your pictures or designs. Luckily, there are a few short cuts that you can use to zoom in that will quickly become second nature!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using the Control Key

1
Open Microsoft Paint. Select the application from the Start Menu or your Finder. Once it has opened, locate the picture that you wish to view.
2
Center what you wish to view. In order to zoom in on the exact location you wish to view, you should make sure that the picture is centered on your screen.

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3
Hold Ctrl and ↑. You can complete this process several times in order to zoom in more and more. If you need to zoom out, press Ctrl and ↓ simultaneously.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Zooming with the Magnifying Glass

1
Open Microsoft Paint. Select the application from the Start Menu or your Finder. Once it has opened, locate the picture that you wish to view.
2
Center what you wish to view. In order to zoom in on the exact location you wish to view, you should make sure that the picture is centered on your screen.
3
Zoom in on your picture. Go to the "View" tab in the tool bar. From here you will see two magnifying glasses, one with a plus inside it and another with a negative. To zoom in, click on the magnifying glass with the plus sign. To zoom out, click on the magnifying glass with the negative sign.^{[1]
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Community Q&A

Question

Can I zoom in more than 800%?

Taldin The Amazing

Community Answer

Sadly, there is no way of zooming in past 800% within the program. If you want to zoom in further than 800%, Paint.net is a good alternative.
Question

How do I create a new photo after I zoom in?

Community Answer

Press the print screen key (above the arrow keys, to the right of the function row) and then paste.