Microsoft Access Gets New Zoom Controls For Forms, Tables, And Queries

Microsoft continues adding new features to Microsoft Access despite its plans to retire the Access Database Compare Tool.

The latest update expands zoom support across more parts of the app, allowing users to zoom in and out while working with forms, tables, and queries. The feature works in Form View and Datasheet View, making large datasets and dense layouts easier to manage.

Access now supports zoom in more views

Microsoft says the new zoom controls improve readability for users who work with complex databases or detailed forms. Zooming in makes text and controls easier to read, while zooming out helps users fit more information on screen at once.

The feature also works in Print Preview for reports. However, Microsoft notes that zoom is still unavailable in Report View and Design View.

Users can adjust zoom levels directly from the Home tab by selecting the Zoom option and choosing the preferred scaling level.

Access also gets a new zoom slider

The update introduces a zoom slider located in the lower-right corner of the Access window. Users can quickly change zoom levels without opening additional menus.

Microsoft also added several keyboard shortcuts for zooming. Users can zoom in with Ctrl + Alt + Plus, zoom out with Ctrl + Alt + Minus, and instantly return to 100% zoom with Ctrl + Alt + 0. Holding Ctrl while using the mouse wheel also adjusts zoom levels.

Default zoom settings still have limitations

Access does not remember custom zoom levels after users close and reopen forms. However, Microsoft allows users to set a default zoom level through the application options menu.

The company also says the feature only affects native Access controls. Content inside ActiveX controls, including TreeView text, will not resize with zoom adjustments. Microsoft recommends replacing older ActiveX components with native Access controls whenever possible.

The feature is available in Access for Microsoft 365 version 2605 and later.

In other Office-related news, OneNote recently gained new controls for handling Microsoft 365 links, while Word received Narrator accessibility improvements. Microsoft Office also continues facing criticism from LibreOffice developers over the OOXML document standard.