Zooming in with the Mac OS - GeniusDV Training

Final Cut Pro, Avid Adobe all run on Macs, and there is a often overlooked function of the Mac OS that can be very useful. By holding down the Control key while you use the scroll wheel of the mouse, you will zoom in on whatever is on screen. By simply scrolling back the other way while holding down the control key, you will zoom out. This is very helpful when attempting to view an online video a little larger than it has been displayed on a particular webpage. Often going to the only other option of full screen, will cause too much distortion. It is also very helpful for reading small print. Within an editing application the Control/Scroll function can be easier for quick zoom in and outs that Command + or -. IÂ use this function all the time.

In your Mac System Preferences under Mouse & Keyboard is where you find the controls for this function. The Control key is the default for this function, but you can change it if you prefer. By clicking the Options button it will allow you to choose how the screen image moves when zoomed in. I recommend the "Only when pointer reaches an edge" option. This option will cause the screen not to move around every time you move the mouse. It will only move when it needs to.