Adjust Zoom Settings for Specific Apps in macOS 13

While macOS 13 (Ventura) does not feature an automated, system-wide toggle to set permanent custom zoom levels for individual third-party applications, you can effectively manage app-specific zoom through built-in application settings, Safari website preferences, and macOS Accessibility zoom tools. This guide details the fastest and most reliable methods to control zoom levels for specific apps on your Mac.

Method 1: Use Native In-App Zoom Commands

Most macOS productivity applications and web browsers allow you to set custom zoom levels that remain saved specifically for that application.

  1. Open the application you wish to adjust (such as Google Chrome, Pages, or Slack).
  2. Press Command (⌘) + Plus (+) to zoom in, or Command (⌘) + Minus (-) to zoom out.
  3. To reset the view to the default scale at any time, press Command (⌘) + 0.
  4. Alternatively, click View in the top menu bar to find options like Zoom In, Zoom Out, or Actual Size.

Method 2: Configure Dedicated Zoom in Safari

If you want specific websites within Safari to always open at a designated zoom percentage:

  1. Open Safari.
  2. Click Safari in the menu bar and select Settings (or press Command + ,).
  3. Navigate to the Websites tab.
  4. Select Page Zoom from the sidebar on the left.
  5. Set the zoom percentage for any currently open website under Configured Websites, or use the dropdown menu next to When visiting other websites to change the default zoom level across the browser.

Method 3: Use Accessibility Window Zoom for Unsupported Apps

For applications that lack native zoom controls, macOS 13 provides an Accessibility tool that magnifies content inside a floating or pinned window without altering the rest of your screen.

  1. Click the Apple menu () and select System Settings.
  2. Click Accessibility in the left sidebar, then select Zoom on the right.
  3. Toggle on Use scroll gesture with modifier key to zoom.
  4. Set the Modifier key for scroll gesture (such as Control).
  5. Set the Zoom style dropdown menu to Window.
  6. When using an app that requires magnification, hold your selected modifier key (e.g., Control) and scroll up using your mouse or trackpad to zoom directly into the app window.