Q: Font Size Too Small

Brand new MacBook Pro running Lion 10.7.4

Font size system wide is too small and cannot be changed.

This is useless for me.

eww wrote:

 

Why on earth would you pay extra to get a hi-res screen if you intend to use it at a lower, blurry setting?

We've been over this already!  The anti-glare is only available in hi-res.  Incase you miss the irony, people with dodgy eyes like anti-glare but then they get small fonts.  Two steps forward, two steps back!

PS, Remember that the glossy screen on the iMac is held on by magnets and you can pull it off with the help of some sticky tape to reveal a much less glossy screen behind.  Not exactly ainti glare but...

Thanks for your comment oxcart, but before mine gets lost...

I was hoping that Apple will read my last post, which states that

the system font size is too small and cannot be changed.

Updates are regularly available. Can this problem not be solved? I'm not the only one complaining and if nothing is forthcoming I will have to return the machine.

Apple do not read these forums.  Use the feedback form:

<http://www.apple.com/feedback/macosx.html>

This is so much of an irritation to so many people you have to assume that there is a very good technical reason that Apple do not offer this feature.  However, sometimes you have to wonder, for example, the lack of a keyboard shortcut for a "find by file name search" that plagued OS10.0 to 10.3 and now its back in Lion!  Another giant step backwards.

Anyway, about the main topic, somebody above mentioned that on Windows changing the font size obscures important buttors, or something, so this may be the reason Apple don't do it.

If you look back in the thread you will see that I first complained when I bought an MBP with the high res screen.  However, I can't say I have noticed the problem much since I got new reading glasses.  I just have to remember never to be without a pair, so I bought 6 pairs and leave them all round the house and in my car.

You can increase the system font size by either:

1. Reducing your screen resolution from System Settings -> Displays

2. Use the free TinkerTool app to change default fonts and sizes

Thanks SMPN, but have you tested your suggestions?

I have and my results were as follows:

1. Reducing screen resolution only provides a lower quality (read fuzzy image) , which is no real help for your eyes.

2. "TinkerTool" doesn't help, only perhaps for changing the font sizes in a basic apps like Mail. I does not change the System font.

"TinkerTool System", the advanced app, can only really help if you have a display with min. 2048 x 1536 resolution, i.e. a HUGE display, as explained on page 108 of their detailed manual. A nice inexpensive tool to have though if you intend to keep using Lion.

The reason I bought a Notebook however, is because I travel and I cannot take a 27" display on the plane.

Everything is trending to smaller sizes, so how could this feature be missed out?

TinkerTool worked fine on my new Macbook Air 11".  Did you follow the instructions?  You have to restart for the changes to be visible.

The systme font size must be truely tiny on the new MBP with retina display!  Except perhaps Apple does actually have a solution. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resolution_independence

Read following articles on the retina display:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5266

http://9to5mac.com/2012/06/21/how-to-run-your-retina-display-macbook-pro-at-full -2880-x-1800-native-resolution/

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=6495&Review=Apple+MacBook+Pro+2 012+Retina+Display

and for third party "helper" apps:

http://osxdaily.com/2012/06/18/3-ways-to-run-a-retina-macbook-pro-at-2880x1800-n ative-resolution/

success

Thanks, Lex Schellings,

That was the most useful response for far.

I opted for the HiRes matt screen, as I need to be able to work in the sun and I require a DVD drive which the Retina version does not have. The resolution of the HiRes screen is higher than the standard (it's configurable to 1680 x 1080) (standard is 1440 x 900), but not as high as the Retina at 2880 x 1800.

Judging by the article title, the third party "helper" apps appear to be all for the Retina screen, but I need to check them individually.

The TinkerTool System app offers the solution I need, but it requires a min. resolution of 2048 x 1536, i.e. it would work with the Retina screen. Too bad.

So, I'm still looking for a solution and I hope that Apple will not let down their loyal customers.

When you do not want to lower screen resolution, you could "play" with SystemPreferences/UniversalAccess/SeeingTab and get the zoom effect, either working on the mouse or general.

This is not a solution but a "workaround"

The TinkerTool System app offers the solution I need, but it requires a min. resolution of 2048 x 1536, i.e. it would work with the Retina screen. Too bad.

No, it doesn't.  As I said, I use it on a 11" Macbook Air and it works fine.  1366x768

I was relying on the answer by TinkerTool's CEO, to my question of whether TinkerTool System can change the font size system wide.

"Unfortunately, Mac OS X Lion is not capable of providing such a feature. You would need to install other operating systems"

SMPN, could you please point me to the exact screen you used in TinkerTool to change the system-wide font size of your MacBook Air? Please also mention whether you are using TinkerTool or TinkerTool System.