Apple Mail fonts seem small

I use two workarounds, both just ok. And one expensive personal fix.

When I am viewing email in my Inbox, for example, I can use the keyboard shortcut Cmd+ (Command, Shift Plus Sign). That enlarges what I am reading. When I reply, the text I type cannot be enlarged this way. I have not found a way to do that.

When I really want to see the detail I use Zoom It (ver 1.1) from Appatit. I don't know much about them, but the magnifier is excellent.

Expensive personal fix: I went to my optician, showed her the problem and she had glasses made that enlarge an extra bit at the very bottom.

There are a few human factors issues that Apple is not addressing. I am wondering if it is still a high priority at Apple after Steve Jobs is no longer there to rage for the best possible. He was difficult, but this is a highly creative and competitive arena. I want the best for Apple, but ultimately, for me.

Jo UK wrote:

Hi, Im using

Software OS X 10.8.3 (12D78)

PS You might want to post in the forum for 10.8. This is the one for two versions earlier

https://discussions.apple.com/community/mac_os/os_x_mountain_lion

I can't see a similar thread in the 10.8 forum so I'll continue here. I'm using 10.8.3 OS.

I've put up with this issue for years. Truth is I forgot all about it as people tend to be too polite to tell you. So thanks for the reminders. I rechecked the situation today and sent emails in various font sizes to a pc-user friend. Verdict? Calibri 14 appears normal sized to her. Calibri 18 is very large. I can barely read Calibri 14 as I type. Calibri 18 is "normal" for me.

No Tom Gwecke, I'm not going to send you more emails in different fonts. You just don't get that you have adjusted settings on Outlook that other peope haven't. It is indeed possible to adjust Outlook settings so that you control the appearance of incoming messages. But many people don't. I can't rely on my recipient being computer savvy. Some companies don't even allow employees those privileges. I need to make sure I appear professional and credible.

So.....drum roll....gulp...I am now going to install the dreaded MS Outlook too.

GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER APPLE!

Someone do post something when this issue gets resolved! Thanks and good luck!

It is comforting to know I am not the only one have trouble with the font issue. After reading through all the threads, I still don't see any constructive answer.

I took my two weeks old IMac to apple store, all I get is - use command +. Or lower the screen resolution

Please can someone from apple take us serious?

I don't have time to read through the entire thread, but just in case someone hasn't offered this before - the only way at this point to VIEW the font larger (not change the font size) while composing is the following:

Open the Mac System Preferences. Click on "Accessibility" Click on "Zoom." Now click to put a check mark next to "Use keyboard shortcuts to zoom." Now close System Preferences, open Mail and click to compose a new email.

Now, if you hold down OPTION and COMMAND and the PLUS/EQUAL key, your screen will zoom in. You can keep pressing the PLUS/EQUAL key to zoom in more. You can hold down OPTION and COMMAND and the DASH key to zoom back out when you're done composing.

Okay?

wow that rocks wrote:

the only way at this point to VIEW the font larger (not change the font size) while composing is the following:

Which OS version are you using? In my 10.7.5, I can make the font the size I want for composing a new messages by setting Mail Preferences > Fonts and Colors > Message Font to that size. This only affects what I see -- no font size info is sent out with the message unless I take further steps.

This does not seem to be only the Apple Mail app. This is also occurring with Sparrow on Mountain Lion (through Gmail) to a Windows machine running Outlook Express.

I FOUND THE ANSWER AFTER SEVERAL HOURS WITH A MAC EXPERT! IT WORKS AND IT'S PERMANENT.

1. Open Font Book by clicking on the Magnifying Glass in the upper right corner and typing in Font Book

2. In Font book click on File and then Restore Standard Fonts

3. Close Font Book

4. Open Mail

5. Click on Format

6. Click on Show Fonts

7. Click on the Gear Icon on the bottom

8. Click on Edit Size

9. Change the 9 to a 14 and click done.

The real question here is why does the sender get to choose the font size that the recipient has to view the email in? My eye sight is poor, and I have to view messages in at least 18 Point. But, Apple Mail gives no way that I can find to change the minimum font size at which received HTML is viewed.

There's no reason for the sender to prefer one font size over another, except for fancy marketing messages. When you're sending messages, use plain text, so the recipient can view the emails at a comfortable font size.