To zoom out in Eclipse and decrease the font size in text editors, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+-.
In text editors within Eclipse, you have convenient keyboard shortcuts to adjust the display size. As the reference states, you can use the Zoom Out command to decrease the font size.
Using the Zoom Out Keyboard Shortcut
The primary method for zooming out in Eclipse text editors is using a simple keyboard combination:
- Zoom Out: Press Ctrl and the minus key (-) simultaneously.
This action will reduce the font size in the currently active text editor pane. You can press it multiple times to zoom out further.
Related Zoom Commands
While the question specifically asks about zooming out, it's helpful to know the related zoom functions:
- Zoom In: Press Ctrl and the plus key (+) or equals key (=) (Ctrl++ or Ctrl+=). This increases the font size.
- Reset Zoom: There isn't a standard single shortcut to reset to a default size, but you can often adjust the font size directly in Eclipse's preferences (Window > Preferences > General > Appearance > Colors and Fonts) and then find the specific font setting for text editors (e.g., "Basic > Text Font").
Where Does Zoom Work?
The Ctrl+- and Ctrl++ shortcuts primarily affect the font size within Eclipse's text editors. This includes editors for Java code (.java), XML files (.xml), plain text files (.txt), and many other file types opened within the main editor area.
These shortcuts typically do not affect other parts of the Eclipse workbench, such as:
- View titles
- Menu fonts
- Navigator or Package Explorer views
- Console view font (this usually has its own font setting in preferences)
Summary of Zoom Shortcuts
Here's a quick table summarizing the shortcuts mentioned:
| Action | Shortcut Key Combination | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Zoom Out | Ctrl + - | Decreases font size in editor |
| Zoom In | Ctrl + + or Ctrl + = | Increases font size in editor |
Using these shortcuts provides a quick way to adjust the editor's readability on the fly without navigating through preference menus.
