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Magnifier is an app on the iPad that allows students to magnify objects, images and posters around them.
Students can zoom in and out using the slider and even take pictures of the zoomed-in image. Words in images and posters can also be read out loud using the built-in Reader.
Magnifier can support students to:
increase focus and attention
build independence
boost confidence with using the iPad
To use the Magnifier on an iPad in iPadOS 18:
Tap each image below to learn more, and zoom in to get a closer look.
Go to the "Magnifier" app.
Point the iPad at the text or object to be magnified.
Then drag the slider to zoom in or out.
Tap
"Capture" to freeze what is in the frame on the screen.
While in Capture mode, if there are words inside the captured image, tap "Reader" to create an easier to read format of any text captured on the screen.
Tap "AA" to change the way the text looks or to listen to the words read aloud by tapping the text to speech icon. Then tap "X" to return to the Capture screen.
Tap "Share" to share the captured image with others or save it to the Photos Library.
Tap "Close" to unfreeze the frame and return to the Magnifier.
To customize controls in Magnifier on an iPad in iPadOS 18:
In the Magnifier app, tap the "Settings" gear.
Tap "Activities".
Tap the circle to toggle on "Show in Control Panel" or tap the circle again to toggle it off and remove it from the Control Panel.
Tap "Settings" to return to the Magnifier Settings.
Tap "Capture".
Tap the circle to toggle on "Show in Control Panel" or tap the circle again to toggle it off and remove it from the Control Panel.
Tap "Settings" to return to the Magnifier Settings.
Tap "Detect".
Tap the circle to toggle on "Show in Control Panel" or tap the circle again to toggle it off and remove it from the Control Panel.
Use the menu items to customize what the Magnifier will do when it is paused, to turn on or off "Detect Languages" and to choose "Detectors".
Tap "Settings" to return to the Magnifier Settings.
To add or remove controls in the Control Panel in Magnifier, choose a control from the list of "Other Controls" and press the "+" on the left to add it to the Secondary Controls.
Touch and drag the three lines next to a control to add a Secondary Control to the Primary Controls or to change the order of the controls.
To remove a control, press the "-" on the left, then tap "Remove" to place the control back under the list of Other Controls.
Tap "Done" in the top right corner to exit the Magnifier Settings.
Only two Primary Controls will show on the main screen of the Magnifier app. If more Primary Controls are added (Secondary Controls), swipe one finger up on the control panel at the bottom of the screen to find them.
To save specific settings as an Activity in Magnifier on an iPad in iPadOS 18:
Once the Magnifier controls have been customized, these settings can be saved as an Activity by tapping "Activities".
Tap "Save As New Activity".
Type a name for the Activity and select an icon.
Tap "Done". These settings will now be saved for the next time the Activity is selected from the Activities in the Control Panel.
The Activities icon will now have a yellow background to show that an Activity has been turned on. To choose another created Activity, tap "Activities".
Select and tap on an Activity from the list.
Once an Activity has been created or selected, it can be changed by customizing the controls, then tapping "Activities".
Tap "Update...". These settings will now be saved for the next time the Activity is selected from the Activities in the Control Panel.
Step-by-step instructions according to the iPad's Operating System:
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With Magnifier, students in the TDSB can:
read small prints in textbooks. Use Magnifier to zoom in on pages in a textbook for easier reading or use the built in Reader to have the iPad read the words out loud.
examine fine details in maps and diagrams. Students can use the Magnifier to look at a detailed map or diagram either in their textbook or on the wall, focusing on specific locations or areas that are hard to see.
identify small objects in Science experiments. Students can closely examine tiny details in a sample or object. They can use the Magnifier to get a closer look and describe what they see to their teacher.
magnify notes written on the board. Students sitting far from the board can use Magnifier to see the board more easily.
Last Updated June 16, 2025
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