Microsoft Edge Has a New ‘Magnify Image’ Command

A handy overlay window for a quick, close glance.

If you've ever had to lean your perilously close to the computer screen to look at an infographic, or download and zoom in on a fuzzy photo, a new Microsoft Edge feature hopes to alleviate the pain. The feature, called "Magnify image," enables you to examine any image in greater detail without the need to open it in a new tab or download it.

How does Magnify image work in Edge?

Credit: Screenshot by Saikat Basu

Magnify image works from the right-click context menu. It enlarges any image in its own overlay window, where you can further zoom in and out with the controls. And if you like keyboard shortcuts, just hover over any image and press the Ctrl key twice.

A few limitations of Magnify image

Credit: Screenshot by Saikat Basu

Of course, there are a few shortcomings. You cannot zoom into an image indefinitely, as Edge resets the image after a couple of zoom-ins. There is also no way to use the mouse to manipulate the zoom levels with a scroll. You also might find that some high-resolution images take a bit of time to render in the overlay window.

Despite those downsides, it's still handy tool. I often find myself struggling to zoom into photos on social sites or examine a map graphic in greater detail. It also helps me make sense of any illegible text on photos.