When should I use zoom-out?

On something that is already enlarged and gets smaller when clicked, such as the open image in a lightbox.

Can I switch between zoom-in and zoom-out with a key?

Yes. Listen for the Alt or Option key and toggle a class, the way image editors do. Remember to switch back on keyup and on blur.

Do I still need -webkit-zoom-out?

No, not for current browsers. The prefix only matters for Chrome before 37 and Safari before 9.

cursor: zoom-out in CSS: the magnifier with a minus

cursor: zoom-out; Move your mouse over this box Cursors only appear with a mouse or trackpad. Open this page on a computer to see this one.

This is the cursor your browser and system draw for zoom-out.

What it shows

A magnifier with a minus sign. Windows has no system role for it, so browsers draw their own. On macOS 15 and later Chrome uses the system zoom-out cursor.

Usage

When to use it

Use it for

The enlarged image in a lightbox or click-to-zoom view.
A zoomed-in chart or map where a click steps back out.
While a modifier key is held in a zoom tool, the way image editors switch the magnifier from plus to minus.

Avoid it for

Close buttons. A lightbox needs a visible close button whatever the cursor says.
Anything that is not zoomed in. There is nothing to zoom out of.

Code

Copy the snippet

CSS

.zoomed { cursor: zoom-out; }

HTML

<div class="zoomed">Click to go back to the normal size</div>

Support

Browsers and systems

Browser support for zoom-out
Browser	Support
Chrome	37
Edge	12
Firefox	24
Safari	9
Safari on iOS	no
Chrome on Android	37

The matching operating system cursor
System	Matching cursor
Windows role	none (browser-supplied)
Windows file	`none`
macOS	Zoom out (macOS 15+)

Watch out

Gotchas

Always pair it with a visible close control and the Escape key. Many people never notice the cursor.
Windows has no zoom cursor role, so browsers bring their own image.

FAQ

Questions

When should I use zoom-out?: On something that is already enlarged and gets smaller when clicked, such as the open image in a lightbox.
Can I switch between zoom-in and zoom-out with a key?: Yes. Listen for the Alt or Option key and toggle a class, the way image editors do. Remember to switch back on keyup and on blur.
Do I still need -webkit-zoom-out?: No, not for current browsers. The prefix only matters for Chrome before 37 and Safari before 9.

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