Learn the default FSX zoom keys for cockpit and outside views, reset the zoom, use the mouse wheel, and fix controls that do not respond.
In FSX and FSX: Steam Edition, select the cockpit or outside camera, press the main keyboard’s equals key (=) to zoom in, and press the hyphen key (-) to zoom out. Press Backspace to restore that camera’s default zoom. These controls work in the virtual cockpit and most exterior views.
FSX cockpit and outside zoom controls
The default FSX zoom bindings use the top-row equals and hyphen keys. The equals key normally shares a keycap with +, but you press it without holding Shift.
- Select the camera. Press
Sto cycle camera categories andAto cycle views within the selected category. - Zoom in. Press or hold the top-row
=/+key withoutShift. - Zoom out. Press or hold the top-row
-/_key. - Reset the zoom. Press
Backspaceto return the active camera to its configured initial zoom. - Use the mouse if preferred. In the virtual cockpit and compatible camera views, hold
Spacebarand roll the mouse wheel to zoom while using Mouse Look.
Our full FSX keyboard-command reference lists the related camera, panning and eyepoint shortcuts.
What does zoom change in each FSX view?
Zoom primarily changes the camera’s field of view; it does not always move the pilot’s position or resize cockpit artwork.
| FSX view | What zoom does |
|---|---|
| Virtual cockpit | Changes the field of view, making the panel appear nearer or farther away. |
| 2D cockpit | Changes the outside scene’s field of view, while the fixed 2D panel generally retains its screen size. |
| Spot, tower and other outside views | Changes the aircraft’s apparent size and the amount of surrounding scenery visible. |
Each camera can have a different initial zoom and permitted range. An add-on aircraft may therefore reset to a different value from a default aircraft when you press Backspace.
Should I zoom or move the cockpit eyepoint?
Use zoom to adjust the field of view, but move the eyepoint when you want to change the pilot’s actual seating position. Excessive zoom-out creates a wide-angle appearance and makes instruments harder to read; moving the eyepoint forward usually gives a more natural close-up.
For panning, camera selection and pilot-seat movement, use our guide to controlling cockpit and exterior camera views in FSX.
Why do the FSX zoom keys not work?
The usual causes are using the numeric keypad, lost keyboard focus or customised control assignments.
- Use the top keyboard row. The numeric keypad’s plus and minus keys may be assigned to different functions.
- Click inside FSX. Close any open dialogue or menu so the simulator receives the keystroke.
- Do not type the plus symbol. With the default binding, press the shared
=/+key withoutShift. - Move the mouse away from gauges. Some add-on instruments capture the mouse wheel for knobs and switches.
- Check the assignments. Look for the zoom-in, zoom-out and default-zoom view commands in FSX’s control settings. Keyboard layouts and imported profiles can alter them.
If the defaults have been changed or conflict with another command, follow our instructions for checking and reassigning FSX keyboard controls.