Enhancing Menu Readability in Prepar3D: Options for Increasing Font Size

Hello Cathy,

Understanding the nuances of interface customization in Prepar3D (P3D) can indeed enhance your simulation experience, especially when it comes to readability. Let's delve into your query about adjusting the menu font size in versions 4 and 5 of this platform.

Firstly, it's worth noting that unlike Microsoft Flight Simulator, P3D does not natively offer an option to adjust the menu font sizes directly through its in-game settings. However, there are a couple of workarounds that might help you achieve a more comfortable viewing experience:

1. Adjusting DPI Settings: One common method is to tweak the DPI (Dots Per Inch) settings specifically for P3D. This does not change the font size per se but can increase the overall scale of the application, making everything larger on your screen. To do this:
   1. Right-click on the Prepar3D executable file.
   2. Select 'Properties.'
   3. Navigate to the 'Compatibility' tab.
   4. Click on 'Change high DPI settings.'
   5. Check the box for 'Override high DPI scaling behavior.'
   6. Choose 'System' or 'System (Enhanced)' from the drop-down menu under 'Scaling performed by:'
2. Editing the Prepar3D.cfg File: Another approach involves editing the Prepar3D configuration file (Prepar3D.cfg). This file can sometimes be modified to tweak various display settings. Here's how you can attempt to change the font size:
   1. Navigate to your P3D core folder.
   2. Locate and open the Prepar3D.cfg file with a text editor like Notepad.
   3. Search for entries under [Main] or [DISPLAY] that might pertain to font or UI scaling.
   4. If such entries exist, experiment with adjusting their values. Note: This method is more hit and miss, as font size isn't directly configurable in all cases.

Please remember that these modifications can affect how the simulator runs on your machine, and it’s advisable to back up any configuration files before making changes. Additionally, since P3D is often used in professional or academic environments, these settings might be restricted depending on your setup.

If these adjustments don't yield the desired results, you might consider using external software solutions designed to enhance on-screen readability, such as magnification tools or Windows' built-in accessibility features. This isn't ideal, as it can affect simulator performance or screen layout.

Lastly, I understand your frustration with not being able to use MSFS due to internet connectivity issues. It's indeed a setback when hardware capabilities are undercut by network limitations. Perhaps exploring potential improvements in your internet setup could also be a future avenue to revisit the richer environments offered by MSFS.

Feel free to reach out if you need further assistance or if there are specific elements of the simulator’s display settings you’d like to explore further!

Happy flying!