Text size in IE

Why can't the user override it?

[peteej]

I'm wondering why the user cannot use increase/decrease text size on CSS-based sites. I can do this in Firefox but IE doesn't allow it. It's like the stylesheet takes precedence and disallows users to make adjustments. Any info on this behavior and how to get around it?

Thanks.

[jfjet]

If the font is defined as "px" and not "em" or "%", then IE doesn't allow resizing when you select a diffrent font size on the browser.

[benihana]

Its when the CSS is used to define font sizes in pixels or points, as opposed to percent or em's.

From a designers point of view, you can get round it by using percent or ems for fonts. For users you can select the accessibility button in internet options dialog (tools > internet options)and tick the ignore font sizes box. Or pick a Better [opera.com] Browser [mozilla.org] :)

[peteej]

Thanks to you both for the information. I agree with benihana's "better browser" idea, but unfotunately my company doesn't. ;)

[dcrombie]

How to get around it:

body { 
 font-size: 80%; 
} 
h1 { 
 font-size: 1.6em; 
} 
h2 { 
 font-size: 1.3em; 
}