UI scaling: How to adjust the size of the user interface and text in DoS2

This guide shows how to adjust the size of the user-interface and text in Divinity: Original Sin 2, to make them either smaller or larger than the default setting.

Introduction

I found the UI in DoS2 to be ridiculously huge and obstructive of sight, so I looked for a way to make it smaller. Thankfully, there's in-engine game scaling code that's ready to be used, which this guide shows how to use. I'm just surprised there isn't an in-game control to adjust the UI, especially since the code exists and the UI is in what's basically vision-impaired mode by default.

Where to find the file to edit - config.lsx

DoS2's UI scaling can be adjusted by editing a value in the file config.lsx, which if using Windows appears in the folder:

C:\Users\<username>\Documents\Larian Studios\Divinity Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition\PlayerProfiles\<username>.

If using a Steam Deck, the folder path is:

/home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/435150/pfx/drive_c/users/<username>/documents

People have noted that the file config.lsx doesn't appear in the folder until the in-game audio settings have been changed at least once. So, change your audio volume in the DoS game options menu, click the apply button so the game saves the change, and then change it back to however you want it. That will make the config.lsx file appear in the folder so that you can edit it.

Instructions on how to edit config.lsx

To scale the whole UI, including the font:


1) go to the folder where your config.lsx file is located, and open config.lsx with a text editor.


2) search the file for "UIScaling". The part with the value you want to edit actually looks like this:

</node>
<node id="ConfigEntry">
<attribute id="MapKey" value="UIScaling" type="22" />
<attribute id="Type" value="2" type="5" />
<attribute id="Value" value="1" type="6" />
</node>

The specific value you need to edit is value="1" in this line:

<attribute id="Value" value="1" type="6" />

3) edit value="1" to a decimal number less than 1 to decrease the UI's size, and increase it to a decimal number between 1.1 and 2 to increase the UI's size.

I found that a value of 0.84 looks very good on my screen. So, my edited line reads:

<attribute id="Value" value="0.84" type="6" />

With my setting, I'd like the character and inventory screens, the in-game containers, and the minimap to be a bit smaller, but decreasing the scaling further made the quick-action bar become a bit too small for my liking. I wish they could be adjusted separately. But this is still a big improvement over the default setting.


4) after editing the value however you want it, save the config.lsx file and launch the game. The UI will be scaled accordingly.

Comparison of no UI scaling / with UI scaling

How the UI and text look by default, without any scaling:
.
.
.
How the UI and text look with a scaling value of 0.84:
.

[Turbo Nozomix]

@Dexter Sinister: I would start by trying the value I've put in the guide, 0.84. If that's too small, then I'd try something between that and the default of 1.00. If, after trying it, you want it smaller than 0.84, I'd set it to a smaller number, maybe trying 0.8.

Since all it takes to try out a different value is editing the config file, saving it, and then launching the game, it shouldn't take long to find which setting works well for you.

[Dexter Sinister]

Does anyone know a number that tends to look decent on the Steam Deck?