How to Change Font Size in Word: Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to our blog post on “how to change font size in Word.” It doesn’t matter if you’re using Word 2016, Word for Microsoft 365, or even Word 2010—changing the font size is a breeze! We’ll break it down so it’s as simple as pie. Whether you need bigger text for a presentation or smaller text to fit everything on one page, we’ve got you covered.

Have you ever squinted at your screen because the text was too small? We have, and it’s no fun. To adjust the font size, you can use the ribbon at the top of the interface in any version of Word. Simply highlight the text you want to change, navigate to the ‘Home’ tab, and select your desired font size from the drop-down menu. It’s quick and easy, and you’ll find it in the same spot no matter which version you’re using.

Sometimes, you might want to change the font size for all the text at once. In our office, we like to use the “Select All” shortcut (Ctrl+A) for this kind of task. Then go to the ‘Home’ tab and pick your new font size. This trick works wonders, whether you’re on Word 2019 or working in Word for Microsoft 365.

How to Change Font Size in Word

Changing the font size in Microsoft Word is quick and easy. Let’s walk through the steps together.

First, open your Microsoft Word document. If you want to change the font size for the entire document, press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all the text.

Next, head to the Home tab on the toolbar. In the Font group, you’ll see a box that displays the current font size. Click on the drop-down arrow next to it to view a list of sizes.

If you’re thinking ahead and want to set a new font size for all future documents, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Home tab and click the Font Dialog Box Launcher (a small arrow at the bottom right of the Font group).
2. Choose your desired font size.
3. Click Set As Default.
4. Select All documents based on the Normal template.

And there we have it! Changing the font size in Word is a breeze once you know where to go. We’ve all been there, struggling with small text or trying to fit everything on one page. With these steps, you’ll get your text just the way you like it!

Manual Font Size Adjustment

To change font size in Microsoft Word, you can either use the Ribbon or the Font Dialog Box. Each method has its own steps and advantages, allowing flexibility based on your needs.

Using the Ribbon

We often use the Ribbon for quick adjustments. First, you need to select the text you want to change. Use Ctrl + A to select all text in the document.

On the Home Tab, find the Font group. Look for the Font Size drop-down menu. It has a number, often set to 12 point by default. Click the arrow and choose your desired size from the preset options.

If none of the preset sizes fit your needs, you can type a custom size directly into the box. After selecting the size, press Enter.

For even more convenience, when you select text, a Mini Toolbar appears near your selection. This toolbar includes a smaller version of the font size menu. You can adjust the size quickly without moving to the Ribbon.

Using the Font Dialog Box

Sometimes we need more control, and that’s where the Font Dialog Box comes in. To open it, click the small arrow in the bottom-right corner of the Font group on the Home Tab, also known as the Font Dialog Box Launcher.

In the dialog box, you’ll see detailed options for adjusting font size. Choose your size from the Font Size list or type a custom size into the box provided. You can also change the font style, color, and apply text effects here.

Once you’ve made all your choices, click OK to apply the changes. This method is useful for making bulk changes to styles and formatting in your document.

Automating Font Size

Changing the font size in Word can be automated to save time and ensure consistency. Using styles and macros, we can set up, modify, and apply font sizes quickly without manual adjustments.

Using Styles

Styles in Word let us easily set and change the font size for different parts of the document, like headings and subheadings. First, modify the default styles in the normal.dotm template.

Navigate to the Home tab, find the Styles group, right-click the style you want to change, and select Modify. In the dialog box, set your preferred font size and click OK.

To apply a style to a text block, simply place the cursor anywhere in the text and choose the style from the Styles group. This ensures consistent formatting across the entire document.

Using Macros

Creating macros lets us automate repetitive tasks like changing font sizes with a simple keyboard shortcut. In Word, go to the View tab and click Macros.

Name your macro and click Create. In the VBA editor, type in the desired commands to change font size. For example, to change all tables’ font sizes, use:

Sub ChangeTableFonts()
    Dim tbl As Table
    For Each tbl In ActiveDocument.Tables
        tbl.Range.Font.Size = 10
    Next tbl
End Sub

Save and close the editor, then assign a shortcut key to the macro using the Customize Ribbon options. This way, we can change all table fonts across the document by pressing just a few keys, making the process efficient and straightforward.

Tips for Effective Font Size Usage

Using the right font size in Word is essential for creating readable and professional documents. Here are some tips for making the best choices:

Font Style Matters: We have plenty of options, but classic styles like Calibri and Times New Roman are easy to read and professional. Fancy fonts might look cool but can be hard to read.

Avoid Drastic Changes: Jumping from a tiny font to a huge one can be jarring. Gradually increase size for a smoother transition.

Consistent Formatting: Use styles to keep your headings, subheadings, and body text uniform. This keeps the document looking neat.

Line Spacing: Add space between lines to improve readability. 1.15 to 1.5 line spacing is usually best.

We believe in keeping our documents clean and simple. Using these tips, we can create documents that look professional and are easy to read.