How to Change the Default Font in Word
If you change the font every single time you start a new document, set it as the default once and never think about it again.
Quick reference
| What you want | How |
|---|---|
| Open font settings | Ctrl + D |
| Make it the default | Set As Default → All documents based on the Normal template |
| Default spacing | Paragraph settings → Set As Default |
1. Set the default font
1. Open a blank document.
2. Press Ctrl + D, or click the small arrow in the bottom-right of the Font group on the Home tab.
3. Choose your Font, Font style and Size — for example Arial, Regular, 12.
4. Click Set As Default (bottom left).
5. Choose All documents based on the Normal template?
6. Click OK.
2. Press Ctrl + D, or click the small arrow in the bottom-right of the Font group on the Home tab.
3. Choose your Font, Font style and Size — for example Arial, Regular, 12.
4. Click Set As Default (bottom left).
5. Choose All documents based on the Normal template?
6. Click OK.
Every new blank document now starts in your chosen font.
⚠️ Don't pick "This document only"
That option only changes the document you have open. New documents will still use the old font.
2. Set the default line spacing too
Fed up with the big gaps between paragraphs?
1. Click the small arrow in the Paragraph group on the Home tab.
2. Set Spacing Before and After (e.g. 0 pt before, 8 pt after) and Line spacing (e.g. Single).
3. Click Set As Default → All documents based on the Normal template.
2. Set Spacing Before and After (e.g. 0 pt before, 8 pt after) and Line spacing (e.g. Single).
3. Click Set As Default → All documents based on the Normal template.
3. Good fonts for everyday documents
• Aptos — Microsoft 365's current default. Clean and modern.
• Calibri — the previous default. Familiar and compact.
• Arial or Verdana — very readable, especially for older readers.
• Georgia or Cambria — a more traditional serif look.
• Calibri — the previous default. Familiar and compact.
• Arial or Verdana — very readable, especially for older readers.
• Georgia or Cambria — a more traditional serif look.
12 pt is a comfortable size for printed letters; 11 pt is fine on screen.
4. Headings too?
Headings use their own styles. Right-click Heading 1 in the Styles gallery → Modify…, pick a font, select New documents based on this template, and click OK.
On a Mac
Format → Font, choose your settings, click Default… and then Yes.
Troubleshooting
It keeps going back to the old font. Close Word. If it asks whether to save changes to Normal.dotm, click Save.
It still doesn't stick. An add-in may be resetting it. Check File → Options → Add-ins, or ask your IT team if your organisation sets a template.
Wrapping up
Ctrl + D, choose your font, Set As Default, and pick All documents. Done forever.
