How do I change the default font in Word 2013?

Anonymous
2013-04-03T20:38:32+00:00

I am using Office 2013 on a Windows 7 platform. When I open Word the font is set to Calibri size 11. I would like the default to be Times Roman size 12. I cannot seem to find this as an option.

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Jay Freedman 208.3K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2013-04-03T22:02:00+00:00

In the old days, you would modify the Normal style and click the "New documents based on this template" option in the Modify Style dialog to make it change Normal.dotm. While that still sorta works, it now has some nasty side effects (such as not taking effect in tables). The right way:

  • Open a new blank document.
  • Click the Design tab.
  • Click the Fonts button (near the right end of the Document Formatting group) and click Customize Fonts at the bottom of the gallery.
  • Change the Body Font box to Times New Roman, and optionally change the Heading Font and the Name entries. Click OK
  • Click the Set as Default button (to the right of the Fonts button) and OK the prompt.
  • To change the size, first display the Styles pane (Ctrl+Alt+Shift+S) and click the Manage Styles button (third from left at the bottom).
  • Go to the Set Defaults tab of the dialog. With the "+Body" entry selected in the Font box, select 12 in the Size box. Click the "New documents based on this template" option and click OK.
  • Close Word. If you're prompted to save the Normal template, say yes.

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  1. Charles Kenyon 170.9K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2014-03-14T01:12:35+00:00

    What add-ins did you turn off?  There are several to choose from.

    If you have any dealing with Blue Tooth, start there. The simple way is to disable all of the Add-Ins and see if that resolves the problem. If so, enable them one at a time until the problem recurs. See if it is an Add-In you use or even knew about. Unless it is something that helps you, leave it disabled.

    If it helps you, write to the program designer and complain that you really would like to use their tools but that they are messing up your use of Word.

    Enable or disable add-ins in Office programs - Support - Office.com

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  2. Suzanne S Barnhill 279.3K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2014-03-13T23:30:35+00:00

    Ctrl+Shift+S opens the Apply Styles dialog; Alt+Ctrl+Shift+S opens the Styles pane. Sounds like you weren't using enough fingers.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-03-13T19:53:26+00:00

    What add-ins did you turn off?  There are several to choose from.

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-01-06T15:33:48+00:00

    This is definitely the correct answer. I just applied this to a three page document with a table and two lists in Word 2013 and everything applied properly. Very easy and straight forward.

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