The ability to adjust the default font size for new documents

Everett Phoenix 0 Reputation points
2026-09-14T22:48:08.19+00:00

It would be nice if the Microsoft word desktop website could save your font size setting, so that you don't have to manually adjust the font size with every new document; if you don't want to use the default size of 12

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For education | Other
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  1. John Korchok 236K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-14T23:26:15.3333333+00:00

    Unfortunately, Word for the web does not allow you to create templates, which is the usual way you would solve this problem. As a workaround, create a document with your preferred font size, then save it as a file with a name that will remind you of it's status. Then, when you want a new file open your "template" and choose File>Create a Copy. The font size will remain as you set it in the original.

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  2. Stefan Blom 352K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-14T22:58:48.9866667+00:00

    It would be nice if the Microsoft word desktop website could save your font size setting, so that you don't have to manually adjust the font size with every new document; if you don't want to use the default size of 12

    Since you mention "website," I guess you are using Word on the web? That version has limited capabilities compared to the full version you can install locally on your PC. You can send feedback to Microsoft via the portal at https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/forum/fb6d67e3-301c-ec11-b6e7-0022481f8472 .

      

    EDIT: See also John's suggestion to create a sample document which can be used as a "template." (In Word terminology, it won't be what is strictly a template file, though.)

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  3. Ivory 1,325 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-14T22:57:47.2166667+00:00

    Hi Everett,

    For desktop Word, there's a way to save a font size so every new document opens with it automatically instead of the default 12pt:

    1. Open Word and go to Home, then click the small arrow at the bottom-right corner of the Font group (or press Ctrl+D).
    2. Select the font size you'd like to use.
    3. Click "Set As Default."
    4. Choose "All documents based on the Normal template," then click OK.

    Once that's set, every new blank document in desktop Word will open at that size going forward.

    For more information, please consult Change the default font in Word

    For Word on the web (the browser version), there isn't currently a way to save a default font size, new documents there will always open at 12pt Calibri, regardless of what's set in desktop Word. The only workaround is to start new web documents from a saved template file that already has the preferred font size applied, rather than a blank document.

    If you're using Word on the web, I highly recommend submitting a suggestion directly from Word by navigating to Word · Community. This is the most effective way to ensure your voice reaches the product team and can be considered for future improvements.  

    Once you've submitted your feedback, feel free to share the link here in the comments. I’ll be happy to upvote it to help bring more visibility.  

    In the meantime, if you see my replies bring helpful information, please kindly accept it as an answer and vote it up by your original account, which raised this question. Once marked, it will automatically pin to top. As other users will also search information in this community, your valuable vote up will definitely also help other users who have similar queries easily to find the correct channel and useful information more quickly.   

    I hope this provides enough clarity and helps you stay inform with your current situation.

    Thank you for your patience and your understanding. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to share them in the comments on this post so I can continue to support you.    


    Note: Please follow the steps in the forum documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread. 

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  4. AI answer

    2026-09-14T22:48:21.53+00:00

    Yes. In Word desktop, the default font size for new documents can be changed and saved.

    For Word:

    1. Open a new blank document.
    2. Go to Home.
    3. Open the Font dialog box launcher in the Font group, or press Ctrl+D.
    4. Select the font size to use.
    5. Select Set As Default.
    6. Choose All documents based on the Normal template.
    7. Select OK twice.

    An alternative Word method is:

    1. Open a new blank document.
    2. On the Home tab, in the Styles group, open the dialog box launcher, or press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+S.
    3. Select Manage Styles.
    4. Open the Set Defaults tab.
    5. Choose the size in the Size box.
    6. Select New documents based on this template.
    7. Close and reopen Word, and save the Normal template if prompted.

    This applies to new documents based on the active template, usually Normal.dotm. Existing documents are not affected.

    If the setting does not persist, select the font and size again, choose Default, and confirm with Yes.


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