In Microsoft Word, how do I change the default font?

The default font in Microsoft Word 2010 and 2007 is 11 point Calibri. The default font in earlier versions is 12 point Times New Roman. To change the default font size and type, follow the appropriate instructions below.

On this page:

• Microsoft Word 2010 and 2007
  • Setting the default within Word
  • Modifying the template file
• Earlier versions of Microsoft Word
  • Setting the default within Word
  • Modifying the template file

Microsoft Word 2010 and 2007

Setting the default within Word

1. Launch Word. To open the Font dialog box, either click the button in the lower right corner of the "Font" group or press Ctrl-d .
   
   
2. Choose the font type and size that you want to be the default every time you open Word.
   
   
3. In the bottom left corner of the Font window, click Default...  .
   
   
4. When prompted to confirm, click Yes.

Modifying the template file

The other way to set the default font is to modify the global template file normal.dotm (in most cases) and/or normal.dotx (in a minority of cases). There are two methods:

From within Word 2010 or 2007:

1. In the Ribbon, from the Home tab, right-click one of the templates over "Styles".
   
   
2. Click Modify.
   
   
3. Edit your style. When you are finished, click OK.

From the Start menu:

1. Click Start and either click the Search field, or select Find or Search. Then, click Files or folders... or For Files or Folders... .

   Note: If this doesn't match what you see, refer to About navigation settings in Windows.

2. Search for the file normal.dot . This will return both the normal.dotm and, if you have it, the normal.dotx template files.
   
   
3. Select one of the files, and then double-click the filename to open it.
   
   
4. After the file is open, you can change the font size and type, and then save this file. You can then repeat this for the other template file, assuming you have it installed (you may not have the normal.dotx template file).
   
   
5. After saving this file, close Word, and then open it again.

Earlier versions of Microsoft Word

Setting the default within Word

1. Launch Word, click Format, and then click Font... .
   
   
2. Choose the font type and size that you want to be the default every time you open Word.
   
   
3. In the bottom left corner of the Font window, click Default... .
   
   
4. When prompted to confirm, click Yes.

Modifying the template file

The other way to set the default font is to modify the global template file normal.dot:

1. Click Start and either click the Search field, or select Find or Search. Then, click Files or folders... or For Files or Folders... .

   Note: If this doesn't match what you see, refer to About navigation settings in Windows.

2. Search for the file normal.dot .
   
   
3. When the file is located, double-click the filename to open it.
   
   
4. After the file is open, you can change the font size and type, and then save this file.
   
   
5. After saving this file, close Word, and then open it again.

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