Set a new default font before you start typing

Google Docs uses Calibri as its default font, but you can change it to any font you prefer. The fastest way is to open a blank document, select all the text (even though there is none yet), pick a new font from the toolbar, and then set it as default. Google Docs will remember that choice for every new document you create going forward.

You do not have to change the font in every document individually. Once you set a default, it applies automatically to all new blank documents you open. Existing documents keep their original formatting — changing your default does not alter work you have already done.

Key Takeaways

  • Open a blank Google Doc, press Ctrl+A (or Cmd+A on Mac) to select all, then choose your preferred font from the toolbar dropdown.
  • Click the three-dot menu, select "Default," and confirm — this sets that font as the starting point for all future new documents.
  • You can change your default font as many times as you want, and the change takes effect when ready on the next new document you create.
  • If you want a specific font size or line spacing as your default too, adjust those settings before clicking "Default" in the menu.

Step-by-step: changing your default font

Start by opening Google Docs in your web browser and creating a new blank document. You can do this by going to docs.google.com and clicking the "+" button, or by opening any existing document and selecting File > New > Blank Document from the menu.

Once the blank document is open, press Ctrl+A on Windows or Cmd+A on Mac to select all content. Even though the document is empty, this step is necessary for the default to explore correctly. You will see the entire page highlight in blue.

Look at the toolbar near the top of the page. You will see a dropdown that currently shows "Calibri" (or whatever your current default is). Click that dropdown to see the full list of available fonts. Scroll through and click the font you want to use. The font list includes common choices like Arial, Times New Roman, Georgia, and Courier New, as well as Google Fonts like Roboto, Lato, and Open Sans.

After you select your font, click the three-dot menu button on the far right of the toolbar. A dropdown menu will appear. Select "Default" from that menu. Google Docs will ask you to confirm that you want to set this font as your default. Click "OK" and you are done.

Why you might want to change your default font

Different fonts serve different purposes. Calibri is a sans-serif font designed for screen reading, which works well for most documents. But if you write academic papers, many instructors require Times New Roman, a serif font that is standard in formal writing. If you work in design or creative fields, you might prefer a more distinctive font like Lato or Roboto.

Changing your default saves time if you consistently use the same font. Instead of changing it in every new document, you set it once and it is ready to go. This is especially useful if your workplace or school has a standard font requirement, or if you straightforward have a personal preference you use across all your writing.

Changing font size and line spacing at the same time

You can set more than just the font as your default. Before you click "Default" in the three-dot menu, you can also adjust the font size and line spacing, and those settings will become your default too.

With all text still selected (Ctrl+A or Cmd+A), look at the toolbar. You will see a number next to the font dropdown — that is your font size, usually set to 11 pt. Click that number to change it. You can also click Format > Line spacing from the menu to adjust spacing between lines. Once you have set the font, size, and spacing the way you want them, then click the three-dot menu and select "Default."

Reverting to Google Docs' original default

If you want to go back to Calibri and the original settings, the process is the same. Open a blank document, select all, change the font back to Calibri, adjust the size to 11 pt if needed, and then click the three-dot menu and select "Default." Google Docs does not have a "reset to factory settings" button, so you have to manually set it back.

You can also change your default font as many times as you want. There is no limit to how often you can update it, so if you switch between projects that require different fonts, you can adjust your default whenever you need to.

Fonts available in Google Docs

Google Docs includes a large library of fonts. The most common ones — Arial, Times New Roman, Georgia, Courier New, Verdana — are always available. Beyond those, you have access to Google Fonts, which are free fonts designed for web use. Popular choices include Roboto, Lato, Open Sans, Playfair Display, and Montserrat.

If you choose a less common font as your default, anyone you share the document with will see that font on their screen too, as long as they have access to it. Google Fonts are available to everyone, so those are always safe. If you use a font that is only on your computer, other people may see a substitution instead.

What happens to documents you have already created

Changing your default font does not affect any documents you have already written. Those documents keep their original formatting. The new default only applies to blank documents you create after you change it.

If you want to change the font in an existing document, you can do it the same way: select all text with Ctrl+A or Cmd+A, pick a new font from the toolbar, and click away. You do not need to set it as your default unless you want that font to be the starting point for future documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set different default fonts for different types of documents?

No, Google Docs only allows one default font across all your new blank documents. However, you can create a template with a specific font and use that template whenever you need it. Open a document with your preferred font and settings, click File > Save as template, and then use that template to start new documents with those settings already in place.

What if I share a document with someone and they do not have the font I used?

Google Fonts are available to everyone, so if you use one of those, the other person will see it correctly. If you use a font that is only installed on your computer, Google Docs will substitute a similar font on their screen. To avoid confusion, stick with Google Fonts or the standard fonts like Arial and Times New Roman when sharing documents.

Does changing my default font affect documents I have already shared?

No. Changing your default only affects new blank documents you create after the change. Documents you have already shared keep their original formatting, and changing your default will not alter them.

Can I change the default font for just one folder or project?

No, your default font applies to all new blank documents you create in Google Docs. If you need different fonts for different projects, you can create templates for each project and use those templates instead of blank documents.