Change your default font before you start typing

Microsoft Word lets you pick a font that will appear every time you open a blank document. Instead of changing the font after you've written something, you can set it once and have it ready. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use Word on Windows, Mac, or the web version.

The reason to do this: if you always use the same font for work or school documents, setting it as your default saves time. It also means you won't accidentally send a document in a font you didn't intend. Word's factory default is Calibri, but many workplaces and schools prefer fonts like Times New Roman or Arial.

Key Takeaways

  • Word's default font is Calibri, but you can change it to any font installed on your computer by opening the font dropdown, selecting a new font, and saving it as default.
  • On Windows, you change the default through the Home tab, then use the small arrow next to the font name to access font settings and click "Set as Default".
  • On Mac, the process is similar: select a font from the Home tab, then click the arrow next to the font box and choose "Set as Default".
  • The web version of Word (Office.com) does not have a persistent default font setting, so you will need to change the font manually each time you start a new document.
  • Your default font choice only affects new blank documents you create; it does not change fonts in documents you have already written.

How to change the default font on Windows

Open Microsoft Word and create a new blank document. On the Home tab at the top, find the font dropdown menu — it usually shows the current font name (Calibri by default). Click the small arrow or dropdown button next to the font name to open the list of available fonts.

Scroll through the list and click the font you want to use as your default. Once you've selected it, look for a small arrow or button near the font dropdown — on Windows, this is usually a tiny downward-pointing arrow to the right of the font box. Click it and select "Set as Default" from the menu that appears. A dialog box will ask you to confirm; click "Yes" or "OK". Word will now use that font for all new blank documents you create.

If you want to change the default font size at the same time, select your preferred size from the font size dropdown (usually showing "11" or "12") before you click "Set as Default". The size will be saved along with the font.

How to change the default font on Mac

Open Word and start a new blank document. Click the Home tab at the top of the screen. Find the font dropdown menu and click it to see all available fonts on your Mac.

Select the font you want to use as your default. Next, look for the small arrow button next to the font name box — on Mac, this appears as a small downward-pointing triangle. Click it and select "Set as Default" from the menu. A confirmation dialog will appear; click "OK" to save your choice. From that point forward, every new blank document will open in your chosen font.

Why the web version of Word works differently

If you use Word through Office.com (the browser-based version), you cannot set a permanent default font the way you can in the desktop versions. Each time you open a new document, Word online starts with Calibri. You will need to manually select your preferred font from the Home tab each time.

This limitation exists because web-based applications store fewer settings on your computer. If you frequently use Word online and want a consistent font, consider using the desktop version of Word instead, or straightforward accept that you'll change the font at the start of each session.

What happens if you change the default after you've already written something

Changing your default font does not affect documents you have already created or typed in. If you've written a 10-page report in Calibri and then change your default to Arial, that report stays in Calibri. The new default only applies to blank documents you create after you make the change.

If you want to change the font in an existing document, select all the text (press Ctrl+A on Windows or Command+A on Mac), then pick a new font from the Home tab. This will change every instance of the old font to the new one throughout the document.

Fonts that are safe to use across computers and devices

Some fonts are installed on almost every computer, while others may only exist on your machine. If you send a document to someone else and they don't have the font you used, Word will substitute it with a different font, which can change how your document looks.

Fonts that are widely available include Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri, Verdana, and Georgia. If you work with people outside your organization or submit documents to schools or employers, using one of these common fonts reduces the chance that your formatting will change when someone else opens the file. If you use a less common font, you can embed it in the document so it travels with the file — this option appears in File > Options > Advanced on Windows.

Troubleshooting: Your default font keeps reverting to Calibri

Sometimes Word resets to Calibri even after you've set a different default. This usually happens if Word crashes or if you have multiple versions of Word installed on the same computer. Try setting the default again, making sure you click "Set as Default" and confirm the dialog box completely.

If the problem persists, check that you have the latest updates for Microsoft Office. Outdated versions sometimes have bugs that prevent settings from saving. On Windows, go to File > Account > Update Options and click "Update Now". On Mac, go to Help > Check for Updates. After updating, restart Word and set your default font again.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Word does not allow you to set multiple defaults based on document type. You can only set one default font for all new blank documents. If you frequently use different fonts for different purposes, consider creating templates — save a document in your preferred font and formatting, then use File > New > My Templates to start from that template each time.

Does changing the default font affect documents stored in OneDrive or SharePoint?

No. Your default font setting only controls what font appears when you create a new blank document. Documents already saved in OneDrive or SharePoint keep their original fonts. If you open an existing document and want to change its font, you must do so manually by selecting the text and choosing a new font.

What if I want to use a font I downloaded from the internet?

First, install the font on your computer by downloading the font file and double-clicking it, then clicking "Install". Once installed, the font will appear in Word's font dropdown list. You can then set it as your default using the same steps described above. Keep in mind that if you share the document with someone who doesn't have that font installed, Word will substitute a different one.

Can I change the default font for just one section of a document?

You can change the font for any section you select, but this is not a "default" — it's a manual change to that specific text. Select the text you want to change, then pick a new font from the Home tab. To change the default font for all new documents, follow the steps in the sections above.