How to Change Default Font, Size, and Spacing in Google Docs

Last week, I switched from Microsoft Word to Google Docs for word processing. The transition was smooth, but I noticed a difference in the default Title, Header, and Normal text sizes compared to Word. The spacing is set at 1.15, which is higher than I prefer. Fortunately, changing the default font and size in Google Docs is simple.

You can easily modify the font size, type, and paragraph spacing using the menu bar. However, the issue arises when creating a new document from scratch, as Google Docs reverts to the default settings. This can be frustrating when working on new documents or assignments.

Changing the default font settings for Title, Header, and Normal Text is not as simple as it seems in Google Docs. You can’t just go into Google Docs settings and modify the default font type and size. In this post, we will guide you on how to change the default font size for Header, Title, and Text. We will also provide a method to revert to the default Google Docs settings if you change your mind. Let’s begin.

Change Default Title Font Type and Size in Google Docs

The default Title type and size in Google Docs is Arial, 26. While I am okay with the title font, the font size looks big. Here’s how you can make changes:

1. Open Google Docs and either open a document or create a new one.

2. Write the title and adjust the font size to your preference.

3. Select the title and highlight the text.

4. Click on the Format tab in the toolbar.

5. Go to Paragraph Styles > Title > select Update Title to match.

6. Move to the menu bar and open Format > Paragraph styles > Options > Save as my default style.

From now on, Google Docs will use the selected Title font type and size as default.

Change Default Heading Font Type and Size in Google Docs

During my writeup, I use Heading 2 for sub-titles. By default, the Heading 2 font is set at 16, which is too small for my liking. To change Heading fonts, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Google Docs and create a new document. Then, select Heading 2 from the menu bar.

Step 2: Start typing a few words in Heading and select them.

Step 3: Click on the Format tab on the toolbar.

Step 4: Navigate to Paragraph Styles > Heading 2 > select Update ‘Heading 2’ to match.

Step 5: Move to the menu bar. Open Format > Paragraph styles > Options > Save as default style.

Using the same trick above, you can change the default font type and size for Heading 1/2/3/4/5/6 in Google Docs.

How to Change Default Text Font Type, Size, and Spacing in Google Docs

This was my biggest issue with Google Docs. The default text is too small for my preference, and the spacing is too wide. I prefer a text size of 16 and single paragraph spacing. Follow the instructions to make changes.

Step 1: Open Google Docs, create a new document, and start typing a few sentences with normal text.

Step 2: Select the whole paragraph and change the font type and size in the toolbar.

Step 3: Tap on the spacing menu and select Single.

Step 4: Click on the Format tab on the toolbar.

Step 5: Go to Paragraph Styles > Normal Text > update ‘Normal Text’ to match.

Step 6: Move to the menu bar. Open Format > Paragraph styles > Options > Save as my default style.

From now on, whenever you compose a document in Google Docs, the system will use the set font type and size for the Title, Heading, and Normal Text. It will also resolve any spacing issues for you.

By now, you have made changes to the default Title, Heading, and Normal Text on Google Docs. You have also adjusted the spacing to your liking. If you didn’t like the changes, you can easily revert back to the original Google Docs style settings. To do this, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Google Docs and create a new document.

Step 2: Your preferred font style and size should already be set.

Step 3: Click on the Format option in the menu bar.

Step 4: Go to Paragraph styles > Options > Reset styles.

Google Docs now defaults to using the Title, Heading, and Normal Text font type and size, with a spacing of 1.15.

Customize Google Docs

Using the tricks above, you can easily change the default font type and size in Google Docs. You can also change the colors of titles/headings and use the highlighter as you prefer. What font type and size do you use in Google Docs? Share your preference in the comments below.