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How to Change Default Font and Size in Word and Excel for Mac
Question details
The user wants to set a new default font and font size for all newly created documents and workbooks in Microsoft Word and Excel on macOS.
- Product
- Microsoft Word and Excel
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Configuring default application formatting preferences for new document and workbook creation.
- Observed behavior
- The default font and size adjustments are applied exclusively to new, blank files and do not alter the formatting of any existing documents or workbooks.
Ensure you have Microsoft Word or Excel open on your Mac. Keep in mind that modifying the default font settings will only affect new, blank files and will not change the fonts in your previously saved documents.
Change the Default Font and Size in Word for Mac
Modify the Normal.dotm template so every new Word document automatically uses your preferred font settings.
When you change the default font in Microsoft Word, the application updates the Normal.dotm template. This template serves as the foundation for all new blank documents you create.
Launch Microsoft Word on your Mac. In the top Apple menu bar, click on **Format** and select **Font** from the dropdown menu.
In the Font dialog box, choose your preferred font family, font style, and font size.
Click the **Default...** button located at the bottom left of the window. A prompt will appear asking how you want to apply the change. Choose **All documents based on the Normal template** and click **OK**.
If you are prompted to save changes to the Normal.dotm template when you quit Word later, make sure to click **Save** to confirm your new default settings.
Change the Default Font and Size in Excel for Mac
Update the general application preferences in Excel to apply a specific font and size to all new workbooks.
Experience Easy Font Customization with WPS Office for Mac
If you are looking for an intuitive and lightweight office suite on your Mac, WPS Office offers a seamless experience. It allows you to customize default document layouts and fonts effortlessly while maintaining perfect compatibility with your existing Microsoft Office files.
- 1. Download WPS Office for Mac: Get the free WPS Office suite for macOS directly from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Open a New Document: Launch WPS Writer or WPS Spreadsheet and create a new blank document to begin your work.
- 3. Configure Default Settings: Navigate to the preferences menu to apply your preferred font styles globally for all future files with just a few clicks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing the default font affect my existing Word and Excel files?
No, changing the default font settings in Word or Excel only applies to new, blank documents and workbooks created after the change. Your previously saved files will retain their original font and formatting settings.
Why did my font revert back to the old default after I restarted Word for Mac?
This usually happens if the Normal.dotm template fails to save properly. Make sure that when you quit Word, you click 'Save' if a prompt asks to save changes to the Normal global template. Additionally, verify that you selected 'All documents based on the Normal template' when initially setting the default font.
How do I find and backup the Normal.dotm template on my Mac?
The Normal.dotm template is typically located in the hidden Library folder. You can access it by opening Finder, holding down the 'Option' key, clicking 'Go' in the top menu, selecting 'Library', and then navigating to Group Containers > UBF8T346G9.Office > User Content > Templates. You can copy this file to backup your custom default fonts and macros.
