Office Settings & Configuration

How to Change Default Font from Aptos to Calibri in Word for iPad

Bushra Parveen Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to change the default font in Word for iPad from the new default Aptos back to Calibri, but cannot find the Design tab.

How to Change the Default Font from Aptos to Calibri in Word for iPad

Product: Microsoft Word for iPad
Device & OS: iPadOS
Scenario: Attempting to revert the default document font from Aptos to Calibri on an iPad.
Observed behavior: Word for iPad defaults to Aptos and lacks the Design tab and advanced style management tools found in desktop versions, preventing users from globally changing the default font.

Before you start

Keep in mind that mobile versions of Word have fewer formatting capabilities compared to desktop versions, meaning a global default font change may require a desktop workaround.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Word Desktop or Web to Create a Calibri Template

Since Word for iPad lacks the Design tab, the most effective workaround is to set your preferred default font on a desktop or web browser and save it as a template to your cloud storage.

The mobile versions of Word, including the iPad app, do not include the comprehensive style-management features or the Design tab available on Windows and Mac. To establish a permanent Calibri default, you must configure a document on a more capable platform.

Open Word on Desktop or Web

Log into Microsoft Word on a Windows PC, Mac, or through your web browser at office.com.

Set Default Font

Create a new blank document. Go to the Home tab, open the Font dialog box, select 'Calibri', and click 'Set As Default'.

Save to OneDrive

Save this blank, configured document as a template or standard document to your connected OneDrive account.

Access on iPad

Whenever you need to start a new document on your iPad, open this specific file from OneDrive and choose 'Save a Copy' to begin typing in Calibri automatically.

Use Word Desktop or Web to Create a Calibri Template

Cross-Platform Syncing: Files created on the desktop version will retain their formatting and embedded styles when opened on the iPad.

Solution 2

Manually Change Font or Modify Normal Style on iPad

If you cannot access a desktop computer, you will need to manually change the font for each document or attempt to update the Normal style if your specific iPad version permits.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Better Formatting Control on Mobile Devices

Struggling with limited features in Word for iPad? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that gives you comprehensive formatting control right from your mobile device. Easily manage fonts, styles, and layouts without needing to switch back and forth to a desktop computer.

1. Download the App: Search for WPS Office in the Apple App Store and download it to your iPad.
2. Open your Document: Open your existing .docx files directly in WPS Office, maintaining all your original formatting.
3. Format with Ease: Use the robust mobile formatting toolbar to freely change fonts, adjust styles, and customize your document layout.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word formats (.docx) and fontsComprehensive font and paragraph formatting tools available directly on mobileFamiliar, intuitive user interface that makes switching seamlessLightweight app that saves storage space on your iPadFree to use for everyday document editing and creation

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I find the Design tab in Word for iPad?

Microsoft Word for iPad is a streamlined mobile application designed for on-the-go editing. It does not include all the features of the full desktop version, which means advanced tabs like Design and extensive style management tools are omitted to keep the app lightweight.

Is Aptos the permanent new default font for Word?

Yes, Microsoft has officially updated its default font from Calibri to Aptos across all Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, to optimize readability on modern, high-resolution screens.

Can I install custom fonts like Calibri on my iPad if they are missing?

Yes. While Calibri is typically included in Microsoft's font package, if you need to install custom fonts on your iPad, you can use third-party font installation apps to create a configuration profile. Once installed in iPadOS settings, these fonts will be available for use in your word processors.

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