How to Stop Word for Mac from Changing Fonts in Bulleted Lists
Question details
The user needs to prevent Word for Mac from automatically changing the font when creating a bulleted list.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Creating a bulleted list by typing an asterisk and a space in a document.
- Observed behavior
- The font unexpectedly changes from the currently selected font (e.g., Calibri) to Times New Roman because the default List Paragraph style is automatically applied.
Open a blank document in Word for Mac so you can adjust the default style settings without accidentally altering the formatting of an existing document.
Modify the Default List Paragraph Style
Update the 'List Paragraph' style to match your preferred font and save the changes to your global template so it applies to all future documents.
Word for Mac relies on the 'List Paragraph' style whenever an automatic bulleted list is triggered. If this style is set to a different font than your standard text, the font will change automatically. Modifying this style is the most effective way to fix the issue permanently.
In your blank document, go to the top menu bar, click on 'Format', and then select 'Style' from the dropdown menu.
Scroll through the list of available styles in the dialog box, click on 'List Paragraph' to highlight it, and then click the 'Modify' button.
In the Modify Style window, find the formatting section and change the font to your preferred choice (such as Calibri) to match your standard document text.
Check the box at the bottom that says 'Add to template'. This ensures that your new font choice will be the default for all new documents you create.
Click 'OK' to apply the changes. When you eventually close Word, it may prompt you to save changes to the global template (Normal.dotm). Be sure to click 'Save' or 'Yes' to confirm this update.
Create Bulleted Lists Easily with WPS Writer
Avoid frustrating formatting bugs by using WPS Writer to create and manage your documents. WPS Office provides a stable editing environment where your font styles remain completely consistent when you create lists.
- 1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office on your Mac and open a new or existing document.
- 2. Type Your Content: Begin typing your text using your preferred font. There is no need to worry about hidden style overrides.
- 3. Apply Bullet Points: Highlight your text, go to the 'Home' tab, and click the 'Bullets' icon to instantly create a list without altering the font.
- 4. Customize List Styles: Click the drop-down arrow next to the Bullets icon if you wish to choose different bullet styles or adjust indentations effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word change my font when I type an asterisk and a space?
Word interprets the asterisk and space as a shortcut for an AutoCorrect feature called 'Automatic bulleted lists'. When activated, it automatically applies the 'List Paragraph' style, which may have a different default font (like Times New Roman) than your normal text.
Can I turn off automatic bulleted lists completely in Word for Mac?
Yes. You can disable this feature by going to 'Word' > 'Preferences' > 'AutoCorrect' > 'AutoFormat As You Type'. Uncheck the box for 'Automatic bulleted lists' to stop Word from creating lists when you type an asterisk.
Will modifying the List Paragraph style affect my older documents?
No, changing the List Paragraph style and saving it to the Normal.dotm template only applies to new documents you create moving forward. Your existing documents will retain their original style and formatting settings.
