Changing the font for a whole Word 2013 document takes a few seconds: select everything and pick a new font. If you want every new document to use that font too, change the default in the Font dialog. Office 2013 reached end of support on April 11, 2023, so it no longer receives security updates. The same steps work in newer versions of Word.
Quick Answer
Press Ctrl+A to select the whole document, then choose a font from the Font box on the Home tab. To make it the default for new documents, open the Font dialog (Ctrl+D), choose the font, click Set As Default, and choose All documents based on the Normal template.
How to Change the Font for an Entire Document in Word 2013
- Press Ctrl+A to select all text in the document.
- On the Home tab, choose a new font in the Font box and a size if you like.
- Check headers, footers, and text boxes, which Ctrl+A does not always include, and change them separately.
- For a more lasting change, go to Design, Fonts, and pick a theme font set that updates styles throughout.
- To make it the default, press Ctrl+D, choose the font, click Set As Default, select All documents based on the Normal template, and click OK.
Ways to Change Fonts
| Method | Scope |
|---|---|
| Ctrl+A, then Font box | The current document body |
| Design, Fonts | Theme fonts for headings and body |
| Modify the Normal style | All body text using that style |
| Set As Default | All new documents |
Troubleshooting
- Headings did not change: they use heading styles with their own fonts. Change them with Design, Fonts, or by modifying the heading styles.
- The default resets: Word may not have permission to save the Normal template. Close Word, reopen it, and try again.
- For a specific example, see how to set Times New Roman as the default in Word.
- To change text color as well, read how to change text color in Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ctrl+A change fonts in headers and footers?
No. Open the header or footer and change it there.
Can I change the font in many documents at once?
Not built in. Change the default for new documents, or use a template.
Will others see my font?
Only if they have it installed, or if you embed fonts in File, Options, Save.
Summary
- Press Ctrl+A.
- Pick a new font.
- Update headers, footers, and text boxes.
- Use Set As Default for new documents.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
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