To change the font of a text layer in Photoshop, select the text layer in the Layers panel, choose the Horizontal Type Tool (press T), and pick a new font from the font menu in the Options bar at the top of the screen. The whole layer changes right away. To change only some words, highlight them with the Type tool first.
These steps work in Photoshop CS5, CS6, and current Creative Cloud versions. Newer versions also show font settings in the Properties panel.
Quick Answer
Select the text layer, press T, and choose a font from the Options bar. Press Ctrl + Enter (Command + Return on a Mac) to commit the change.
Change the Font for the Whole Layer
- In the Layers panel, select the text layer. Text layers show a T icon.
- Press T or select the Horizontal Type Tool in the toolbar.
- Don’t click in the image. With the layer selected, open the font family menu in the Options bar.
- Choose a font. Point at fonts in the list to preview them on your text.
- Optional: change the style (Bold, Italic), size, or color in the same bar.
Change the Font for Part of the Text
- Select the Type tool and click inside the text.
- Drag across the words you want to change, or double-click a word.
- Choose a new font in the Options bar.
- Press Ctrl + Enter (Command + Return) or select the check mark in the Options bar to commit.
Use the Character Panel for More Options
The Character panel (Window > Character) has the same font menu plus tracking, leading, baseline shift, and faux bold or italic. Here’s where to find the Character panel if it’s hidden.
Change the Font on Several Text Layers at Once
- In the Layers panel, hold Ctrl (Command on a Mac) and click each text layer.
- Press T to select the Type tool.
- Choose the new font in the Options bar. All selected layers update.
Where to Change Each Setting
| Setting | Options bar | Character panel | Properties panel (newer versions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Font and style | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Size and color | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tracking and leading | No | Yes | Yes |
| Faux bold, underline, all caps | No | Yes | Yes |
Change the font before you rasterize text in Photoshop CS5, because rasterized text can’t be edited.
Troubleshooting
- The font menu is grayed out: The selected layer isn’t a text layer. It may have been rasterized (it shows a picture thumbnail instead of a T). You’ll need to retype the text on a new text layer.
- A yellow warning icon appears on the layer: The file uses a font that isn’t installed. Double-click the layer and choose Replace or Manage to pick another font, or install the missing font.
- A new text box appears instead: You clicked on the image with the Type tool. Press Esc, select the layer in the Layers panel, and choose the font without clicking the image.
- A new font doesn’t show in the list: Restart Photoshop after installing the font.
For more text styling, see how to underline existing text in Photoshop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I search the font list?
Yes. Click in the font name box, type part of the name, and Photoshop filters the list.
Can I change the default font?
Select the Type tool without any text layer selected, then choose a font. Photoshop uses it for new text until you change it.
Summary
- Select the text layer in the Layers panel.
- Press T for the Type tool.
- Choose a font from the Options bar.
- Highlight words first to change only part of the text.
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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