To use Times New Roman in Google Docs, select your text, click the font menu in the toolbar (it usually says “Arial”), and choose Times New Roman. If you want every new paragraph to use it, apply it to Normal text and save it as your default style. Times New Roman comes built into Google Docs, so there’s nothing to install.
Here’s how to switch to it on a computer and on your phone, make it the default, and get the classic 12-point, double-spaced format many schools ask for.
How to change text to Times New Roman on a computer
- Open your document in Google Docs.
- Select the text you want to change. To change everything, press Ctrl + A (Windows or Chromebook) or Command + A (Mac).
- Click the font menu in the toolbar. It shows the name of the current font.
- Scroll to or type Times New Roman and click it.
The selected text changes immediately. If you set the font before you start typing, everything you type afterward uses Times New Roman until you change it again.
Tip: if Times New Roman isn’t in the short list, click More fonts at the top of the menu, search for it, and click it so it’s added to your list.
How to make Times New Roman the default font
Changing the font on selected text doesn’t affect new documents. To make Times New Roman the default for every new document:
- In any document, type a line of text and set it to Times New Roman (and the size you want, such as 12).
- With your cursor in that line, open the styles menu in the toolbar (it usually says “Normal text”).
- Hover over Normal text and choose Update ‘Normal text’ to match.
- Go to Format > Paragraph styles > Options > Save as my default styles.
New documents you create will now start with Times New Roman. Existing documents don’t change automatically, but you can bring them in line with Format > Paragraph styles > Options > Use my default styles.
Headings and titles have their own styles. If you want them in Times New Roman too, repeat the update step for Heading 1, Heading 2, and Title before saving your default styles.
How to use Times New Roman in the Google Docs mobile app
- Open the document in the Google Docs app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
- Tap the pencil icon to edit, then select the text.
- Tap the Format icon (the letter A with lines).
- On the Text tab, tap Font and choose Times New Roman.
You can’t save default styles from the mobile app, so set the default on a computer and the app will use it in new documents.
How to format a paper in Times New Roman, 12 pt, double spaced
Many teachers and style guides such as MLA and APA call for Times New Roman at 12 points with double spacing. To set all three at once:
- Press Ctrl + A or Command + A to select everything.
- Choose Times New Roman from the font menu.
- Set the font size box to 12.
- Click Format > Line & paragraph spacing > Double.
Check your assignment’s instructions, because some newer style guide editions allow other readable fonts.
| Goal | Where to do it |
|---|---|
| Change selected text | Toolbar font menu |
| Add Times New Roman to the short list | Font menu > More fonts |
| Make it the default | Update Normal text, then Format > Paragraph styles > Options > Save as my default styles |
| Apply defaults to an old document | Format > Paragraph styles > Options > Use my default styles |
| Change font on mobile | Format icon > Text > Font |
Troubleshooting
- The font keeps switching back. You’re probably typing inside a paragraph that uses a different style. Select the whole document and apply the font again, or update the Normal text style.
- Pasted text shows up in a different font. Paste with Ctrl + Shift + V or Command + Shift + V to paste without formatting, so the text takes the surrounding font.
- Some text won’t change. It may be in a heading style, a table, or a text box. Select those areas separately and set the font.
- The exported Word file looks different. Times New Roman is a standard font, so it should carry over. If it doesn’t, check that the recipient’s computer has the font installed.
Related: How to set Times New Roman as the default in Word.
Related: How to change the font for a whole document in Google Docs.
Frequently asked questions
Does Google Docs have Times New Roman?
Yes. It’s one of the standard fonts in the toolbar font menu on every account.
Why does Google Docs default to Arial?
Arial is Google Docs’ built-in default for Normal text. You can change it by saving your own default styles, as shown above.
Will changing my default font change shared documents?
No. Your default styles only apply to new documents you create. Other people’s documents keep their own styles.
Can I use Times New Roman in Google Slides and Sheets?
Yes. Both have a font menu in the toolbar with Times New Roman available.
How do I undo the font change?
Press Ctrl + Z or Command + Z right after the change, or select the text and pick a different font.
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.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.