To select all headings at once in Word, open the Styles pane, hover over a heading style such as Heading 1, click its drop-down arrow and choose Select All n Instances. Every paragraph using that style is selected, so you can change the font, color or spacing in one go. For a lasting change, modify the style itself instead.
Quick Answer
Home > right-click Heading 1 in the Styles gallery > Select All n Instances. Or click in a heading and choose Home > Select > Select Text with Similar Formatting.
Method 1: Styles Gallery or Styles Pane
- On the Home tab, right-click Heading 1 in the Styles gallery. You can also open the Styles pane with the small arrow at the bottom right of the Styles group (or Ctrl + Alt + Shift + S) and click the arrow next to the style.
- Choose Select All n Instances. The number shows how many headings use that style.
- Apply your formatting. Repeat for Heading 2 and other levels if needed.
Method 2: Select Text With Similar Formatting
- Click inside one heading.
- On the Home tab, choose Select > Select Text with Similar Formatting in the Editing group.
This picks text that looks the same, so it can also catch non-heading text formatted the same way, or miss headings you formatted by hand.
Better: Modify the Style
If you want every heading to change now and in future, right-click the style, choose Modify, set the formatting and click OK. Headings update everywhere, and new headings match.
Which Method to Use
| Method | Selects | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Select All Instances | Every paragraph with that style | One-off changes to styled headings |
| Similar Formatting | Text that looks alike | Headings typed without styles |
| Modify the style | Nothing; changes the style | Permanent, consistent formatting |
| Navigation Pane | One heading and its section | Moving or deleting sections |
Headings also power navigation in a Word document.
Troubleshooting
- Select All is greyed out or shows no count: Turn on File > Options > Advanced > Keep track of formatting, then try again.
- Some headings aren’t selected: They were formatted by hand rather than with a heading style. Apply Heading 1 or 2 to them first.
- Want to focus on writing instead? See Focus mode in Word.
- Working with sections too? See linking sections in Word.
Related: View headings in Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I select all headings of every level at once?
Not in one step. Select all of Heading 1, apply formatting, then repeat for each level, or modify each style.
Does this work in Word for Mac?
Yes. Open the Styles pane from the Home tab, point to the style and choose the Select All option.
Can I copy all headings into a list?
Insert a table of contents or use Outline view, which shows just the headings.
Summary
- Right-click a heading style in the Styles gallery.
- Choose Select All Instances.
- Apply the formatting.
- Modify the style for lasting changes.
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.