How to Change Your Default Font in Google Docs

Apr 19, 2021

Making small changes in your workflow like changing margins or setting a new default font ("Normal Text") in Google Docs can save you serious time in the long run. By default, Google Docs uses Arial as the default font, but what if you really never use Arial and actually kind of actively dislike it as a font. You'll need to change the font Google Docs has set for your normal font.

We'll show you how to switch to a new default font in Google Docs, like the one we use here at Howchoo!

Google Workspace

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You need only to type a few characters. Ensure the text is in the font you desire as the default for Google Docs. (We use Rubik.)

Highlight the text by dragging your cursor across it.

With the text still highlighted:

Go to Format.
Select Paragraph Styles.
Select Normal Text.
Click Update 'Normal text' to match.

In order for your new font selection to remain the default each time you open a new Google Doc, you need to save it.

Go to Paragraph styles.
Select Options.
Choose Save as my default style.

Now, your default font will be your new font whenever you start a new Google Doc. You can also change the default fonts the same way for various headings, as well.

Change Margins Add Hanging Indent

Show all in the Google Docs Basics series

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Michael (175)

Apr 19, 2021

You can add new fonts to Google Docs directly on the Google Doc screen. Once you've added the new font, it will be available each time you open Google Docs.

How to Change Your Default Font in Google Docs

Type something in your desired font

Highlight the text

Update the "Normal text"

Save as your new "default style"