Google Docs lets you make a preferred font and text style the default for normal text in documents you create. The reliable approach is to format sample text, update the Normal text style to match it, and then save those styles as your defaults.
Set the Normal text style you want
- Open a Google Docs document.
- Type or select a paragraph of normal body text.
- Choose the font, size, and other basic text formatting you want as your default.
- Open the styles menu, point to Normal text, and choose the option to update Normal text to match the selection.
Save the styles as your defaults
Open the styles menu again, find its Options controls, and choose Save as my default styles. New documents you create should then use those saved styles.
Existing documents do not automatically change
Saving a new default is primarily for future documents. Existing files can retain their own styles, templates, and manually applied formatting.
Headings have their own styles
Changing Normal text does not necessarily change Heading 1, Heading 2, titles, or subtitles. Format and update those named styles separately if you want a coordinated document design.
Documents created from a template can carry template-specific styles. Likewise, text pasted from another source can bring formatting with it. Use Paste without formatting or reapply the intended style when necessary.
If you want to undo the change
The styles Options menu also provides a way to reset styles. Google can adjust menu wording over time, but the underlying process remains: define the named styles, then save them as your defaults.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.