Ever wished your WordPress posts looked a little bolder or easier to read? You’re not alone—tweaking font size can instantly transform your site’s look and boost readability, making your content more inviting to visitors.
Whether you’re aiming for a striking headline or clearer paragraphs, adjusting font size is an essential skill for any WordPress user. In this article, you’ll find easy, step-by-step methods to change font size, plus helpful tips to make your content shine.
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How to Change Font Size on WordPress: A Complete Guide
Changing the font size in WordPress can make your content clearer, more attractive, and suited to your site’s personality. There are many straightforward methods available, whether you prefer visual editors, simple settings, or want full and precise control. In this guide, you’ll discover how to easily adjust your font size in WordPress and learn best practices to ensure your website always looks its best.
Why Adjusting Font Size Matters
- Improves Readability: Larger or differently-sized text can help your audience read and digest information more comfortably.
- Highlights Key Information: Emphasize important sections, calls-to-action, or headers.
- Reflects Brand Personality: Tailor your font sizes to fit your brand’s voice, whether playful, formal, or creative.
- Optimizes for Different Devices: Ensuring your font size works on mobile, tablet, and desktop devices delivers a consistent experience.
Four Main Ways to Change Font Size in WordPress
WordPress offers several methods, from easy visual options to advanced tweaks. Each method fits different skill levels and website needs.
1. Changing Font Size Using the Block Editor (Gutenberg) – The Easiest Way
If your website uses the modern Block Editor, adjusting font sizes is quick and intuitive.
Steps:
- Open the page or post where you want to change the font size.
- Select the specific block (such as Paragraph, Heading, or List).
- On the right sidebar, look for the “Typography” or “Font Size” option.
- Choose a preset size (Small, Normal, Medium, Large, etc.) or set a custom size in pixels, em, or rem units.
- View changes in real-time, ensuring your text looks as you want.
Benefits:
- No coding knowledge needed.
- Changes are instant and visual.
- Works with most modern WordPress themes.
Challenges:
- Limited to individual blocks (you’ll need to repeat for each paragraph or heading).
- Some blocks might not offer custom font sizing.
2. Changing Font Size with the Classic Editor
Many users still prefer the Classic WordPress Editor. While not as flexible as the Block Editor, you can change font sizes using headings or HTML.
Steps:
- Open your post/page in the Classic Editor.
- Use the dropdown menu in the toolbar to select Heading 1, Heading 2, etc. These are preset font sizes.
- To set a specific size within a paragraph, switch to the “Text” (HTML) tab.
- Wrap your text in a
ortag with an inlinestyleattribute. For example:
Your text here.
Benefits:
- Simple for basic needs.
- Allows precise size adjustments using HTML.
Challenges:
- Less user-friendly for beginners, especially with HTML.
- Inline styles can become tedious for large sites or frequent changes.
3. Changing Font Size With Customizer or Theme Settings
Many WordPress themes include built-in font size controls. This allows you to adjust sizes for headings, body text, and more sitewide.
Steps:
- In your WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance > Customize.
- Find the “Typography” or “Fonts” section (the name can vary by theme).
- Adjust the font sizes for elements like Body, Headings, and Buttons.
- Preview your changes, then click “Publish” to apply them.
Benefits:
- Easily changes the entire site’s font sizes.
- Usually sets typography for all posts and pages automatically.
- No need for plugins or code.
Challenges:
- Options vary by theme. Not all themes have detailed typography controls.
- May not adjust font size for specific page elements.
4. Changing Font Size Using Plugins
Plugins provide the most flexibility, especially if your theme or editor does not offer enough options.
Popular Plugin Features:
- Advanced controls to change font size for any element, block, or section.
- Custom font sizing for widgets, menus, and footers.
- No coding knowledge required.
Example Steps (using a typical plugin):
- Install a typography or custom CSS plugin.
- Navigate to the plugin’s settings (usually under Appearance or a new sidebar item).
- Select where and how you want to change the font size.
- Set your desired size (in px, em, or %) and save your changes.
- View your site to confirm the changes took effect.
Benefits:
- Works with any theme or editor.
- Suitable for beginners and advanced users.
- Enables unique designs and advanced customization.
Challenges:
- Using many plugins can impact site speed.
- Choose reputable plugins to ensure security and compatibility.
5. Changing Font Size with Custom CSS (For Advanced Users)
For complete control and unique needs, adding your own CSS is the way to go. This works best if you understand or are comfortable learning a bit of CSS.
Steps:
- In your dashboard, go to Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS.
- Add custom CSS code, such as:
“`css
p {
font-size: 18px;
}
h2 {
font-size: 28px;
}
.special-class {
font-size: 24px;
}
“`
3. Click “Publish” to apply the changes.
Benefits:
- Highly customizable solution.
- You can target any element of your site.
Challenges:
- Requires understanding of CSS.
- Typos or mistakes can cause display issues.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
Adjusting font size isn’t just about changing numbers; it’s about user experience and design integrity.
- Use Relative Sizes for Responsive Design: Em and rem units automatically adjust to different screens and browsers.
- Limit Styles for Consistency: Stick to a small range of font sizes to maintain cohesion and look professional.
- Preview on Devices: Always check how your font sizes appear on desktop, tablets, and smartphones.
- Don’t Overuse Headings for Size Only: Use headings logically for structure, not just to make text bigger.
- Combine with Other Typography Settings: Consider font family and line height for a comfortable reading experience.
Troubleshooting Common Font Size Issues
Even after making changes, you might find your font size isn’t updating. Here are common fixes:
- Clear Caches: Browser, plugin, or server caching can delay changes.
- Check for Conflicts: Some themes or plugins may override your settings.
- Review Media Queries: Responsive CSS may set different font sizes for various devices.
- Inspect with Browser Tools: Use “Inspect Element” to see which styles are taking effect.
Extra Cost & Free Options
- Free Solutions: The Block Editor, theme Customizer, and most basic plugins are free to use.
- Premium Themes & Plugins: Some advanced typography controls are exclusive to premium themes or plugins, typically costing $30–$100, but offering greater control, font options, and support.
- No Shipping Costs: As everything is digital, you don’t need to worry about shipping fees.
Summary
Changing the font size on WordPress is simple and offers multiple options to fit any user, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned website owner. You can use the built-in Block Editor, Classic Editor shortcuts, theme Customizer tools, handy plugins, or custom CSS. Improving font size is a powerful way to boost readability, enhance design, and make your website stand out. Always review your choices across devices and aim for a professional, consistent look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I change the font size of only certain words or sentences?
Yes! In the Block Editor, select specific text within a block and use the inline formatting or highlight shortcuts. For more precise control, you can wrap the desired words with span tags in Custom HTML and assign a custom font size using inline CSS.
2. Will changing the font size affect my website’s mobile view?
It can. Use relative units like em or rem in your font sizing for automatic scaling. Always preview changes on mobile devices. Most modern themes and editors ensure good mobile readability by default.
3. Is it necessary to use a plugin for changing font size?
Not necessarily. Many themes and the WordPress editor allow font size adjustments natively. Plugins are helpful if you need advanced features or your theme lacks typography controls.
4. What is the best unit to use for font size in WordPress?
Pixels (px) provide exact sizes, but em and rem units are better for responsive design. They scale well with different devices and user settings, enhancing site accessibility.
5. Why aren’t my font size changes appearing on the site?
This issue often comes from caching, theme overrides, or conflicting plugins. Clear all caches, review your theme’s customizer settings, and check for plugin conflicts. Also, make sure custom CSS is correctly applied and saved.
With these methods and tips, you’ll master adjusting font sizes in WordPress, making your content both beautiful and easy to read.