Ever wished you could make your WordPress text stand out just a bit more—or perhaps tone it down for a sleeker look? The right text size can make your website easier to read and more visually appealing, helping you connect better with visitors.
Knowing how to adjust text size in WordPress is crucial for effective communication and accessibility. In this article, you’ll discover simple, step-by-step methods and helpful tips to effortlessly change text size on your WordPress site.
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How to Change Text Size in WordPress: Step-by-Step Guide
Changing the text size in WordPress is a simple yet impactful way to enhance your website’s readability and style. Whether you’re aiming to make headings stand out or content easier to digest, WordPress equips you with several methods to adjust font size. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each approach, offering practical tips, considerations, and answers to common questions along the way.
Why Change Text Size in WordPress?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s tackle the why.
- Improve Readability: Larger or well-sized text can make your content easier to read for visitors.
- Enhance Visual Hierarchy: Headlines, subheadings, and body text should have distinct sizes to guide readers through your content.
- Reflect Brand Identity: Consistent font sizing helps maintain a professional look and feel.
Let’s explore the main methods you can use to alter text size in WordPress.
Method 1: Changing Font Size in the Block Editor (Gutenberg)
The WordPress Block Editor (Gutenberg) offers straightforward tools to adjust the font size of your content directly as you write and edit posts or pages.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open Your Post or Page
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Navigate to your WordPress dashboard. Click on Posts or Pages and choose the content you want to edit.
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Select the Text Block
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Click on the block containing text (e.g., Paragraph, Heading, List).
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Locate the Settings Sidebar
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On the right-hand side, ensure the ‘Block’ tab is selected.
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Adjust Font Size
- Scroll to the Typography or Font Size option.
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Choose from preset options (e.g., Small, Medium, Large, Huge) or input a custom size (such as 18px).
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Preview and Update
- Make sure you preview your changes before publishing to check how it looks on different devices.
Key Points
- This method changes the font size for individual blocks, giving you fine control.
- Useful for highlighting key phrases or setting specific paragraphs apart.
- These settings may not be available for some older or custom blocks.
Method 2: Changing Font Size Using the Classic Editor
If you still use the Classic Editor, you can change font size by utilizing the toolbar or adding some HTML.
Option 1: Format Dropdown
- Highlight the text you want to enlarge.
- Use the ‘Paragraph’ dropdown menu to select a heading style (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.).
- Headings are typically larger than regular paragraph text.
Option 2: Add Inline HTML
If you need a more specific font size:
- Switch to the ‘Text’ (HTML) tab of the editor.
- Wrap the text in a “ tag with inline CSS, such as:
html
Your text here
Recommendation
- Limit the use of inline styles for consistency and easier theme updates.
- Use heading tags for structure and SEO benefits.
Method 3: Customizing Theme Typography Settings
Many modern WordPress themes offer customization panels for global font settings.
Steps
- Go to Appearance > Customize
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This opens the WordPress Customizer.
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Find Typography or Fonts Section
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Each theme is different. Look for sections labeled ‘Typography’, ‘Fonts’, or similar.
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Adjust Global Font Size
- Change font sizes for headings, body text, and other elements.
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Some themes provide sliders or numerical input boxes for customization.
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Publish Changes
- Click ‘Publish’ to make your changes live.
Benefits
- Changes apply site-wide—a fantastic time saver.
- Ensures consistency across your website.
Challenges
- Not all themes provide extensive typography controls.
- Some settings may override your block editor changes.
Method 4: Using Custom CSS
For maximum flexibility, adding your own CSS lets you fine-tune text sizes for any element.
How to Add Custom CSS
- Navigate to Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS.
- Add CSS rules, such as:
“`css
p {
font-size: 18px;
}
h2 {
font-size: 32px;
}
“`
3. Click ‘Publish’ to save your changes.
Tips
- Use class or id selectors for precise targeting.
- Always check your updates for mobile compatibility.
Pros
- Ultimate control over styles.
- Can override theme or plugin defaults.
Cons
- Requires some basic CSS knowledge.
- A mistake might cause styling issues if not tested.
Method 5: Changing Font Size with Plugins
There are plugins designed to simplify font customization, no coding required.
Popular Plugins
- Advanced Editor Tools (previously TinyMCE Advanced)
- Custom Fonts
- Easy Google Fonts
How to Use a Plugin
- Install and Activate the Plugin
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Go to Plugins > Add New and search for your chosen plugin.
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Access Plugin Settings
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Each plugin will offer different ways to adjust font size—often via the editor toolbar or Customizer.
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Change Font Sizes as Needed
- Some plugins allow global changes, others let you adjust individual elements.
Things to Consider
- Plugins add extra functionality but sometimes slow down your site.
- Stick to reputable, regularly updated plugins.
Best Practices and Tips
- Consistency Is Key: Keep your headings, subheadings, and paragraphs consistent throughout your website for a clean, professional look.
- Test Responsiveness: Always check how your text appears on mobile devices and tablets.
- Prioritize Accessibility: Ensure text is large enough and contrasts well with the background. This benefits all users, especially those with visual impairments.
- Limit Excessive Changes: Don’t use too many different text sizes on a single page; simplicity almost always reads better.
- Backup Before Major Changes: Especially when using CSS or plugins, back up your site prior to making adjustments.
Troubleshooting Common Challenges
Changing font size can sometimes come with a few hiccups. Here’s how to handle them:
- Theme Restrictions: Some themes may override your custom sizes. Check your theme’s documentation or consider switching themes.
- Plugin Conflicts: Deactivate other plugins if changes aren’t displaying to identify any conflicts.
- Cache Issues: Clear your browser and site cache after making updates to ensure changes appear properly.
- Unresponsive Design: If text looks great on desktop but not on mobile, consider adding media queries in your CSS for better control.
Summary
Changing text size in WordPress is accessible to users of all skill levels. Whether you’re using the Block Editor, Classic Editor, theme customization options, custom CSS, or plugins, you have the flexibility to create content that’s both engaging and easy to read. Remember to prioritize consistency, usability, and mobile responsiveness for a professional, user-friendly site.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I change the font size for all my posts at once?
To update font size across your entire site, use your theme’s typography settings in the Customizer or add custom CSS. For example, you can set all paragraph text with:
p {
font-size: 18px;
}
Apply it in Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS.
2. Can I set different font sizes for mobile and desktop?
Absolutely! Use CSS media queries to adjust font sizes for each device type. A basic example:
@media (max-width: 767px) {
p {
font-size: 16px;
}
}
This ensures your text is legible on all screens.
3. Will changing the theme affect my custom font sizes?
It can. If you’ve applied font sizes using theme settings or custom CSS within your previous theme, switching themes may reset these changes. After changing themes, check your site’s appearance and reapply settings if needed.
4. Are there any risks using plugins to change font size?
Plugins are generally safe, but too many can slow your site or cause conflicts. Always use well-maintained plugins, keep them updated, and back up your site before major changes.
5. What’s the best font size for readability?
For body text, sizes between 16px and 18px are ideal for most readers. Headings should be substantially larger for clear separation. Most importantly, test your website’s readability on multiple devices and listen to user feedback.
With these tools and tips, you’re well on your way to creating reader-friendly, stylish content in WordPress—no coding degree required!