Ever wished your WordPress site’s text was just a bit bigger—or maybe a touch smaller—for the perfect look? Adjusting font size isn’t just about style; it’s essential for readability and creating a welcoming space for your visitors.
If you’ve ever wondered how to tweak your site’s font size, you’re not alone. This article guides you through simple, effective ways to adjust font size in WordPress, with clear steps and practical tips to make your content shine.
How WordPress Adjusts Font Size: A Comprehensive Guide
Changing the font size on your WordPress website can dramatically improve readability, user experience, and design appeal. Whether you run a blog, a business website, or a personal portfolio, being able to control how your content appears is vital. WordPress offers several flexible methods to tweak font sizes, suiting beginners and advanced users alike. Let’s break down how you can easily adjust font size in WordPress, step-by-step, with practical advice and useful tips along the way.
Understanding Font Size in WordPress
Font size determines how large or small your text appears on your website. In WordPress, you have multiple ways to adjust this, depending on your needs and the tools available to you. Typically, you can change font sizes using:
- The WordPress block editor (Gutenberg)
- Theme customizer settings
- Additional plugins
- Custom CSS
Each method serves different requirements, from quick, page-specific changes to comprehensive site-wide adjustments.
1. Changing Font Size Using the WordPress Block Editor (Gutenberg)
If your site uses the default WordPress editor (introduced in WordPress 5.0), making font size changes is straightforward.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Open the Page or Post:
Navigate to the post or page where you want to adjust font size. - Select Your Text Block:
Click on the paragraph, heading, or any other text block where you want to change the font size. - Access Block Settings:
On the right-hand side, open the block settings panel. Under “Typography,” you will see a “Font Size” option. - Choose or Enter a Size:
Select a predefined size (such as Small, Normal, Medium, Large, Huge), or enter a custom value using pixels (px), em, or rem units. - Preview and Update:
Preview the changes to see how it looks, and update or publish your post when satisfied.
Benefits
- Ease of use: No coding required
- Quick adjustments: Perfect for altering specific headings or paragraphs
- Immediate feedback: See changes as you make them
Limitations
- Only affects individual blocks or sections, not the entire site.
- Limited to the blocks and customization options provided by your current theme.
2. Adjusting Font Size via Theme Customizer
Many modern WordPress themes offer built-in typography settings, which let you change font size for various site elements in one place.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Go to Dashboard:
From your WordPress dashboard, navigate to “Appearance” > “Customize.” - Find Typography Settings:
Look for a section labeled “Typography,” “Fonts,” or something similar. - Adjust Font Sizes:
Here, you’ll often find controls for changing the font size of headings, body text, or other areas. - Preview Changes:
The customizer gives you a live preview. Once happy, click “Publish.”
Benefits
- Site-wide changes: Consistent typography across your website
- User-friendly: Most changes made via sliders or input fields
- Theme integration: Maintains the design logic of your chosen theme
Limitations
- Not all themes support this feature, particularly older or basic ones.
- Customization options vary widely from theme to theme.
3. Using WordPress Plugins to Change Font Size
If you want more control or if your theme doesn’t offer typography options, plugins can enhance customization.
Popular Plugin Options
- Advanced Editor Tools (formerly TinyMCE Advanced): Adds a classic-style editor with detailed font size choices.
- Easy Google Fonts: Lets you select from hundreds of fonts and adjust their sizes, all from the customizer.
- WPFont: Focuses on easy font customization for various site sections.
How to Use a Plugin
- Install and Activate the Plugin:
Go to “Plugins” > “Add New.” Search for the desired plugin, install, and activate it. - Access Font Controls:
Locate the plugin’s settings, usually under “Appearance” or a new dashboard menu. - Make Adjustments:
Change font size as needed, and preview changes. - Save and Check Your Site:
Click “Save” or “Publish” and review your website.
Benefits
- Advanced options: Access to more font sizes, font weights, and styles
- Consistent site-wide changes: Many plugins let you target multiple sections
- No coding: User-friendly interfaces
Limitations
- Additional plugins may slow down your site if overused.
- Some advanced features may require purchasing a premium version.
4. Manually Changing Font Size with Custom CSS
For more advanced users, custom CSS offers full control over font sizes anywhere on your site.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Access the Customizer:
Go to “Appearance” > “Customize” > “Additional CSS.” - Enter Desired CSS Code:
For example, to change all paragraph text to 18px:
css
p {
font-size: 18px;
} - Target Specific Elements:
To adjust only certain elements, like headings:
css
h1 {
font-size: 36px;
}
h2 {
font-size: 28px;
} - Preview and Publish:
Preview changes and click “Publish” to apply them.
Benefits
- Complete control: Target any element, page, or section
- Flexible: Works regardless of theme or plugins
- Reusable: Use the same code if you switch themes
Limitations
- Requires understanding of CSS
- Mistakes can affect site appearance or functionality
5. Adjusting Font Size in Classic Editor
If you still use the Classic Editor, you have more limited options. Usually, built-in size options are only available for heading tags (H1, H2, etc.). For more granular control, plugins like Advanced Editor Tools are very helpful in adding font size dropdowns.
Best Practices and Practical Tips
Match Your Typography for Readability
- Use a font size of at least 16px for body text for optimal legibility.
- Make headings larger than body text to establish visual hierarchy.
- Avoid using too many different font sizes on one page.
Responsive Font Sizing
- Check how your font sizes appear on mobile devices.
- Use relative units like em or rem in CSS for easier scaling across devices.
Keep It Consistent
- Define clear sizes for headings (H1–H6) and paragraphs to maintain a unified style.
- Use your theme or a quality plugin to set site-wide defaults.
Test and Preview Your Changes
- Always preview changes before publishing to ensure texts look good everywhere.
- Ask friends or colleagues to review your site for readability.
Avoid Plugin Overload
- Choose plugins wisely; unnecessary plugins can slow down your website.
- Prefer themes with built-in typography options if possible.
Troubleshooting and Common Challenges
- Font Size Not Changing?
Check if your theme or a conflicting plugin is overriding your settings. Clear your cache and recheck. - Can’t Find Typography Settings?
Your theme might not offer this feature. Use a plugin or custom CSS as an alternative. - Mobile Fonts Too Small or Large?
Adjust your CSS with responsive breakpoints to fine-tune font sizes for small screens.
Cost Considerations
Adjusting font size is generally free in WordPress unless:
- You purchase a premium theme with advanced typography controls.
- You opt for a premium plugin offering extra font and style features.
Keep in mind that maintaining performance (site speed) and good design does not require heavy investment—most needs are met with free tools and settings.
Conclusion
Changing font size in WordPress is flexible, user-friendly, and achievable through various methods. Whether you prefer point-and-click simplicity or want ultimate control with custom CSS, you have all the tools at your disposal. The key is matching your method to your skills and website goals. By following the outlined steps and tips, you’ll enhance readability, strengthen your brand, and offer visitors a superb experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I change the font size for a specific piece of text in WordPress?
Select the block containing your text in the WordPress editor. Use the typography options in the right-hand panel to adjust its font size as needed.
Can I change the font size for my entire WordPress site at once?
Yes. Use your theme’s typography settings if available, or apply custom CSS targeting body text and headings for site-wide changes. Some plugins also offer this functionality.
What units of measurement should I use for font size in CSS?
You can use pixels (px), em, or rem units. For responsive design, em or rem units are typically better, as they scale with your site’s overall settings and are mobile-friendly.
If my theme doesn’t support font size changes, what should I do?
Install a reputable typography plugin or use custom CSS via the “Additional CSS” section in the customizer. Both approaches work regardless of your theme’s built-in features.
Will changing font size affect my site’s speed or SEO?
Changing font size alone won’t impact speed or SEO negatively. However, adding too many plugins or custom fonts can slow your site. Stick to best practices for typography and plugin management to keep your website optimized.
With these strategies and tips, you’re empowered to take control of your WordPress site’s appearance—delivering clearer, more inviting content to every visitor.