Ever landed on your WordPress site and thought, “This text looks too small to read!”? You’re not alone. Choosing the right font size isn’t just about style—it affects readability, user experience, and how visitors engage with your content.
In this article, we’ll show you how to adjust font size in WordPress with simple, step-by-step instructions. Whether you’re fine-tuning pages or posts, you’ll find practical tips and insights to make your site easier on the eyes.
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How to Adjust Font Size in WordPress: Comprehensive Guide
Changing the font size in WordPress is a straightforward way to enhance readability, establish visual hierarchy, and create a more appealing user experience on your website. Whether you’re looking to make your headings stand out or simply want to adjust the body text for better accessibility, WordPress offers several simple methods—no coding expertise required.
This guide will walk you through each method, explain their benefits and challenges, and provide practical tips so you can confidently take control of your site’s typography.
Why Change the Font Size in WordPress?
Font size affects the visual impact and readability of your content. Here’s why you might want to change it:
- Improve Accessibility: Larger fonts can make your site more accessible for users with visual impairments.
- Enhance Readability: Appropriate font sizes reduce reader fatigue, keeping visitors engaged longer.
- Create Visual Hierarchy: Differentiate between headings, subheadings, and body text to guide readers naturally through content.
- Express Your Brand: Custom font sizing can help your website better reflect your brand’s personality and professionalism.
1. Changing Font Size Using the WordPress Block Editor (Gutenberg)
The Block Editor, known as Gutenberg, is the default editor for WordPress. It makes font adjustments incredibly easy right from your editing screen.
Steps to Change Font Size in Gutenberg
- Open the Post or Page
Go to your WordPress dashboard, click on Posts or Pages, and select the content you want to edit. - Select the Text Block
Click on the paragraph or heading block you want to modify. - Access Block Settings
On the right side, in the Block panel, locate the ‘Typography’ or ‘Font Size’ section. - Choose or Set Font Size
- Pick from preset options (Small, Normal, Medium, Large, Huge).
- Or, for more control, enter a custom size in pixels, ems, or percentages.
- Preview and Update
Preview your changes to ensure the font size looks as expected. Click ‘Update’ or ‘Publish’ to save.
Benefits
- No coding required
- Instant visual feedback
- Highly accessible for beginners
Challenges
- Limited to certain blocks
- Not always available for some themes or custom blocks
2. Adjusting Global Font Size With the Customizer
Many WordPress themes offer font customization options via the Customizer. This affects your site’s overall typography settings.
Using the Customizer for Font Size
- Navigate to Appearance > Customize
- Look for ‘Typography’ or ‘Fonts’ Section
Names may vary based on your theme. - Adjust Font Size
- Modify body text, headings, or other elements.
- Some themes offer sliders or input boxes.
- Preview and Publish
See live changes in the preview window, then click ‘Publish’ to apply.
Benefits
- Global control over site fonts
- Uniform look and feel
- No plugin or code needed (theme-dependent)
Challenges
- Not all themes support typography settings
- Might not provide full control over every element
3. Changing Font Size With Plugins
If your theme or editor doesn’t offer enough font options, plugins are an excellent solution for advanced control.
Popular Plugin Options
- Advanced Editor Tools (formerly TinyMCE Advanced)
- WP Google Fonts
- Custom Fonts
Steps to Change Font Size Using a Plugin
- Install and Activate the Plugin
- Access Plugin Settings
Each plugin interface may differ. - Customize Font Size for Elements
- Some plugins let you add a dropdown for font size in the classic editor.
- Others allow site-wide changes for headlines, paragraphs, menus, etc.
- Save Changes and Test
Review on various devices to ensure the new sizes work.
Benefits
- Greater flexibility
- Can override theme limitations
- Often add more font choices
Challenges
- May slow down website if too many plugins are used
- Occasional compatibility issues with themes or editor
4. Manually Changing Font Size With Custom CSS
For full control and precision, adding custom CSS allows you to adjust the font size of any element across your entire website.
Adding Custom CSS in WordPress
- Go to Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS
-
Insert CSS Code for Font Size
For example:
“`css
p {
font-size: 18px;
}h2 {
font-size: 32px;
}
“` -
Preview and Publish
Check for consistent results and apply changes.
Benefits
- Complete control over all text elements
- Customize specific sections or pages
Challenges
- Requires basic understanding of CSS
- Errors in syntax can affect site appearance
5. Changing Font Size in Classic Editor
If you’re still using the Classic Editor, changing font size takes a slightly different approach.
Methods in Classic Editor
- Dropdown Font Size via Plugins
- Install an editor-enhancing plugin to add a font-size dropdown.
- Use HTML Tags and Inline CSS
For example:
html
Your text here
Benefits
- Works with older WordPress versions
- Quick edits for smaller sites
Challenges
- Less visual and intuitive
- Inline styling can become messy with lots of customizations
Practical Tips & Best Practices
- Limit the Number of Font Sizes
Too many different sizes can make your site look cluttered. - Prioritize Accessibility
Ensure your font sizes are readable on all devices. Body text should be at least 16px. - Test on Mobile and Desktop
Responsive design is essential. Check that text sizes adjust well on all screens. - Use Relative Units Where Possible
emandremscale better for responsiveness than fixedpxsizes. - Preview Before Publishing
Always review your changes before pushing them live.
Cost Considerations
- Most Font Adjustments Are Free
Native WordPress options, most plugins, and customizer settings can be used without extra cost. - Premium Themes or Plugins May Offer More Control
If you need advanced typography, some premium solutions offer extended customization. - No Shipping or Additional Fees
Since all changes are digital, there are no shipping or handling costs.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: Theme Limitations
- Solution: If your theme restricts typography, use plugins or switch to a theme that offers more flexibility.
Challenge: Inconsistent Font Sizing
- Solution: Standardize sizes across your theme’s CSS or by using the Customizer’s global controls.
Challenge: Poor Mobile Experience
- Solution: Test and tweak font sizes for mobile using responsive units. Consider media queries in custom CSS for finer control.
Conclusion
Changing the font size in WordPress is a vital part of crafting an attractive and user-friendly site. Whether you use the built-in editor, Customizer, a plugin, or custom CSS, the process is straightforward and accessible to everyone—no matter your skill level.
Improving your site’s typography not only boosts readability but also helps create a polished, professional look that keeps visitors coming back. Don’t hesitate to experiment, preview, and make your site truly your own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I change the font size for just one section of a post?
You can select the specific paragraph or heading block in the Block Editor and adjust its font size in the block settings. For more control, use a custom CSS class for that section and define your preferred size in the Additional CSS panel.
What is the best font size for WordPress body text?
A minimum of 16px is recommended for body text to ensure readability, especially on mobile devices. However, the ideal size may vary depending on your font style and audience.
Will changing the font size affect my website’s performance?
Font size changes using the Customizer or Block Editor have negligible impact on site performance. Adding multiple plugins can slow your site, so only use necessary and reputable plugins.
Can I revert to the default font size if I don’t like my changes?
Yes. In most cases, you can reset the font size by clicking the reset button in settings, removing custom CSS, or disabling the plugin used. Always preview before publishing any major change.
Do I need coding knowledge to change the font size in WordPress?
No coding is needed for most font adjustments using the Block Editor, Customizer, or plugins. Coding is only necessary if you prefer the precision of custom CSS.
With these steps and tips, you’re well-equipped to tailor your site’s font size and deliver an exceptional reading experience to every visitor!