Changing Text Size Using Paragraph Styles
Open your Google Docs document.
Highlight the text you want to resize. Click Format in the top menu.
Select Paragraph styles from the dropdown.
Click the style you wish to apply. For example, choose Title. When you apply the Title style, your font size will change to reflect the title format, making your selected text stand out. You’ll see the font size update instantly. If you continue working and want your text to return to the regular size, you can scroll to another section or remain where you are. Go back to Format > Paragraph styles in the main menu. Select Normal text from the list.
Click Apply 'Normal text' from the options that appear. Your text will return to the standard size and style used for regular body text in Google Docs.
Benefits of Using Paragraph Styles
It’s simple, quick, and easy to switch between different font sizes and text formats with just a few clicks. This process is a convenient and useful timesaver, especially for long documents or when you need to maintain consistent formatting throughout your work. Using paragraph styles also ensures your document is well-organized and professional, making it easier for others to read and navigate.
Quick Tips for Efficient Formatting
If you want to change the font size manually instead of using paragraph styles, you can also highlight your text and click on the Font size box in the toolbar to select a specific number.
Paragraph styles like Title, Subtitle, Heading 1, and Normal text not only change font size but also apply other formatting, such as boldness and spacing, making it easy to structure your document.
For best results, use paragraph styles consistently across your entire document to give each section a clear hierarchy and visual distinction.
You can customize individual paragraph styles by highlighting your text, applying the formatting you want (size, bold, color, etc.), then clicking Format > Paragraph styles > Update 'Style' to match. This will redefine the style for the rest of your document.
Keyboard shortcuts, like Ctrl+Alt+0 for Normal text, or Ctrl+Alt+1 for Heading 1, can help you quickly change styles without navigating the menus.
If you’re collaborating with others, ask everyone to use the same paragraph styles to keep the document’s look consistent.
When to Use This Process
Apply these steps when starting a new section in your document and you want the heading to stand out using a larger font.
Switch back to Normal text after titles or headings to ensure your regular paragraphs remain consistent and readable.
Update styles if you need different font sizes or formats for presentations, reports, essays, or any formal writing.
Use this process anytime you need a quick, reliable way to change text size without manually adjusting each piece of text individually.
