Adjusting the font size on a WordPress website can have a big impact on readability, design, and overall user experience. Whether you’re looking to increase font size for accessibility, customize header sizes for visual appeal, or make changes to suit your brand’s look, WordPress offers multiple ways to tailor font sizes. Here, we’ll walk through methods ranging from simple built-in options to advanced custom CSS and plugin solutions, helping you find the best approach to meet your website’s needs.
Why Change Font Size in WordPress?
Fonts are one of the most noticeable design elements on any website, directly impacting readability and visitor engagement. Making text too small can strain readers’ eyes, while overly large fonts might detract from a clean, professional appearance. Here’s why adjusting font size is essential:
- Enhanced Readability: Larger fonts can help readers stay engaged, especially on mobile devices.
- Branding: Fonts and their sizes contribute to the unique look of your brand, setting the tone for professionalism, playfulness, or seriousness.
- User Experience: Clear, readable font sizes make navigating your website easier, improving the visitor experience.
How to Change Font Size in WordPress Using Different Methods
WordPress offers various ways to adjust font size, from simple theme settings and plugins to custom CSS. Let’s explore each option so you can select the best fit for your needs.
Changing Font Size in WordPress with the Block Editor
For those using the WordPress Block Editor (Gutenberg), adjusting font size is a breeze. Follow these steps:
- Open Your Post or Page: Go to the page or post where you want to change the font size.
- Select the Text Block: Click on the block containing the text you want to resize.
- Access the Text Settings: In the right sidebar, under the “Typography” section, you’ll find a dropdown to adjust the font size.
- Choose a Font Size: Options typically include Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large, or you can specify a custom font size in pixels or ems.
- Save Your Changes: Once satisfied with the font size, save or publish your post.
This method is ideal for individual adjustments, such as enlarging headers or emphasizing certain paragraphs without changing the entire site’s typography.
Adjusting Font Size Using Theme Customizer
Many WordPress themes come with their own typography settings, accessible via the Theme Customizer. Here’s how you can adjust font size globally:
- Go to Appearance > Customize: In your WordPress dashboard, go to
Appearance
and selectCustomize
. - Navigate to Typography Settings: Look for a section named “Typography” or “Fonts.” Options here vary by theme, but most premium themes offer extensive controls.
- Select Font Size for Headings and Body Text: Adjust font sizes for headings (H1, H2, etc.) and body text.
- Publish Your Changes: Click “Publish” to save and apply changes site-wide.
Using the Customizer lets you maintain consistent typography across your site, ideal for ensuring your branding and readability stay uniform on all pages.
Changing Font Size with WordPress Plugins
For added flexibility, plugins can offer more customization options for font sizing without needing to modify theme code. Here are a few popular plugins:
1. Easy Google Fonts
- Features: Integrates with WordPress Customizer, offers Google Fonts and font size controls.
- How to Use: Install and activate the plugin, then go to Appearance > Customize > Typography to adjust font size and select Google Fonts.
2. TinyMCE Advanced
- Features: Expands the classic WordPress editor with advanced text formatting options.
- How to Use: Once activated, go to Settings > TinyMCE Advanced, where you can add font size options to your editor toolbar for on-the-fly resizing.
3. Advanced Editor Tools
- Features: A powerful alternative for users who prefer the Classic Editor over the Block Editor, with additional font size settings.
- How to Use: After installation, edit any post and use the “Font size” dropdown to resize text directly in the editor.
Each of these plugins provides flexibility without requiring coding knowledge, ideal for users looking for simplicity and control.
Changing Font Size Using Custom CSS
For users familiar with CSS, custom styles offer precise control over font sizes. Here’s how to implement this method:
- Go to Customize > Additional CSS: In the Customizer, find the “Additional CSS” section.
- Enter CSS Code: Add custom code to target specific elements. For example:
body { font-size: 18px; } h1 { font-size: 36px; } p { font-size: 16px; }
- Publish Your Changes: Click “Publish” to save your adjustments.
This approach offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to adjust sizes for individual elements across your site. Remember, however, that this method requires basic knowledge of CSS selectors to avoid unintended effects.
Using Page Builder Plugins to Change Font Size
Page builders like Elementor and Beaver Builder also make it easy to change font sizes on specific pages or sections. Here’s a quick guide for both:
Elementor
- Open the Editor: Go to the page you want to edit and select “Edit with Elementor.”
- Select the Text Element: Click on the text you want to modify.
- Adjust Typography Settings: In the sidebar, go to “Style” > “Typography,” where you can set font size by pixel, em, or percentage.
Beaver Builder
- Edit with Beaver Builder: Open the page, then choose “Edit with Beaver Builder.”
- Select the Text Block: Click on the text module.
- Adjust Font Size: Under the typography settings, enter the desired font size.
How to Change Font Size in WordPress Widgets
Many websites use widgets in the sidebar or footer, where font size changes can also improve readability. Here’s how to adjust them:
- Go to Appearance > Customize > Widgets: Open the widget area you want to edit.
- Access Typography Options: Not all themes have widget typography options, but if they do, you’ll see font-size controls here.
- Use CSS if Necessary: If typography settings aren’t available in the Customizer, use custom CSS targeting the widget classes.
Troubleshooting Font Size Issues
Sometimes, font changes may not reflect due to theme settings, CSS conflicts, or caching plugins. Here are tips for common issues:
- Clear Cache: Clear your site’s cache or disable caching plugins temporarily.
- Inspect with Browser Developer Tools: Right-click and select “Inspect” in most browsers to identify any conflicting CSS that may override your changes.
- Check for Plugin Conflicts: Disable plugins one by one to see if they are affecting your font sizes.
Conclusion
Changing font size in WordPress can significantly improve readability and user experience. With options ranging from the Block Editor and Theme Customizer to plugins and custom CSS, there’s a solution for every skill level. Whether you prefer a site-wide adjustment or custom font sizes for specific elements, WordPress makes it easy to create a visually appealing, reader-friendly website. By selecting the right method, you’ll enhance not only the look of your site but also its accessibility, ultimately leading to a better experience for your visitors.