Decrease Font Size (Ctrl+Shift+< / ⌘⇧<)
Select the text, then press Ctrl+Shift+< on Windows or ⌘⇧< (Command+Shift+<) on the Mac to drop the font to the next smaller size in Word and most Office apps.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decrease font size (preset steps) | ⌘⇧< | Ctrl+Shift+< | |
| Increase font size (preset steps) | ⌘⇧> | Ctrl+Shift+> | |
| Shrink font by 1 point | ⌘[ | Ctrl+[ | |
| Grow font by 1 point | ⌘] | Ctrl+] |
Two ways to shrink text
Highlight the text first. Ctrl+Shift+< (Windows) / ⌘⇧< (Mac) jumps down to the previous size in the font menu (14 → 12 → 11 → 10 …). For precise control, Ctrl+[ / ⌘[ shrinks the text exactly one point per press.
Where it works
These are Microsoft Word shortcuts and also work in PowerPoint and Outlook's editor. In Google Docs use Ctrl+Shift+, (comma) / ⌘⇧, to shrink. In a browser or the OS, Ctrl+- / ⌘- zooms the page out rather than changing the font itself.
FAQ
What is the decrease font size shortcut in Word?
Select the text and press Ctrl+Shift+< on Windows or ⌘⇧< (Command+Shift+<) on the Mac. Each press moves down one preset size.
How do I shrink the font by exactly one point?
Use Ctrl+[ on Windows or ⌘[ on the Mac. Ctrl+] / ⌘] grows it one point.
Does this work in Google Docs?
Google Docs uses Ctrl+Shift+, (comma) to decrease; on the Mac use ⌘⇧,.