Increase Font Size (Ctrl+Shift+> / ⌘⇧>)
Select the text, then press Ctrl+Shift+> on Windows or ⌘⇧> (Command+Shift+>) on the Mac to bump the font up to the next size in Word and most Office apps.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Increase font size (preset steps) | ⌘⇧> | Ctrl+Shift+> | |
| Decrease font size (preset steps) | ⌘⇧< | Ctrl+Shift+< | |
| Grow font by 1 point | ⌘] | Ctrl+] | |
| Shrink font by 1 point | ⌘[ | Ctrl+[ |
Two ways to resize text
Highlight the text first. Ctrl+Shift+> (Windows) / ⌘⇧> (Mac) jumps to the next size in the font menu's list (10 → 11 → 12 → 14 …). If you want precise control, Ctrl+] / ⌘] grows the text exactly one point per press.
Where it works
These shortcuts are Microsoft Word shortcuts and also work in PowerPoint and Outlook's editor. In Google Docs the equivalent is Ctrl+Shift+. (Windows) / ⌘⇧. (Mac) to grow and Ctrl+Shift+, / ⌘⇧, to shrink. Browsers and the OS zoom (Ctrl++ / ⌘+) change page zoom, not the font itself.
FAQ
What is the increase font size shortcut in Word?
Select the text and press Ctrl+Shift+> on Windows or ⌘⇧> (Command+Shift+>) on the Mac. Each press moves up one preset size.
How do I grow the font by exactly one point?
Use Ctrl+] on Windows or ⌘] on the Mac. Ctrl+[ / ⌘[ shrinks it one point.
Does this work in Google Docs?
Google Docs uses Ctrl+Shift+. (period) to increase and Ctrl+Shift+, (comma) to decrease; on the Mac use ⌘⇧. and ⌘⇧,.