Change font size in Gmail's compose window

When you write a new email in Gmail, the font size control sits in the toolbar above your message. Open a new email by clicking the "Compose" button. In the toolbar that appears, look for the formatting options — you'll see bold, italic, underline, and other text tools. Click the three vertical dots (more options) if you don't see a font size dropdown immediately.

The font size menu typically shows a number like "12" or "Normal". Click it to see options ranging from 8 to 22 points, plus "Small", "Normal", and "Large" preset sizes. Highlight the text you want to resize first, then select your size — the change applies only to selected text, so you can mix sizes in one email if you need to.

If you want a larger default size for all your emails, you'll need to set it each time you compose, since Gmail doesn't store a personal default font size preference in the compose window itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Font size controls appear in the toolbar when you click Compose and start typing a new email.
  • You can choose from preset sizes (Small, Normal, Large) or pick a specific point size between 8 and 22.
  • Highlight text before changing its size — the change only affects what you've selected.
  • Gmail does not save a default font size, so you set it fresh for each email you write.

Finding the font size button if it's hidden

Gmail's compose toolbar can look different depending on your screen size and which view you're using. On smaller screens or in the compact compose window, the font size option might be tucked behind the three-dot menu instead of showing directly in the toolbar.

Click the three vertical dots (⋮) in the compose toolbar. A dropdown menu appears with additional formatting options, including font size. Select it the same way — highlight your text first, then pick the size you want.

Using font size in Gmail's reading pane

If you're trying to make emails you receive larger and easier to read, that's a different setting. Gmail doesn't let you change the font size of incoming emails permanently, but your browser's zoom function works on the entire Gmail interface.

Press Ctrl and + (Windows) or Command and + (Mac) to zoom in on the page. Press Ctrl and - or Command and - to zoom back out. This enlarges everything — the email text, the sidebar, the buttons — not just the message itself. Refresh the page and Gmail remembers your zoom level for future visits.

Font size in Gmail's mobile app

The Gmail app on your phone or tablet doesn't include a font size picker in the compose screen. When you write an email on mobile, you're limited to the default font size that Gmail sets.

If you need to send an email with a specific font size, compose it on a computer instead, or use the mobile browser version of Gmail (gmail.com in your phone's browser) rather than the app — the browser version includes the same toolbar options as the desktop site.

Changing the default font for all your emails

While Gmail doesn't let you set a default font size, you can change the default font family (like Arial, Times New Roman, or Georgia) and that choice will stick for future emails. In the compose window, look for the font dropdown next to the font size menu. Click it and choose your preferred font — Gmail remembers this choice.

The font size, however, resets to "Normal" each time you start a new email. If you consistently need larger text, setting your browser zoom to 110% or 125% before composing is faster than resizing text in every message.

Why recipients might not see your font size choice

When you send an email with a custom font size, some recipients may see it differently than you do. Their email client might override your formatting, display the email at their own default size, or render it on a screen that makes the text appear larger or smaller than on yours.

Gmail itself respects the font size you set, but Outlook, Apple Mail, Yahoo Mail, and other email programs don't always honor custom sizes the same way. If the font size is important for readability or accessibility, mention it in the email text as well — for example, "I've enlarged this text for visibility" — so recipients understand your intent even if their email client doesn't preserve the formatting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the font size bigger for emails I receive?

Gmail doesn't have a setting to enlarge received emails, but your browser's zoom function works. Press Ctrl and + (Windows) or Command and + (Mac) to zoom in on the entire Gmail page, including incoming messages. Gmail saves your zoom level for next time.

Does the font size I set show up the same way for the person who receives my email?

Not always. Different email programs handle custom font sizes differently. Gmail respects it, but Outlook, Apple Mail, and others may ignore your formatting and display the email at their default size. The recipient's screen size and settings also affect how large the text appears to them.

Why doesn't Gmail let me set a default font size?

Gmail lets you set a default font family (Arial, Georgia, etc.) but not a default size. You can set the size in each email you write, but it resets to "Normal" when you start a new message. This is a limitation of how Gmail's compose window is built.

Can I change font size in Gmail on my phone?

The Gmail app doesn't include font size controls. If you need to compose with a specific font size, use Gmail in your phone's web browser (gmail.com) instead of the app, or compose on a computer. The browser version has the same formatting toolbar as the desktop site.