Word font size keeps changing

Andrew 20 Reputation points
2025-08-11T20:22:40.4333333+00:00

While making lists in word, whenever the cursor is placed on a line above or below text of a different size the text size on the line that is being typed on automatically changes to the size of the adjacent, how do you turn this feature off?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows
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Stefan Blom 357.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
2025-08-15T17:02:43.37+00:00

Unfortunately neither of these seem to be the right solution. Moving text up or down on the page seems to change that line on the page from the default text size to the size of the text being moved. Also moving the cursor from text on one line to another line without text also then changes the text size to the size of the text that the cursor was most recently near.

Generally, when the font changes unexpectedly, the reason is that the text contains local style overrides (= direct formatting). Could you share a sample document which illustrates this (remove any sensitive info from the sample)? That way, we could have a closer look.

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  1. Paulo GM 74,055 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-11T21:16:31.7366667+00:00

    Hi Andrew,

    It seems Word is trying to match the formatting of the surrounding lines. Have you tried disabling the option "Keep track of formatting"? Navigate to File > Options > Advanced. The option should be listed under Editing options. That might fix the problem.

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  2. Stefan Blom 357.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2025-08-12T06:38:38.68+00:00

    Could you show us an example of what you see in the document? You can upload before and after screen shots for illustration.

    Your description makes me think of the "Format beginning of list item like the one before it" option and possibly "Define styles based on your formatting." You can clear both of these options at File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat As You Type.

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    P.S. As you can tell from the screen shot, I personally like to keep the "Format beginning of list item like the one before it" selected. I find the option helpful to create consistent introductory formatting in a list of items.

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  3. Andrew 20 Reputation points
    2025-08-15T16:29:24.36+00:00

    Unfortunately neither of these seem to be the right solution. Moving text up or down on the page seems to change that line on the page from the default text size to the size of the text being moved. Also moving the cursor from text on one line to another line without text also then changes the text size to the size of the text that the cursor was most recently near. As an example; if i have 11 selected for the size and then arrow down to move the cursor to a line with size 18 text and then up arrow back to lines above that, the text size will become 18 instead of 11.

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  4. Doug Robbins - Word MVP 1,461 Reputation points
    2025-08-16T00:32:01.1733333+00:00

    Is the font formatted by the use of Styles, or are you using direct formatting?

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