1
Select textChoose the text to resize
Either select the entire text box or select specific characters. You can also use this shortcut when the text box frame is selected (not in text editing mode).
PowerPoint font sizeCtrl+Shift+>text size adjustmentslide text size
Adjust Font Size Quickly from the Keyboard with Ctrl+Shift+>/<
Effective in this scenario
You want to change the title font size from 36 to 40. You click the font size field, delete the number, and retype — repeating this across 5 slides and 3 headings each. This shortcut is for exactly those 'just one adjustment that takes forever' situations.
Ctrl+Shift+> / < changes font size step by step with a single keystroke. No need to touch the font size field — you can adjust while watching the visual balance on screen.
Shortcuts you will master in this article
Ctrl+Shift+> (Increase Font) / Ctrl+Shift+< (Decrease Font)
Why typing font sizes directly is inefficient
Entering numbers directly into the ribbon's font size field is awkward when you don't know the exact size that will look balanced. You type a number, check, change it again, and repeat.
With Ctrl+Shift+>/< , the size changes incrementally with each press so you can adjust while watching the slide's balance. It's ideal for the intuitive adjustments of 'a little bigger' or 'that's just right.'
Steps for adjusting font size
Select the text you want to resize, then press Ctrl+Shift+> or <.
2
Ctrl+Shift+>Increase font size by one step
Works the same way in Word and Excel. Each press steps through standard sizes: 8→9→10→11→12→14→16→18→20→24→28→32→36→40→44→48→54→60.
Tip: Because it steps through standard sizes, it's not ideal for fine-tuning by 1pt. For 1pt precision, type directly into the font size field.
3
Ctrl+Shift+<Decrease font size by one step
If you made it too large, press < to step back down one size.
4
Multi-select for bulk resizingSelect multiple text boxes and adjust simultaneously
Shift+click multiple text boxes, then press Ctrl+Shift+>/< to change all selected text sizes at once.
PowerPoint Shortcut Practice
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Font Size Adjustment Checklist
Can increase selected text by one step with Ctrl+Shift+>
Can decrease by one step with Ctrl+Shift+<
Can select multiple text boxes and resize them all at once
Can adjust in real time while watching the visual balance
Related Shortcuts
Visit each shortcut detail page to see key positions and usage tips.
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
Ctrl + Shift + > | Increase Font Size |
Ctrl + Shift + < | Decrease Font Size |
Ctrl + B | Bold |
Ctrl + Shift + C | Copy Format |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What if I want to change font size by 1pt at a time?
A. Type the value directly into the ribbon's font size field. The shortcut moves in standard size steps, so it's not suited for fine-grained adjustments.
Q. Can I use Cmd+Shift+>/< on a Mac for the same thing?
A. Yes. On Mac PowerPoint, Cmd+Shift+> / < works the same way to change font size.
Q. How do I memorize PowerPoint shortcuts faster?
A. Reading alone won't make them stick. Use KeyboardGym's PowerPoint practice mode to type the keys and build muscle memory through sequential and random practice.