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How to Modify the Default Font Style and Size in the Evernote App

Key Takeaways

  • Evernote’s default font size of 16pt is too large for many users, but it cannot be changed globally across all notes
  • You can change the font style and size within individual notes using formatting options or keyboard shortcuts
  • Third-party apps like Marxico and EverTool add Markdown support to Evernote, allowing easy font customization

Modifying the default font settings in Evernote has been a long-standing request from users who find the 16pt size too large or prefer different styling. Unfortunately, Evernote does not currently offer a way to globally change the default font across all notes. However, there are methods to adjust fonts within individual notes and work-arounds using third-party apps.

Changing Font Within a Note

While you cannot set a default font for all new notes, Evernote provides multiple options to change the font style and size for text within an existing note.

Using Formatting Toolbar

The simplest way is to use the formatting toolbar at the top of the note editor:

  1. Open the note you want to modify
  2. Select the text you want to change
  3. Click the Font dropdown and choose your desired font face
  4. Click the Font Size dropdown and select a new size

This will apply your chosen font settings to the selected text only. Any new text typed after will revert to the default 16pt size.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

You can also use keyboard shortcuts to quickly apply common font styles like bold, italic, or underline without accessing the toolbar:

  • Windows: Ctrl + B (Bold), Ctrl + I (Italic), Ctrl + U (Underline)
  • Mac: Cmd + B (Bold), Cmd + I (Italic), Cmd + U (Underline)

To change font size using shortcuts:

  1. Select the text
  2. Windows: Ctrl + Shift + > to increase, Ctrl + Shift + < to decrease
  3. Mac: Cmd + Shift + > to increase, Cmd + Shift + < to decrease

Applying Formatting to New Text

If you want all new text to match your custom font settings, you’ll need to select the entire note body first before applying the formatting. However, this only works for that specific note session.

Any new lines of text added later will revert to the default font. You’ll have to reapply your formatting preferences each time.

Using Markdown with Third-Party Apps

Since Evernote’s web clipper and apps don’t natively support Markdown, users have turned to third-party solutions that add this functionality for easier text formatting and font customization.

Marxico

Marxico is a paid app ($15.99/year) that integrates Markdown into Evernote, allowing you to:

  • Use Markdown syntax to style text (e.g. # Heading, bold, italic)
  • Add LaTeX expressions, diagrams, flowcharts, tables and code blocks
  • Automatically convert Markdown formatting when copying to Evernote

This makes it much quicker to apply custom font styles using simple Markdown syntax as you type, rather than selecting text and clicking formatting buttons.

EverTool

EverTool is a free alternative that provides a Markdown editor to format text before copying it into Evernote. Key features include:

  • Markdown formatting toolbar
  • Import tables from Excel
  • Create code blocks
  • Highlight text

While not directly integrated, you’ll need to copy/paste between the EverTool editor and Evernote app to transfer your formatted text.

Tips for Better Readability

Beyond just font size and style preferences, there are other formatting best practices to improve note readability and scannability:

Use Headings and Subheadings

Break up long notes into sections using Heading 1 (e.g. # Main Heading) and Heading 2 (e.g. ## Subheading) styles. This outlines your note structure.

Short Paragraphs

Keep paragraphs concise, ideally 2-3 sentences each. Use line breaks to separate distinct thoughts or topics into their own paragraphs.

Bullet Lists

Make points or instructions more scannable by using bullet lists:

  • Like
  • This
  • Example

Bolding and Italics

Bold key phrases, names, or terms to make them stand out. Use italics to emphasize certain words or quotes.

Add Images

Relevant images, diagrams, or screenshots can visualize concepts and break up text sections. Don’t forget to add alt text for accessibility.

With some creativity using formatting options, keyboard shortcuts, or third-party Markdown tools, you can customize Evernote’s appearance to your preferences despite the lack of global font settings. The key is finding an efficient workflow that allows you to style notes quickly as you’re taking them.

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