Microsoft has unveiled a new default font called Aptos, replacing the long-standing Calibri font that has served as the company’s default for 15 years.
The search for new font began at least in 2021. Out of the five commissioned fonts, Bierstadt emerged as the favorite after receiving feedback from users. However, with the name change, Bierstadt has now been renamed Aptos. The typeface was created by Steve Matteson, a renowned type designer known for his work on the original Windows TrueType core fonts and Segoe.
Aptos is a sans-serif font, which means that it does not have the small decorative lines or tapers that are found in serif fonts. Sans serif fonts are generally considered to be more modern and easier to read, especially in small sizes.
Aptos has a slightly humanist touch, which means that it has some of the warmth and personality of serif fonts. This makes it a versatile font that can be used for a variety of purposes, from formal documents to creative projects.
In addition to its versatility, Aptos is also highly legible. This is due to its clean, well-defined letterforms and the subtle circular squares within the letters’ contours. These features help to make Aptos easy to read in all sizes, even on small screens.
While Aptos becomes the new default font, Microsoft ensures that other contenders, including Grandview, Seaford, Skeena, and Tenorite, remain available. Calibri and other classic fonts like Times New Roman and Arial are also still accessible, emphasizing the personal nature of font preferences.
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