The U.S. has been embroiled in a decades-long debate over the best font for highway signs, oscillating between Highway Gothic and Clearview. Highway Gothic, adopted in 1948, faced readability issues with reflective signs, leading to the creation of Clearview in 2004. Despite initial approval, Clearview's endorsement was rescinded in 2016 but reinstated in 2018, resulting in a mix of both fonts on U.S. roadways today.
The U.S. has seen a decades-long debate over the best font for highway signs, oscillating between Highway Gothic and Clearview. Initially adopted in 1948, Highway Gothic faced readability issues with reflective signs, leading to the creation of Clearview in 2004. Despite initial approval, Clearview's endorsement was rescinded in 2016 but reinstated in 2018, resulting in a mix of both fonts on U.S. highways today.
Microsoft's decision to replace the default font Calibri with Aptos after 17 years has sparked strong reactions from users, with some feeling "gaslit by their own computer." Social media users, including Stef Luthin and Elle Cordova, have shared their surprise and humor over the font change, while others like lawyer Joel Payne and doctoral student Katherine Stockton have embraced the new font. Despite the mixed reactions, Microsoft stands by its decision, citing evolving font technology and changing preferences over time.
Microsoft has replaced its default font Calibri with Aptos as the new official font for all Microsoft Office apps. Aptos, formerly known as Bierstadt, is a static font in the neo-grotesque sans serif tradition, chosen from five fonts commissioned by Microsoft to replace Calibri. The change affects millions of users, as Microsoft has over 345 million paid seats on Office 365. Aptos offers useful features such as a distinctive lowercase "l" and a more "humanist" touch. The font will start appearing as the default across Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel, with a gradual rollout to all customers in the coming months.
Microsoft is replacing its default font, Calibri, with a new sans-serif typeface called Aptos. Aptos, previously known as Bierstadt, was chosen as the default font after years of feedback and will start appearing across Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel for millions of users. Created by leading type designer Steve Matteson, Aptos is inspired by mid-20th-century Swiss typography and features clearly cut-off stroke endings with subtle softening. Calibri will still be available in the font menu alongside Times New Roman and Arial. Microsoft aims to make its software more expressive and inclusive with the introduction of Aptos and other design features.
