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Microsoft has replaced the default font for the first time in 17 YEARS – as furious users call the change ‘some kind of sick joke’

  • Microsoft’s new font is Aptos – and the change isn’t going down well with users
  • Luckily, if you’re still loyal to Calibri, there’s an easy way to change it back

By Shivali Best for Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

If you use Microsoft Office, you’re probably used to your copy appearing in the standard Calibri font.

But the tech giant has caused a stir this week after replacing Calibri for the first time in 17 years.

The new default font is Aptos – and the change isn’t going down well with users.

On TikTok, one user said, “Out of nowhere my work computer changed the default font from Calibri to whatever this is and it feels like some kind of sick joke.”

Luckily, if you’re still loyal to Calibri, there’s an easy way to change it back: here’s how.

Microsoft made waves this week after replacing Calibri as the default font for the first time in 17 years

How to change the default font

1. Open a Word document

2. Right-click and choose ‘Font’

3. Select the desired font and font size

4. Click on ‘Set as default’

5. Choose ‘All documents based on the Normal template’ and then OK

Calibri has subtly rounded stems and corners visible at larger sizes, and has been Microsoft’s default font since 2007.

However, in 2021, the tech giant announced that it was replacing the font.

“Calibri has been the default font for all things Microsoft since 2007, when it replaced Times New Roman in Microsoft Office,” it said at the time.

“It has served us all well, but we believe it is time to evolve.”

Microsoft opted for Aptos last year, but has now started rolling out the change to users worldwide.

“Similar to mid-20th century Swiss typography, Aptos is sans-serif,” Microsoft explained in a blog post.

‘Sans-serif, also called Grotesque or Gothic, often has simple letter shapes, even strokes, and is easy to read. Made of different geometric shapes, Aptos is bold, well-defined, directive and limited.

Microsoft opted for Aptos last year, but has now started rolling out the change to users worldwide

‘It articulates many different languages ​​and tones. The ends of the stem are cleanly cut.

‘Subtle circular squares within the outlines of the letters provide better readability, especially at small sizes.’

Although the new font looks quite similar to Calibri, many irate users have not welcomed the change.

On TikTok, one user said, “The fact that it’s even slightly different absolutely drives me crazy.”

Another added: ‘This happened in my Outlook and it has caused a professional identity crisis.’

And someone joked: ‘Wait, mine did that today too, I thought I was going crazy.’

If you miss Calibri, you’ll be happy to know that there’s an easy way to get back to the vintage font.

If you miss Calibri, you’ll be happy to know that there’s an easy way to get back to the vintage font

Open Microsoft Word and go to Home before selecting the Font Dialog Box Launcher.

Select Calibri and the format you want to use.

Select ‘Set as default’ and you’ll be asked to choose whether this applies to just this document or to all documents.

When you are satisfied with your selection, select OK twice.

What does your favorite font say about you?

Researchers from Cartridgesave.co.uk surveyed 2,468 participants who were asked about the font they use most in digital documents and discourse.

They then worked with psychologist and wellbeing consultant Lee Chambers, who analyzed the data and revealed the characteristics most closely associated with each font.

Arial

Lee Chambers explains: ‘Arial users value simplicity and stability and are likely to be reliable even in a crisis.

‘At the same time, they won’t give free rein to their imagination too often. Because Arial is everywhere, people who use it probably feel like they want to fit in and not stand out from the crowd.”

Calibri

The second most popular font in the UK is Calibri, with an impressive 38% of respondents saying they use this font almost every day.

“Calibri users value efficiency and confidence in the standard,” Lee explains. ‘They are probably less bothered by what others think.

“They may be a bit boring, or a bit lazy, or don’t like expressing themselves as individuals.”

‘Now that Calibri is popular, it is a very safe and universal choice, and its users are very unlikely to take risks in life.’

Times New Roman

With 31% of the nation having Times New Roman and the font of their choice, expert Lee describes his users as “conformist, polite and practical.”

He continues: ‘They will also appreciate nostalgia and reflect on the past, and dislike change or evolution.’

“However, as Times New Roman begins to disappear, this could indicate that a simpler and slower pace of life for users is preferable compared to an increasingly dynamic and rapidly changing society.”

Georgia

A respectable 25% of Britain have made Georgia their font of choice when it comes to work.

According to Lee, this font is especially meaningful for users, who are “practical and probably mature.”

He adds that they tend to appreciate elements of formality and elegance and are also likely to “be honest and convey credibility.”

‘As a typeface it is undoubtedly ambitious, and this will undoubtedly shine through to those who use it. And those with an eye for style will appreciate how it flows gracefully when we see it.”

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