What’s Windows ClearType Fonts?

by Daniel Petri - January 8, 2009
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What is Windows ClearType Fonts? How can I get it to run?

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ClearType employs a technique developed long ago that uses the three color components of a pixel to make text appear sharper on the screen. ClearType separates out individual red, green and blue sub-pixels and manipulates them to make text look sharper.

Microsoft ClearType Tweaking tool

Prior to Microsoft posting this ClearType fine-tuning tool on the Web, Windows XP users basically had two choices for ClearType: on or off. You either got it or you didn’t. You can turn ClearType on by right-clicking a blank spot on the Desktop and choosing Properties > Appearance > Effects, clicking the box marked Use the Following Method to Smooth Edges of Screen Fonts, then choosing ClearType.

The ClearType tuner gives you tools to adjust how much Windows XP changes text at the sub-pixel level. If you’ve ever thought about using ClearType, it’s worth a try.

With Windows XP, ClearType delivers improved font display resolution over traditional anti-aliasing. It improves readability on color LCD monitors with a digital interface, such as those in laptops and high-quality flat desktop displays. Readability on CRT screens can also be somewhat improved.

To start the process of fine tuning your system, go HERE.

Note: If you want to use ClearType on the Welcome login screen as well, set the registry entry

HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop\FontSmoothingType

to 2.

ClearTweak Version 1.1

Lately I've found a cool new freeware tool that lets you fine-tune ClearType settings. This one is much better than the Microsoft based version.

It's much more granular and does not require Web access or scripting. Plus it uses real text to preview the effects. Check it out right HERE

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