If you use Microsoft Office, it’s likely you’re used to seeing your copy appearing in the default Calibri font.
But the tech giant has caused quite a stir this week, after replacing Calibri for the first time in 17 years.
The new default font is Aptos – and the change hasn’t gone down well with users.
Taking to TikTok, one user said: ‘Out of nowhere my work computer changed the default font from calibri to whatever this is and it feels like kind of sick joke.’
Thankfully, if you’re still loyal to Calibri there’s an easy way to change it back – here’s how.
Microsoft has caused quite a stir this week, after replacing Calibri as its default font for the first time in 17 years
Calibri features subtly rounded stems and corners that are visible at larger sizes, and was Microsoft’s default font since 2007.
However, back 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 stepped in to replace Times New Roman across Microsoft Office,’ it said at the time.
‘It has served us all well, but we believe it’s time to evolve.’
Microsoft selected Aptos last year, but has now started to roll out the change to users worldwide.
‘Similar to mid-20th-century Swiss typography, Aptos is a sans serif,’ Microsoft explained in a blog post.
‘Also referred to as Grotesque or Gothic, sans serif often have simple letterforms, even strokes, and they’re easily readable. Aptos, made of varying geometric shapes, is bold, well-defined, directive, and constrained.
Microsoft selected Aptos last year, but has now started to roll out the change to users worldwide
‘It articulates many different languages and tones. Stem ends are clean cut.
‘Subtle circular squares within the letters’ contours allow higher legibility, especially at small sizes.’
While the new font is pretty similar to Calibri, many furious users have not welcomed the change.
Taking to TikTok, one user said: ‘the fact thats its only a tiiiiiiiiiiny bit different is what’s driving me absolutely insane.’
Another added: ‘this happened on my Outlook and it’s caused a professional identity crisis.’
And one joked: ‘WAIT MINE DID THAT TODAY TOO I THOUGHT I WAS GOING CRAZY.’
If you’re missing Calibri, you’ll be happy to hear that there’s an easy way to revert to the vintage font.
If you’re missing Calibri, you’ll be happy to hear that there’s an easy way to revert to the vintage font
Open Microsoft Word, and go to Home, before selecting the Font Dialog Box Launcher.
Select Calibri, and the size you want to use.
Select ‘Set As Default’, and you’ll be prompted to choose whether that’s for this document only, or all documents.
Once you’re happy with your selection, select OK twice.
