Make text easier to read using ClearType

Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
Which edition of Windows Vista am I using?

ClearType font technology makes the text on your screen almost as sharp and clear as text that is printed on paper. It is on by default in this version of Windows.

To get the full benefit of ClearType, you'll need a high-quality, flat-panel monitor, such as LCD or plasma. Even on a CRT monitor, you might get some improvement in readability with ClearType.

Picture of text with and without ClearType
ClearType improves the readability of text on your display

To tune ClearType

You can use the online tuner to further adjust the legibility of on-screen items.
•	Go to the Microsoft typography website, and then follow the instructions for tuning ClearType.

To turn on ClearType

Open Appearance Settings by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Appearance and Personalization, clicking Personalization, and then clicking Window Color and Appearance. If the Appearance Settings dialog box is not displayed, at the bottom of the page, click Open classic appearance properties.

Click Effects.

In the Effects dialog box, select Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts.

Select ClearType in the list, and then click OK.

NoteWhether you select Standard or ClearType from the list, you must have a video card and monitor that support a color setting of at least 256 colors. You'll get the best results with High color (24-bit) or Highest color (32-bit) support. You can change color quality in Display Settings in Control Panel.
Open Display Settings by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button

, clicking Control Panel, clicking Appearance and Personalization, clicking Personalization, and then clicking Display Settings.

Make text easier to read using ClearType

To tune ClearType

To turn on ClearType

See also