Microsoft Introduces Aptos as New Default Font, Replacing Calibri After 15 Years
REDMOND, WASHINGTON – In a groundbreaking move, Microsoft announced on Thursday that it will be changing its default font for the first time in over 15 years. The tech giant revealed that the new typeface will be called Aptos, paying homage to the unincorporated town in Santa Cruz, California.
The font was created by renowned type designer Steve Matteson, who drew inspiration from the diverse landscape and climate of Aptos. Microsoft stated in a blog post that the town’s fog, beaches, redwood trees, and mountains perfectly exemplify the versatility of the font.
Aptos, an Ohlone word meaning “the people,” was chosen to represent the inclusive nature of the new font. Si Daniels, a principal program manager at Microsoft, explained that the font’s design process involved going back to basics and evoking the natural world, reminiscent of using pencil and paper.
Since 2007, Microsoft has been utilizing Calibri as its default font for various applications, including Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and Outlook emails. However, in April 2021, the company announced its decision to replace Calibri and commissioned five custom fonts for consideration. The font formerly known as Bierstadt, now Aptos, emerged as the frontrunner.
According to Microsoft, Aptos will be gradually rolled out as the default typeface for the millions of Microsoft 365 users over the next few months. The change comes at an interesting time as the name Aptos is also in the running for a different contest – the renaming of Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz County.
The Cabrillo College board of trustees will vote on a new name from a list of five options: Seacliff College, Costa Vista College, Santa Cruz Coast College, Cajastaca College, and Aptos College. A community task force has narrowed down the suggestions from around 350 names. The board will receive a name recommendation prior to the August meeting, where the final decision will be made.
Described as a sans serif font, Aptos is designed for easy readability and features clean-cut letters with simpler, geometric shapes. Microsoft emphasized that the font is tailored to accommodate multiple languages and is optimized for smaller, high-resolution screens commonly found on modern electronic devices.
Matteson infused Aptos with a subtle human touch, aiming to strike a balance between neutrality and warmth. He compared the font’s personality to that of former NPR newscaster Carl Kasell and The Late Show host Stephen Colbert, seeking to capture an understated charm that resonates with users.
In an interview with Microsoft, Matteson explained his ethos behind the design, drawing a comparison between the font and a GPS voice versus a human voice. He believed that people prefer the genuine warmth of a human voice over the clinical instructions of a robot.
As the tech giant prepares to launch Aptos as its new default font, users worldwide can expect a fresh typographic experience that represents the spirit of innovation and inclusivity Microsoft strives for.