Why did Microsoft change the default font to Calibri?

Microsoft changed the default font in its Office suite to Calibri with the release of Microsoft Office 2007. The decision to switch from Times New Roman (the previous default font) to Calibri was part of a broader effort to modernize the Office applications and improve readability on both traditional computer screens and newer high-resolution displays. Here are some reasons behind the change:

1. Modern Design:

   • Calibri has a more modern and contemporary design compared to Times New Roman. Its clean and rounded appearance is considered more aesthetically pleasing and reflects a shift toward a more up-to-date visual style.

2. Readability:

   • Calibri is designed to be highly readable, even at smaller font sizes. Its proportions and spacing make it suitable for both on-screen and printed documents, providing a comfortable reading experience.

3. Screen Technology:

   • With the rise of high-resolution screens, Microsoft aimed to choose a font that would render well on both traditional monitors and newer devices with improved display technologies.

4. Internationalization:

   • Calibri was designed to support various languages and character sets, making it a more versatile choice for a global audience.

5. Consistency Across Platforms:

   • The default font choice helps maintain consistency across Microsoft Office applications. When users create and share documents in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc., the default font is consistent, providing a unified experience.

6. Contemporary Standards:

   • At the time of Microsoft Office 2007's release, there was a broader trend in design and typography toward cleaner and more modern aesthetics. Calibri aligned with these contemporary design standards.

It's worth noting that design decisions, including font choices, can be subjective, and not everyone may agree on the aesthetic preferences. Users can, of course, customize their document fonts based on their personal or organizational preferences. Microsoft has continued to update and refine its default font choices in subsequent versions of Office, and users can choose from a variety of fonts based on their needs and preferences.