Microsoft's new default font is already here Insiders

Kevin Okemwa
·2 min read
Microsoft 365 app logo
Microsoft 365 app logo

What you need to know

  • The Aptos font is currently rolling out to Microsoft 365 Insiders.

  • Users can still revert to the old Office theme, though it has been renamed to Office Theme 2013 – 2022.

  • The new font won't affect existing documents.

  • The feature is designed to make content more accessible.

  • You can still use Calabri as your default font.

Last week, Microsoft announced that it would change the default font for its Office apps from Calibri to Aptos (Bierstadt). And while the company only indicated that the change would be implemented "over the next few months," it's already rolling out to Insiders.

The refreshed Office theme sports a new default font, color palette, style, and line weights to bring a modern and accessible experience. It's also worth noting that Aptos includes variants such as narrow, serif, and monospace.

Moreover, Microsoft also incorporated a new set of default colors that blend with Office apps based on "researched popular color palettes and design trends." The company also indicated that the new addition will help users to make their content more accessible. The new colors can also be used to customize charts, lists, and shapes.

Microsoft 365 Personal | From $70/year Microsoft 365 Personal comes with the Office suite and 1TB of OneDrive storage. It allows you to work from several devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It also includes a long list of other apps and services, such as Editor, Microsoft Forms, and Microsoft Teams.

Another notable difference that can be spotted in the refreshed Office theme is the increased default outline weights and enhanced consistency between shapes and lines. The new theme also features better contrast.

Once this change rolls out, you'll notice the subtle change in the default style of Word documents and Outlook emails. The change is designed to enhance readability while simultaneously promoting professionalism. It will also make navigation easier.

Default Styles – Word
Default Styles – Word

The change will roll out to users automatically. As such, you'll not be required to make any configurations to access the new theme. However, the new font won't be applied to your existing documents.

Users that prefer the previous Office theme can still use it, though Microsoft has renamed it to Office Theme 2013 – 2022. Likewise, users can still revert to the older style formatting.

The feature is currently rolling out to Microsoft 365 Insiders running:

  • Win32: Version 2308 (Build 16701.20000) or later

  • Mac: Version 16.76 (Build 23070400) or later

  • Android: Version 16.0.16701.20000 or later

It will be rolling out to iOS users soon.