Microsoft replaces Calibri with Aptos
Microsoft is giving Office a new standard font. After 16 years, Aptos replaces Calibri.
After Arial and Times New Roman, Calibri has been the default font for Microsoft Office since 2007. This is now changing. Aptos is taking over and will gradually be rolled out to all users over the next few months.
Aptos is a sans serif font - inspired by the Swiss typography of the 1950s (Helvetica). It was created by font designer Steve Matteson, who was involved in the original development of the Windows True Type core fonts. He is also known for the Windows standard font Segoe, which has been used since Windows Vista.
Source: Microsoft
Matteson wanted to design a typeface with Aptos that would inspire confidence and be appealing to read. It should appear more universal and less mechanical or institutional. During development, the new Office standard font was codenamed Bierstadt. Its current name comes from a Californian town where Matteson likes to go on holiday.
After Microsoft commissioned five new fonts for Office in 2021, Aptos first had to prevail against its competitors Grandview, Seaford, Skeena and Tenorite. Even though the four did not make it to the standard, Microsoft is still making them available in Office.
Cover image: Microsoft
I find my muse in everything. When I don’t, I draw inspiration from daydreaming. After all, if you dream, you don’t sleep through life.