Farewell, Calibri.
Microsoft has officially announced the new default font for its productivity applications like Word and Outlook. After testing five candidates in 2021, the font known as Bierstadt is now getting a new name: Aptos.
This change represents a subtle refinement for some of the world’s most popular software. Microsoft takes such steps seriously, as its Office products account for nearly 24% of its revenue. Office products are outpacing other areas of the business, such as video game content and search advertising. Microsoft aims to attract more users and encourage existing clients to spend more.
By refreshing the core applications, Microsoft can make a stronger case for renewing subscriptions to Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365). The company has now entered the final phase of this change, with Aptos appearing as the new default font across Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel for hundreds of millions of users. It will gradually roll out to all customers in the coming months.
Aptos will still be available as a font option under its former name, Bierstadt, for users who are accustomed to it. Users can also choose any other font as the default, including older standards like Times New Roman, Arial, or even Calibri, which has been the default since 2007. However, using a font that predates current CEO Satya Nadella might not align with Microsoft’s perceived friendlier identity.
In 2019, Microsoft commissioned font designer Steve Matteson to develop a font in the grotesque sans-serif style, including elements of the classic Helvetica. Matteson submitted four or five proposals without revealing his connection to Microsoft. Microsoft ultimately selected his font, initially referred to as Grotesque No. 2, then named Bierstadt after a mountain in Colorado where Matteson resides.
However, due to some skepticism about the name, Microsoft decided to rename the font. Matteson came up with the name Aptos, inspired by an unincorporated town in California known for its diverse climate and experiences. The font also includes a serif version and a monospace version for coding purposes. Matteson collaborated with Microsoft to ensure its functionality in various scenarios, such as preventing number overflow in Excel spreadsheets.
While he hasn’t seen all the feedback, Matteson acknowledges the positive response to Aptos, particularly in its legibility compared to Calibri, crafted by its creator Lucas de Groot.
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