How to Enable Font Smoothing in an LCD

Fonts are displayed on a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) using a matrix of colored pixels. For certain fonts or font sizes, this provides an unpleasant or jagged-looking font. Windows provides an option called ClearType to have fonts automatically smoothed for better display on liquid crystal displays. It is a matter of personal preference. Some people think this option makes lettering look a little blurry; others think it makes fonts look better and easier to read.

Windows XP

• 1

  From the "Start" menu, select "Control Panel" and then "Appearance and Themes."

• 2

  Select "Display" and then the "Appearance" tab.

• 3

  Click "Effects."

• 4

  Select Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts and then select ClearType from the list.

Windows Vista

• 1

  From the "Start" menu, select "Control Panel" and then "Appearance and Personalization."

• 2

  Select "Personalization" and then "Window Color and Appearance." If necessary, click "Open Classic Appearance Properties" to open the "Appearance Settings" dialog box.

• 3

  Click "Effects."

• 4

  Select Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts and then select ClearType from the list.

Windows 7

• 1

  From the "Start" menu select "Control Panel." Select "View by Large Icons."

• 2

  Select "Display"

• 3

  Select "Adjust ClearType" text from the left side of the window.

• 4

  Check the "Turn On ClearType" box and click "Next." It will check your display and then lead you through adjusting ClearType to the best for your display.