State Dept. Ditches Calibri for Times New Roman

The U.S. State Department's recent decision to revert from the Calibri typeface to Times New Roman has ignited discussions within the design community. This change marks a departure from a font chosen in 2023, returning to a typeface used prior to that. Designers are weighing in on the implications for legibility and digital presentation.

Type designers note that while Times New Roman is a classic serif font, its design predates widespread screen use, potentially hindering readability on digital displays. Calibri, conversely, was developed with on-screen performance in mind, offering advantages in spacing and letter clarity for modern readers.

The directive cited traditional connotations and formal aesthetics for serif fonts like Times New Roman, used by other government branches. However, this move has drawn criticism regarding accessibility, with experts suggesting Calibri better serves diverse user needs, including those with visual impairments.