Why did the State Department switch from Calibri to Times New Roman?

The State Department reverted to Times New Roman, citing its traditional connotations and formal aesthetic, which they believe clashes with Calibri's informal style.

Is Times New Roman good for screen readability?

Many experts argue Times New Roman is not ideal for screen readability due to its fine serifs and design origins predating digital displays, unlike Calibri.

What is legibility in typography?

Legibility refers to how quickly and clearly individual letter shapes can be recognized, a key factor in typeface design and readability.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / State Dept. Ditches Calibri for Times New Roman

State Dept. Ditches Calibri for Times New Roman

14 Dec

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Summary

State Department switched from Calibri to Times New Roman.
Font choice impacts legibility and screen readability.
Times New Roman designed before computer screens existed.

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.