Microsoft has revealed an upcoming change to the default font used across its Office suite, slated to begin in September. After a long span of 16 years, Aptos will replace Calibri as the standard typeface across core applications. This shift accompanies a refreshed visual theme for the suite, marking the first major typography update since 2007. The change will affect essential tools such as Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint, aligning text design with the new color scheme and user interface polish.
Historically, Aptos — previously known as Bierstadt during its development — was chosen from a group of five candidates to succeed Calibri in 2021. The selection aims to deliver improved readability and harmony with the revamped theme, ensuring the fonts and colors work together to enhance on-screen clarity and document appearance across diverse devices and environments.
Microsoft asserts that the revamped theme will elevate readability by sharpening contrast and refining document legibility. The most visible modification will be a color overhaul that replaces certain light hues with deeper, more accessible tones, including a shift away from a yellow element toward a richer dark green and replacing a light blue with a darker turquoise. These adjustments are designed to improve user focus and reduce eye strain during long reading and editing sessions.
In addition to typography and color, Word and Outlook are expected to introduce layout refinements. For instance, headings will appear larger and bolder, and paragraph spacing will be increased to create a cleaner flow and more spacious composition. These layout tweaks are intended to improve navigation within documents and emails, supporting quicker comprehension of content and a smoother editing experience for everyday tasks and professional work alike.
Separately, newer Windows experiences have introduced voice assistant features over the years, with notable milestones appearing years after their initial release. This broader ecosystem refresh complements the Office typography and theme update, offering a cohesive visual and interactive environment that emphasizes accessibility and ease of use across devices and users in North America. By embracing these changes, Microsoft aims to deliver a more consistent and productive experience for both personal and enterprise use.