Microsoft ClearType

Microsoft offers a solution for the disparity between PC and Mac type.

LCDs use Sub Pixels

Microsoft’s ClearType improves readability of text on LCD displays, such as flat panel monitors, and laptop screens. ClearType enables your computer to display text in fractions of a pixel, rather than the standard single pixel for Windows computers, increasing text resolution.

Each pixel on an LCD display is broken down in three sub-pixels, red, green, and blue. Traditional rendering ignores this, so letters appear to have no aliasing. ClearType smooths these edges without losing the text’s overall sharpness.

Microsoft’s example

Jakob Nielsen speculates “ClearType will make this user at least 10% more productive while reading from the screen, for a gain of $2,000.”

So how can you get ClearType? If you have Windows XP, a video adapter, and a monitor with at least a 256 color setting, you’re in luck. Right click your desktop and choose ‘Properties.’ Select the tab ‘Appearance’ and then choose ‘Effects’ from the bottom right corner. Check ‘Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts:’ and choose ClearType from the dropdown. Finally click ‘OK’ and then ‘Apply’ and you’re done.

You may also turn on Cleartype by using Microsoft’s web interface (Internet Explorer only of course), or the downloadable PowerToy Tuner. The PowerToy Tuner will allow you to adjust your settings through the Windows Control Panel. Another Alternative is ioIsland.com’s freeware utility ClearTweak (current version 2.7) which gives precise control over type contrast level. ClearTweak also has the option to start minimized, for users who need to quickly toggle ClearType on and off.