How to Fix Jagged, Pixelated, or Fuzzy Fonts.
The Problem:
Ugly fonts appear in some programs after you upgrade your old Windows computer system to a new high definition monitor. They are jagged, pixelated, or maybe just appear fuzzy. This is especially noticeable if you are using the FireFox Browser on the Windows operating system. Don't panic, you don't need to abandon Firefox or take back your new monitor! You just need to adjust a setting on your computer. There's several steps needed to do this, but it is easy and safe to do.
The Cause:
By default the FireFox browser in Windows and some other programs use standard low definition fonts that can appear very pixelated and hard to read on high definition and LCD computer screens. This can be easily fixed with a few simple steps by turning on the Windows ClearType font smoothing. Internet Explorer (IE) uses ClearType by default if you have a high definition screen, which is why you don't notice this problem when using IE. Turning on the ClearType setting will use a bit more of your computer's memory and may slow it down just a little, but for most users the improvement will be worth it.
The Solution:
Depending on your version of Windows and your current display settings, the method to turn on ClearType varies. Here is the step-by-step procedure for Windows XP. The method for other versions of Windows should be similar.
- Left Click on "Start", then left-click on "Control Panel".
- If "Pick a Category" appears, left-click on "Appearance and Themes" then left-click on "Display".
- or... If a box labeled "Control Panel" with a long list of items appears, double-left-click on the item named "Display".
- The Display Properties dialog will open. Left-click on the tab labeled "Appearance" near the top right of the dialog box.
- Left-click on the button labeled "Effects..." near bottom right of dialog box.
- A new dialog box will open.
- Left-click on the small white box in front of "Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts:"
- A crisp black check mark should appear in the box. If the check mark is gray and the box is shaded, keep clicking on it until a non-faded check marks appears.
- Select "ClearType" in the drop down list box on the next line down.
- Left-click the "OK" button at the bottom of the dialog box. The dialog box will close.
- Left-click the "Apply" button at the bottom of the remaining dialog box.
- Left-click the "OK" button at the bottom of the dialog box.
- Close the Control Panel window if desired.
- The fonts should now look much better!
