HOWTO: Change Default Font in WM6

[Merlin_reloaded]

I for one don't really like the default Tahoma font, so I thought I'd share how to change the default font.

Using the default Vista font "Segoe UI"

1. Copy your font file (usually *.ttf) into /Windows/Fonts. Be sure to note the INTERNAL name of the font (find it out by double-clicking on the file in Windows)
in this case "Segoe UI"

2. Using your favorite registry editor, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\GDI\SysFnt

3. Find the key named "Nm". Replace what's in it (usually Tahoma) with the name of the font, in this case "Segoe UI"

4. Repeat III for "HKLM\SYSTEM\GWE\Menu\Menufnt\Barfnt" and "Popfnt"

4.1 Under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\GDI\V1
- look for something like FontAliases. The keys inside represent the font "choices" -you have (which default to Tahoma), and look like Arial:-12. Change the value -from Tahoma* to Segoe UI*.
- Rinse and repeat.

5. Reset

And that's it ! The Segoe font renders much more easier to the eyes with Cleartype (and the spacing is really nice)

Do post newer font faces that look nice on QVGA screens


I've uploaded a screenshot of AudioManager in playlist mode. As you can see, the font spacing is MUCH better, and the font looks crispier......try it out!

(and yes, I do like Iron Maiden )


P.S: Feeling lazy to try out all these, or even intimidated by regedits? g77 kindly made these cabfiles to change fonts, so go crazy. Alternates are posted as well (Mind you, Segoe UI was only an example)
Regards,
Merlin

admin edit: removed all attachments due to complaints from Microsoft and adobe

 

[dlac]

Sounds good, thanks. Could you provide some screenshots?
Edit: Thanks for the shot, looks like a worthy hack =)

 

[robpow]

The Segoe font renders much more easier to the eyes with Cleartype (and the spacing is really nice)

Great find, I've done this on two of our WM6 phones and it does make a big difference. Much crisper and more modern looking.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Merlin_reloaded]

Updated Instructions

See first post.

 

[luv2chill]

Nice tutorial... and I notice the difference in many apps... however my today screen and softkeys all look the same as before (compared side by side with a device without the font change). Is that normal with this hack? I verified all the reg entries in your first post.

Also, FYI Segoe UI definitely does not look right without cleartype enabled.

 

[Merlin_reloaded]

Nice tutorial... and I notice the difference in many apps... however my today screen and softkeys all look the same as before (compared side by side with a device without the font change). Is that normal with this hack? I verified all the reg entries in your first post.

Also, FYI Segoe UI definitely does not look right without cleartype enabled.

Yeah, I noticed it too, but I'm still looking for the regkeys. Dunno if this is a hard-locked property.

Segoe UI is designed for LCDs (which naturally need Cleartype enabled), so there would be no point in turning Cleartype off.

EDIT: It appears that the menu font IS Segoe UI, but the graphics subsystem warps it to fit a pixel grid.

 

[ciden]

Hi there,

I tried this today - but when I tried to edit the value of SYSFNT (NM) to Segoe UI (using Mobile Registry Editor) - got the error: Access denied...

Help please...

(I use a HTC Touch btw...)

 

[Merlin_reloaded]

Hmmm..

Hi there,

I tried this today - but when I tried to edit the value of SYSFNT (NM) to Segoe UI (using Mobile Registry Editor) - got the error: Access denied...

Help please...

(I use a HTC Touch btw...)

That's strange....Anyone else experiencing this?

Try using TaskManager (click on the little arrow on the top-right to get a pulldown menu, and select Regedit).
This isfrom my OEM package archive just copy it to anywhere in the Touch, and run.

 

[obsydian]

Where do I find the Segoe UI font file ?

I for one don't really like the default Tahoma font, so I thought I'd share how to change the default font.

Using the default Vista font "Segoe UI"

1. Copy your font file (usually *.ttf) into /Windows/Fonts. Be sure to note the INTERNAL name of the font (find it out by double-clicking on the file in Windows)
in this case "Segoe UI"

Regards,
Merlin

 

[Merlin_reloaded]

Where do I find the Segoe UI font file ?

Google for seguibk.ttf. I can't post it here due to copyright issues. PM me if needed.

 

[ciden]

Thank you - I got it to work

 

[Merlin_reloaded]

Thank you - I got it to work

Nice, can you contribute a few screenshots?

 

[jedi_ale]

sorry, how to solve the cleartype issue? is there a way to enable cleartype in WM6?

Thank you in advance!!

 

[Merlin_reloaded]

sorry, how to solve the cleartype issue? is there a way to enable cleartype in WM6?

Thank you in advance!!

Settings->Device->Screen->Cleartype->Check off "Enable Cleartype"

 

[MForde]

Retro: WM2003FE wants in

Hi Merlin,

Intrigued by this WM6 hack. Any idea of how this could be accomplished for dinosaurs still using WM2003FE (don't want to give up the Toshiba E800). Admittedley we are behind the OS curve. But just once, it would be nice to share in the hacking fun on this portal!

Thanks.

 

[Merlin_reloaded]

Hi Merlin,

Intrigued by this WM6 hack. Any idea of how this could be accomplished for dinosaurs still using WM2003FE (don't want to give up the Toshiba E800). Admittedley we are behind the OS curve. But just once, it would be nice to share in the hacking fun on this portal!

Thanks.

I don't have a WM2003 device handy, so I can't test it out for you....sorry.
The procedure should be the same, and TaskManager should work on paper, but there are waay too many unknowns. At least it won't cause your Toshiba to go up in flames
But you are most welcome to try it out and see if it works...theoretically, it should. PM me if you have any more issues.

 

[Paraic]

Doesn't work with RotateSE

Hi,
This is a great little hack and it works great in Opera and IE which is where it shines, but (there's always a "but") it doesn't work in Landscape mode which I switch it using RotateSE.

Any ideas?

P

 

[g77]

Is this what you want?

I've made a cab to change your system fonts.
It fully replaces the system tahoma font.

You should turn on cleartype first.

To remove them you just have to uninstall.

There is little difference from Segoe UI to Tahoma.

Try Callibri or Myriad... (these fonts are REALLY nice!)

 

[Merlin_reloaded]

@g77

nice work, but I prefer Segoe UI...we all have individual preferences,y'know

Anyway, mind if I post these up on the parent?

 

[hussein_erol]

System Font Change Alternate Way

Alternate Way;

Unzip All Files
Candara fonts (4 Font File) copy to /Windows/Fonts
3 REG Files copy same folder and run (With Resco Explorer or SKTools import Option)
Soft reset!

it's screen: