ClearType is a controversial feature designed specifically for LCD displays to optimize the visual text rendering quality for LCD panels. The technology appeared first in Windows XP and has been integrated into all Microsoft operating systems ever since. Microsoft has changed the location of ClearType in its operating systems which has added some confusion among users.
The developer of ClearType Switch decided to create an application to give users a quick option to enable or disable ClearType and related features.
Users who start the application can enable or disable text aliasing (which is called smooth edges for screen fonts in the Windows options) and ClearType with the click of the mouse instead of having to navigate through menus or finishing a wizard before they can do the same.
ClearType Switcher links to the internal ClearType Tuner and Windows and Color Appearance control panel applet giving users the option to configure settings offered in those modules as well.
Windows users who are looking for the manual options can follow the guide by the developer of the application:
- In Windows XP all these options are accessible via “Display properties” -> “Appearance” -> “Effects”. Quite logical, isn’t it?
- In Windows Vista, if you have Aero enabled, you’ll have to click on “Open classic appearance properties for more color options” in “Window Color and Appearance” Control Panel applet. A little bit strange…
- Windows 7 went even further! You cannot turn off ClearType without completing a useless wizard :) I’ve wasted about 15 minutes looking for the “smooth font edges” option but wasn’t able to find it at all! Only googling helped to solve this quest. The option was separated from ClearType settings and moved to “Control Panel” -> “All Control Panel Items” -> “Performance Information and Tools” -> “Adjust Visual Effects”, in a huge list of checkboxes there is a “Smooth edges of screen fonts” item
ClearType Tuner is compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit editions of the Windows operating system. Downloads are provided at the developer homepage.
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I have to ask: How is ClearType “controversial”? It’s a tool or setting, just like anything else in Windows.
As someone who programs for a living, I think that ClearType and the Consolas font are two of most useful conveniences MS has offered.