Is it possible to change the systems font? (finder, alerts, menus etc)
2 Answers
Here are the corresponding hidden preferences:
defaults write -g NSSystemFont LucidaGrande
defaults write -g NSSystemFontSize -int 13
defaults write -g NSBoldSystemFont LucidaGrande-Bold
defaults write -g NSBoldSystemFontSize -int 13
defaults write -g NSFont Helvetica
defaults write -g NSFontSize -int 12
defaults write -g NSFixedPitchFont Menlo-Regular
defaults write -g NSFixedPitchFontSize -int 11
defaults write -g NSMessageFont LucidaGrande
defaults write -g NSMessageFontSize -int 13
defaults write -g NSLabelFont LucidaGrande
defaults write -g NSLabelFontSize -int 10
defaults write -g NSToolTipsFont LucidaGrande
defaults write -g NSToolTipsFontSize -int 11
defaults write -g NSTitleBarFont LucidaGrande
defaults write -g NSTitleBarFontSize -int 13
defaults write -g NSPaletteFont LucidaGrande
defaults write -g NSPaletteFontSize -int 10
They don't affect windows shown by processes owned by root, like the force quit window. sudo defaults write -g
(which modifies /var/root/Library/Preferences/.GlobalPreferences.plist
) affects only them.
There is no way to change many fonts (like the font used on the menu bar) and text elements are not aligned correctly when using different fonts. You can also replace Lucida Grande.ttc with some other font.
A third party application TinkerTool can change these, on its Fonts screen:
TinkerTool works by setting defaults, so it is reasonable to expect there is an equivalent defaults write
command.
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Please be aware that Apple does not recommend tinkering with system fonts. support.apple.com/kb/PH11149– user44516Mar 26, 2013 at 21:59
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Tinker Tool just changes the preferred system font. You will see these fonts only if the developer of the app wants you to see them. So almost never. Mar 3, 2014 at 14:34
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@ManuelSchneid3r - most apps will read these as the default font on the first run then you can set them– mmmmmmMar 3, 2014 at 14:39
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Im on Mavericks. I see no changes except for plain html and mails. Mar 3, 2014 at 14:41
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