Always use ClearType for HTML or Not

If you are currently reading NerdGrind with an LCD monitor, then your computer is probably already configured to use Microsoft’s ClearType technology. If not then click here for configuration help. ClearType is a software technology developed by Microsoft that improves the readability of text on existing LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays), such as laptop screens, Pocket PC screens and flat panel monitors. With ClearType font technology, the words on your computer screen look almost as sharp and clear as those printed on a piece of paper.

Internet Explorer 7, and some versions of 6, use a modified version called ClearType for HTML. The results are mixed. The Operating System already applies ClearType to programs you open, but using ClearType for HTML won’t make text any more sharp and clear, it can make some text fonts look darker, almost bold. For some this is preferred, but for most all text on some web sites might look bold. Turning this feature on may have no noticeable effect, but turning this feature off may make some web pages look better.

To turn ClearType for HTML on or off go to Tools –> Internet Options

Click on the Advanced tab, and locate the Always use ClearType for HTML under the Multimedia section in Internet Explorer 7.

Before the changes will take effect you’ll need to close all your browser windows, and restart Internet Explorer. Now if a page looks like it was written in all bold text, you can turn off ClearType for HTML, close your browser, and go back to that web site to see if your browser settings were the problem.