ClearType enables users to enjoy better text clarity on Windows devices. Some panels are based on the BGR subpixel layout instead of the common RGB standard followed by 99.99% of monitors out there. The red, green, and blue subpixels are subdivided in an inverse manner instead of the regular RGB pattern. Although images and video are sharp and have no rendering issues, the text gets extremely blurry and users might get dizzy while reading.
Thus, Windows introduced ClearType. This technology allows the text in several Windows applications to be rendered in the BGR subpixel format which enhances its clarity and readability. However, it is worth noting that ClearType does not work in all apps and some browsers. The text might still be blurry in these scenarios.
A guide to using ClearType in Windows 11
If text is extremely blurry or a panel is known to be based on the BGR subpixel format, one can try switching ClearType on from the settings. Follow the steps listed below.
Step 1. Head over to Windows Search.
Step 2. Type in “Adjust ClearType Text” in the search bar and open the best match.
Step 3. Check the box next to the option “Turn on ClearType.”
Step 4. Click on Next. This will guide users through a five-step calibration process. Generally, the pattern on the left is based on an RGB subpixel format and that on the right is based on a BGR subpixel format. Choose whichever looks the best to you.
Step 5. After the calibration process is done, click on Finish to complete tuning the monitor.
It should be noted that ClearType is not a perfect technology. Some fonts do not work even with ClearType turned on. This is because BGR requires fonts to be rendered completely differently than in RGB panels. Also, since 99.99% of panels in the market are based on an RGB subpixel format, this does no trouble the industry much either.