Hi everyone!
In this post, you’ll see how to change the font used by the Windows XP console (CMD.exe), which uses Lucida Console by default, to something more pleasant and attractive. First, take a look at the command prompt with its default font:
Before we continue, it’s important to know that a font used in the console (command prompt, shell) must meet the same requirements as a font used for programming:
- It must be monospaced.
- It must distinguish zero from the letter “O” and one from the letter “l”.
- Preferably, it should be sans serif (less tiring to read on screen).
Here are two fonts that meet these requirements:
- Bitstream Vera Sans Mono
- Monaco (my preference)
Monaco is the default font in the TextMate editor on Mac OS, but you can download a Windows version here: http://www.webdevkungfu.com/textmate-envy-aka-monaco-font-for-windows/
So far, so good. The fonts are on our computer, but now comes the problem: Windows doesn’t let us choose a different font for the command prompt.
The trick is to rename the chosen font (Monaco) to Lucida Console in a font editor. Follow these steps:
- Download and install the FontCreator font editor. The trial version is enough for our purposes (I used version 5.6).
- Open the Monaco font in the editor.
- Open the Tools menu, then choose AutoNaming.
- In the Font Family Name field, replace the existing name with Lucida Console. Then click the “Next” button. Finally, click “Finish.”
- Now go to File, then Save As. Save it with the name Lucida Console.
- To install the font, delete the original Lucida Console and copy the renamed Monaco font into the Windows fonts folder.
The font will be installed as Lucida Console, and you can see the final result in the image below:
Note: Do not make this change on production servers or machines that directly manage those servers. Production servers should keep the default font configuration to avoid performance or font compatibility problems.