Fonts in WPF seem blurry - can someone please assist?

Question

Hello,

On my computer, text that is rendered using WPF on screen is blurry.  From what I understand WPF using technology similar to, but different than, ClearType.  Can someone please help me get my fonts to not look blurry?  Is there a way to manually use an API to not render a control using this ClearType technology?

I run XP SP2 with a 30" Dell monitor at 1600x1024.  WPF from .NET 3.0 June CTP.

Using WPF - http://theimagehosting.info/out.php/i10378_SP3220060718124419.bmp
Using .NET 2.0 - http://theimagehosting.info/out.php/i10379_SP3220060718124420.bmp

Thank you,

Sean H.

 

Answer 1

When I was using Windows Vista I think I was able to turn it off, but not so when running WPF under Windows XP.

You can try setting SnapToDevicePixels=true.

Answer 2

Hi,

  It looks like the system ClearType setting is completely turned off on both those shots. Based on the WinForms shot it looks like font smoothing is unchecked. When ClearType is turned off on the system level, WPF still renders using greyscale anti-aliasing. Since WPF is resolution independent, we cannot render in aliased text.

 

Most users do seem to prefer WPF ClearType to standard aliased text, a couple things  that might help...

-Set your monitor resolution at it's native resolution (typically the max resolution), if you're using the dell 3007WFP, I believe its 2560x1600.

-Turn on ClearType and use the ClearType tuner: http://www.microsoft.com/typography/cleartype/tuner/Step1.aspx

(This helps adjust ClearType to your personal preferences and the various differences in your monitor (the two big effects are that sometimes pixel orientation is BGR instead of RGB and gamma levels differ)

And you'll need to restart your WPF app in order to see the effects.

 

I'm really interested to know if that helps reduce the blurriness you see. Please let me know if that works out.

Thanks!

Chris

WPF text pm

Answer 3

Thanks Chris.  That explains a lot.  I'll check it out and post back.

Much appreciated, -Sean

Answer 4

Hi Chris
thank you for explaining the effects of ClearType settings on WPF applications. I experimented with the ClearType tuner and found an acceptable setting for my my LCD display. As far as I noticed, with ClearType turned ON before starting an WPF application, anti-aliasing uses color dots while without ClearType, it uses grey dots only. I think this is the expected effect. Really ! with color dots, it looks less blurry.
There are some similar threads in this forum. Perhaps your post can clarify a lot.

 

Answer 5

are you ever going to actually fix this? I have gone through this site, the silverlight site and the best i read is we are working on it, or make a registry change. Which aren't solutions i can tell a client. How does MS expect anyone to build a real product when your fonts look smudged?

Answer 6

Yes Microsoft is going to fix this in the new .NET 4.0 Framework and Visual Studio 2010. This is according to the following message from the WPF Graphics team on the Microsoft Connect site: https://connect.microsoft.com/VisualStudio/feedback/ViewFeedback.aspx?FeedbackID=380919

So that is very good news! They will provide the developers with a choice, the new and blurry font rendering engine or the good old solid GDI style font rendering engine!

Answer 7

Hi Chris,

   I'm one of those users who finds ClearType highly problematic. I really wanted to like it, but I've spent hours playing with the Tuner, fiddling with my resolution, etc... all to no avail. Something about ClearType make my eyes feel strained and looking at it for more than a few minutes gives me a terrible headache. Same thing with WPF rendering.

   That being said, is there any way to disable it altogether?

Cheers,
Andrew

P.S. For what it's worth, I'm nearsighted have mild astigmatism. I also use my glasses at the computer, though I don't need or wear reading glasses.

P.P.S. My issues with ClearType seem to apply regardless of the monitor (CRT, LCD, etc...). My significant other uses ClearType and her computer bugs me too.

Answer 8

Hi Chris,

   I'm one of those users who finds ClearType highly problematic. I really wanted to like it, but I've spent hours playing with the Tuner, fiddling with my resolution, etc... all to no avail. Something about ClearType make my eyes feel strained and looking at it for more than a few minutes gives me a terrible headache. Same thing with WPF rendering.

   That being said, is there any way to disable it altogether?

Cheers,
Andrew

P.S. For what it's worth, I'm nearsighted have mild astigmatism. I also use my glasses at the computer, though I don't need or wear reading glasses.

P.P.S. My issues with ClearType seem to apply regardless of the monitor (CRT, LCD, etc...). My significant other uses ClearType and her computer bugs me too.



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Guys, is this thread and question still actual?
Does someone know situation with blurry fonts in .NET 3.5?

Answer 9

Guys, is this thread and question still actual?
Does someone know situation with blurry fonts in .NET 3.5?