Enable Smooth Fonts on Ubuntu Linux - A Simple Guide
Improving Font Rendering in Ubuntu Linux
Ubuntu Linux includes a feature for font smoothing that isn't activated by default, surprisingly. Enabling this option results in noticeably smoother fonts, enhancing visual clarity.
Activating Font Smoothing
To activate this enhancement, modification of the .fonts.conf file within your home directory is required. The following command will both create and open the file for editing:
gedit ~/.fonts.conf
Subsequently, the XML data provided below should be pasted into the file.
<?xml version="1.0" ?>
<!DOCTYPE fontconfig SYSTEM "fonts.dtd">
<fontconfig>
<match target="font">
<edit name="autohint" mode="assign">
<bool>true</bool>
</edit>
</match>
</fontconfig>
A system logout and subsequent login are necessary for the changes to take effect and the improved rendering to become visible.
Visual Comparison
Below is a depiction of the font rendering prior to the modification:
And here is a visual representation of the font rendering after enabling the smoothing feature:
The enhanced smoothness is readily apparent, leading to improved readability, particularly on laptop screens.
Compatibility
This method has been successfully tested on both Ubuntu Dapper and Ubuntu Edgy distributions.
Note: It has been brought to our attention by users on Digg that the original source of this information can be found in an Ubuntu Forums post. Credit is given to the original poster for their contribution.