In a bid to keep its flagship productivity suite on the cutting edge, Microsoft has announced a forthcoming transformation to its Office applications that promises a revamped default theme, featuring a new font and colour palette. The changes, set to be released next month, are anticipated to have a significant impact on the visual experience and usability of Microsoft 365.

The cornerstone of this update is the introduction of the “Aptos” font, which will replace the time-honoured Calibri font that has been a staple of Microsoft Office for over a decade and a half. Aptos brings a fresh aesthetic to the table, marrying contemporary design with enhanced readability.

Microsoft’s decision to move away from Calibri reflects its commitment to staying current with design trends and user preferences. Aptos is meticulously tailored to deliver a seamless balance between modernity and functionality, promising a comfortable reading experience while maintaining an updated look.

This font refresh isn’t happening in isolation, as the default style and colour palette across Office applications are receiving a complete overhaul. The changes have been carefully curated to ensure a cohesive and visually pleasing experience for users across the suite of Office apps, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.

The alterations in the color palette are particularly noteworthy. The replacement of yellow with dark green, and the exchange of a lighter blue for a dark teal, has been meticulously executed to enhance contrasts within Office documents. This shift is anticipated to create a more visually pleasing experience while maintaining the functionality that users rely on.

Jess Kwok, a product manager for Microsoft 365 apps, shed light on the motivation behind these changes, stating, “Our goal is to make the default style in Word and Outlook easy to read, look more professional, and easy to navigate.” This demonstrates Microsoft’s dedication to not only staying in sync with design trends but also catering to user preferences for ease of use and professionalism.

The new default theme, currently in testing with Microsoft 365 Insiders since July, is set to be released to all subscribers in September. Microsoft’s staggered approach to this rollout aims to collect invaluable user feedback and address any potential concerns before the wide-scale release.

As September approaches, anticipation for the Office update continues to build. Microsoft’s commitment to visual excellence, readability, and user-centric design shines through in these changes. With the new default theme powered by the Aptos font and refreshed colour palette, Microsoft 365 users can look forward to a rejuvenated digital workspace, aligning seamlessly with evolving design standards and user preferences.