OpenDyslexic - FOSS font that makes reading easy

July 17, 2025 by
OpenDyslexic - FOSS font that makes reading easy
Andrew Valenzuela
| No comments yet


Available as a browser addon, and system font!


It makes reading easy.

https://opendyslexic.org/

OpenDyslexic is a free, open-source font designed specifically to help people with dyslexia read more easily. You can use it on your computer, in your browser, or even system-wide if you want.

If you’re using Edge, Chrome, or Firefox, just search for the “OpenDyslexic” extension and install it. Once it’s added, you can flip a switch and boom—every website you visit becomes way more readable.

I did the search for you. Just click here.

Alternative addon for FireFox (the addon in the search above is not on FF at the moment)

Want it in Microsoft Word or LibreOffice? Download the font (I grabbed the newest version), unzip it, and drag the .otf files into your system’s font settings. Now you can use it like any other font.

It’s a game-changer for some folks. 

I am going to use to read those GOD AWFUL man-pages:



Making it a "System-Wide" font.

If you’re on Windows and want your whole system using this font (menus, settings, everything), it takes a registry edit. Not hard, but not a one-click deal either. On Linux, though? Just set it in your font settings and it applies across the board.

Changing your system-wide fonts in Linux:

  1. Search your PC for "Fonts".
  2. Open the setting.
  3. Switch the fonts!!!

Changing your system-wide fonts on..... Windows:

You should not trust random people on the internet 

THIS INCLUDES ME

Never make a registry edit unless you:

  1. Have made a system restore point:  Here's How to Create One
  2. Are confident in what you are about to do.
  3. Understand what is about to change.

Alright! Now let's make some registry edits to your PC - which you totally made a restore point for.

For simplicity I've included the reg-edit files here.  Run them on your PC and it will add "Font-Substitutions" to your PC.

Not all of the fonts in the system will change.  Microsoft bakes their special font into everything.  And tbh, I just don't know all of the fonts that need to be replaced.  This will change most of the system fonts over, but you may see some fonts that are.... off a bit.  

Reg Edit files:

Set OpenDyslexic as the default font

Revert back to the Windows default fonts

What these files do are add "font substitutions" to your registry at this location:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\FontSubstitutes

Tech should be accessible to everyone.  https://abbiegonzalez.com/ did something to help.

She's active on:  Mastodon  

Whose creators also think the same.  Hence why every image has alt-text and there is an LLM alt-text bot you can add to your Mastodon server.  

Parents:

If you have a child who could benefit from having an OS that looks like this:

Let me know; I can help.  Even if you can't afford it.  

Linux Mint (Free, Accessible, Secure Desktop OS)




OpenDyslexic - FOSS font that makes reading easy
Andrew Valenzuela July 17, 2025
Share this post
Tags
Archive
Sign in to leave a comment