Change Steam Font for Better Readability

Changing Steam Font for Better Readability

Steam, despite its popularity, has long been criticized for its small and sometimes unreadable font sizes. For users who struggle with this issue, there are several methods to enhance the readability of Steam's UI.

Method 1: Using the -forcedesktopscaling Command

One of the most straightforward methods to increase the font size in Steam is by modifying the shortcut properties. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Locate the Steam Shortcut: Find the shortcut to Steam on your desktop or taskbar.
2. Edit the Shortcut: Right-click on the shortcut and select "Properties."
3. Add the Scaling Command: In the "Target" field, add the following command at the end: -forcedesktopscaling 1.25. You can adjust the value (e.g., 1.5, 2) to suit your needs.
4. Apply and Close: Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

This method scales the entire Steam UI, including text and icons, making it easier to read on high-resolution monitors.

Method 2: Using Big Picture Mode

Big Picture Mode can also help by increasing the font size, although it is more of a workaround than a direct solution:

1. Enable Big Picture Mode: Click on the grey icon near the top right of the Steam window that has two arrows pointing at the corners.
2. Adjust as Needed: While in Big Picture Mode, the fonts and UI elements are generally larger, which may be sufficient for better readability.

Method 3: Customizing Steam Skins

For more control over font sizes, you can customize Steam skins:

1. Navigate to Steam Files: Open Windows Explorer and go to the Steam installation directory, typically found in C:\Program Files\Steam or C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam.
2. Locate the Styles Folder: Go to resource\styles and find the steam.styles file.
3. Edit the Styles File: Open steam.styles in a text editor like Notepad. Use Ctrl + F to find the font settings and adjust them as needed.
4. Create a Custom Skin: If you prefer a more organized approach, create a new folder in the skins directory, copy the steam.styles file into it, and edit it there. Then, select your custom skin in Steam's settings under the "Interface" tab.

Method 4: Adjusting System DPI Settings

Sometimes, adjusting the system's DPI settings can help improve readability in Steam:

1. Change DPI Settings: Go to your display settings and adjust the DPI scaling. Setting it to a non-standard value (e.g., 125%) might make the "Scale text and icons to match monitor settings" option appear in Steam's interface settings.
2. Restart Steam: After changing the DPI settings, restart Steam to apply the changes.

Method 5: Using Accessibility Features

For users who need temporary solutions or additional help, using system accessibility features can be beneficial:

1. Zoom Function: Hold Ctrl + Super + 8 to enable the zoom function, which can help in reading small text. This can be particularly useful for specific screens or situations.

By using one or a combination of these methods, you can significantly improve the readability of Steam's UI, making it more comfortable to use, especially on high-resolution monitors.