Today, I will show you how to change the default font in the
MPLABX editor and use a custom font instead. This tutorial published on my new
YouTube channel guides you in installing and utilizing custom fonts in MPLAB X
IDE, making your coding experience more pleasant and personalized.
MPLAB
X IDE, while robust and feature-rich, offers a limited selection of monospaced
fonts out of the box. Though functional, the default Courier New font doesn't
appeal to every developer's taste. It doesn't provide the clarity and comfort
needed during long programming sessions.
Recognizing this, I will
guide you through the process of adding a custom font, specifically Cascadia
Code, to MPLAB X IDE, enriching the editor's visual appeal and readability.
Step 1: Preparing for Installation
Before diving into the font installation process, it's crucial to ensure that
MPLAB X IDE is closed to apply the changes effectively. We start by
downloading Cascadia Code from its GitHub repository. Once downloaded, extract
the TrueType font files, preparing them for installation.
Step 2: Installing the Font on Windows
The installation process involves navigating to the font settings within
Windows. All online tutorials show that you have to install the fonts by
dragging and dropping the TrueType font files into the font manager.
However, this procedure doesn't make the fonts available to MPLAB X IDE,
leading us to the next critical steps.
Step 3: Overcoming the MPLAB X IDE Font issue
Upon reopening MPLAB X IDE and navigating to the font settings, you might find
the newly installed font missing from the list. This issue stems from MPLAB X
IDE's reliance on an older version of the NetBeans IDE, which only recognizes
fonts installed in the system directory. However, newer Windows 10 and 11
editions have two folders where fonts are stored. There is the
C:\Windows\Fonts system fonts folder, but there is also a user fonts folder
located in C:\Users\currentuser\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Fonts. MPLABX
IDE doesn't know how to look in the second folder.
This discovery
prompts a deeper dive into the IDE's documentation and the Windows font
management system.
Step 4: Correct Font Installation
A two-step approach is necessary to address the font issue. First, uninstall
any instances of the Cascadia Code font that were installed in the user's
fonts folder.
Next, reinstall the fonts using the "Install for all
users" option, ensuring they are placed in the Windows system font directory
(C: Windows\Fonts). This step is crucial for compatibility with MPLAB X
IDE.
Step 5: Enjoying Your New Font in MPLAB X IDE
After correctly installing the font, reopening MPLAB X IDE and accessing the
font settings should reveal Cascadia Code among the available options.
Selecting this font and adjusting its size to your preference will immediately
reflect in the IDE's editor, providing a fresh, visually appealing coding
environment.
Conclusion: A More Personalized Coding Experience
This guide has walked you through installing a custom font, overcoming
IDE-specific challenges, and ultimately transforming the MPLAB X IDE editor
into a space that suits your style and needs.
It will help make
your coding sessions more enjoyable, less straining on your eyes, and make for
a more productive development experience.
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