Microsoft 365 has introduced ‘Kermit,’ a new typeface specifically crafted to make reading more accessible and enjoyable for young audiences. Kermit the font aims to address the challenges faced by early readers, including those with dyslexia but has uses for everyone.
Developed in collaboration with the type design studio Underware Kermit font is a casual sans-serif font with a large x-height, thick strokes, and generous spacing. The designers are striking a balance between the informality of handwriting and the structure of classic typefaces.
According to Microsoft, Kermit incorporates typographic representations of prosody—the rhythm and intonation of speech—by varying boldness for volume, width for duration, and vertical position for pitch. This approach not only aids in expressive reading but also enhances comprehension, benefiting all children, including those with hearing impairments.
Kermit includes symbols for Latin, Greek, and Cyrillic alphabets, Microsoft claims support for 426 languages.
There are extreme styles that are not visible in the font menu but are only used behind the scenes for automatic typesetting cases; 14 more ExtraCondensed styles, and 14 ExtraExpanded styles.
Variable font
Kermit is a variable font, which means many variations (Bold, Italic etc) are included in the one font package.
Symbols are described as formulas which means software can adjust the font in an infinite number of ways.
Not just for special needs
While Kermit might have been designed for kids and folks with reading troubles, it has a place for everyone.
Kermit is a casual but readable font, between formal fonts (Aptos, Calibri, Times New Roman etc.) and handwriting or script fonts (Lucida Handwriting etc.).
If you’re looking for a casual font style – check out Kermit font, here used for both the heading and body text.
Kermit can serve as a replacement for the over-used and dreaded Comic Sans,
How to get Kermit the font
The basic styles of Kermit (Regular, Italic, Bold and Bold Italic) are now available. According to Microsoft it’s available in “Microsoft Office” but no mention of which “Office” they mean <sigh>.
Kermit font is definitely in Microsoft 365 for Windows and Mac.
No mention of availability in Office 2024 or earlier versions.
You may need to update your Office software (File | Account | Update Options)
Look on your font menu to see Kermit as a cloud font (click on the font to automatically install).
Additional Kermit styles expected to arrive in early May.
Other fonts for dyslexics
Kermit isn’t the only font that can help folks with reading issues. We’ve talked before about Dyslexie, a font that might look a little strange but it’s a great help for those who need it.
What’s so special about the Bahnschrift font?
