#822 – Deciding which TextFormattingMode to Use

The TextOptions.TextFormattingMode property indicates whether fonts should be formatted using the standard WPF algorithm or the legacy GDI method for positioning the individual glyphs in the font.  The property can have one of the following values:

• Ideal – Default value, formats text using the standard WPF method.  Glyph shapes are preserved, independent of their final position on the display
• Display – Positions edges of glyphs on pixel boundaries.  Can result in clearer edges of text.

You should use the value of Ideal, except for the situations listed below.

Set TextFormattingMode to Display when all of the following is true:

• The FontSize of the text is 14 or less  (small text)
• Text is not being transformed (scaled, rotated, translated)
• The exact shape of the glyphs is not critical (e.g. for some graphic design scenario)