OpenDyslexic is a typeface designed to make reading easier for some symptoms of dyslexia. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions on OpenDyslexic.
What’s included?
OpenDyslexic comes in Regular, Bold, Italic, Bold-Italic and Monospace. The Regular, Bold, Italic, Bold-Italic styles also come in a version with an alternate, rounded ‘a’.
Why attribution required?
Attribution is not required anymore.
Can I use OpenDyslexic in my commercial products?
Yes. OpenDyslexic may be used in any commercial product. OpenDyslexic is available for use in commercial products at no cost to the developer or company.
How do I install the font on my computer?
- In Windows, drag the font files to C:\Windows\Fonts.
- In MacOS, drag the font files to FontBook.
- In many Linux Distros, search the package manager for “open-dyslexic” or “opendyslexic”.
What about installing it on my iPhone/iPad/Android?
On your jailbroken iPhone/iPad, search “open-dyslexic” in Cydia.
On your rooted Android device, you can use an application like Font Installer to replace your system fonts with OpenDyslexic.
You can also install OpenDyslexic as a selectable font using Apple Configurator or an app that can install fonts to iOS in iOS versions 7 and higher.
Can you include my language?
Yes. Email me details. But try your language in OpenDyslexic before submitting a request. There have been many requests to include included characters.
Does it work on everyone?
No, and I wouldn’t imagine it would. It works for a significantly large amount to warrant continued work on OpenDyslexic. Some people like Comic Sans, Gill Dyslexic ( come back to us we miss you ), or Verdana and more. OpenDyslexic is another option that can be used if it helps you.
I don’t like the small-a you use.
There are two versions of OpenDyslexic in the download. OpenDyslexic-Alta includes the handwritten/rounded/comic sans like/circle ‘a’ that you may like. This was contributed by Rob Carpenter (you can thank him on Twitter: @DJToadie).
What studies show that OpenDyslexic works?
As far as I know, there are no large formal studies conducted on OpenDyslexic. However, there exist studies on features that have been incorporated into OpenDyslexic. I’m listing these here: TBA
There have been small studies, but the tend to be a toss-up because of size or other items. I intend to list both positive and negative studies, as I have time.
How was OpenDyslexic designed?
OpenDyslexic was initially trialed with a group of dyslexic friends, and frequently adjusted until its public release in December 2011. It is still continually updated and refined based on feedback from others. It is still continually updated and refined based on feedback from others. I said it twice because most people miss it.
OpenDyslexic 3 & Mono were designed from scratch, to allow for using the SIL-OFL license, and make adjustments based new studies since 2011. OpenDyslexic 3 and Mono have a release date of 'soon'.
Typefaces that helped inspire OpenDyslexic: Newton/Apple Sans Casual, Comic Sans, Monaco, Verdana, Chicago.
Does this cure Dyslexia?
No.
Can this cure Dyslexia?
No!
Can we make this the default font for everything?
OpenDyslexic is not intended to cure dyslexia at all. It’s intended to be a help. Similar to how some may hold an index card to a book, highlight lines of text, increase text size, use a colored plastic to reduce contrast on a page, OpenDyslexic is intended to be an another help.
Does OpenDyslexic infringe on Dyslexie’s copyright?
OpenDyslexic does not infringe on any intellectual property.
OpenDyslexic was created using BitStream Vera Sans as a starting point.
Don Steinberg of WilmerHale has chosen to provide pro bono support for OpenDyslexic. They have analyzed both typefaces, and have concluded that there is no infringement on the intellectual property of Dyslexie. The creator of Dyslexie was contacted and asked to provide proof of his claim. It has been several months, and he has not responded.
OpenDyslexic can't work according to my definition of Dyslexia, why do you claim it does?
OpenDyslexic was created based on the definition of Dyslexia in the DSM-5. This includes common set apart symptoms such as Irlen and audio-only issues. It also includes issues OpenDyslexic tries to address.
This study using my definition of Dyslexia says adjusting typefaces is useless
See above.
This study points out flaws in OpenDyslexic
Awesome. Because this information can be used to improve a continually worked on typeface.
It’s been a minute/day/week, and you have not answered my email!
I have a full time job, side projects and narcolepsy. It’s hard to get all the emails answered immediately, however I do attempt to answer all emails in a timely manner.