An updated version of the Ubuntu font boasting better support for non-latin languages is nearing release.
Ubuntu developers want to ship a new revision of its iconic typeface in next month’s Ubuntu 23.04 release but aren’t 100% certain if it is 100% ready for mainstream deployment yet.
Hence the need for community feedback.
Since its introduction back in 2010 the Ubuntu font has taken on a life of its own, extending far beyond the confines of the desktop it was made for. I regularly see the Ubuntu font being used in all kinds of content, from magazine ads to bus stop ads, websites and social media clips, through to the occasional TV commercial or two!
That, I guess, is the sign of a well designed font: being able to suit all sorts of contexts and uses.
And this new version, with its improved support for non-latin characters, may help extend the typeface’s popularity into new markets, locales, and situations.
Testing the New Ubuntu Font
If you are using Ubuntu 23.04 (which isn’t due for stable release until next month) you can help test the new font. Just download proposed builds of both Ubuntu and Ubuntu Console fonts as a .deb files from this launchpad page, and install them.
Reboot your system to ensure the new version of the font hits the font cache and filters out fully across your system.
You can report any flaws, regressions, or issues you encounter while using the new font on Launchpad bug #2011994 by posting a comment. If possible try to include screenshots to highlight your experience – perhaps adding some markup or annotation using an app like Flameshot.
Having installed the new font I can’t say I notice much difference myself, but then I’m viewing my desktop in a latin language (i.e. English) so that’s perhaps to be expected. Do keep in mind that font hinting/rendering could affect the appearance of some characters – but go help if you can.