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@ -7,107 +7,137 @@ This is a selection of fonts that I've tweaked for reading purposes on Kobo devi
## What is this?
This is a repository that includes various fonts that have been altered in some minor way for better compatibility with e-readers.
**This is a repository that includes various fonts that have been altered in some minor way for better compatibility with e-readers, in particular Kobo devices.**
For some fonts, font family names have been altered, sometimes glyphs have been altered, sometimes metrics have been altered, all to improve the readability on E Ink displays.
The main use of these fonts is for usage on an e-reader. I've only selected and altered fonts that I have the rights to alter because of their license (e.g. free/libre license or equivalent).
These alterations were made for my own personal use, but I figure these fonts may be of use to others, so I make them available here. While font names have been changed and this is allowed due to the licensing of each of the source fonts, I have not modified any copyright messages included in the font files and included attribution to the original authors in the document below.
These alterations were made for my own personal use, but I figure these fonts may be of use to others, so I make them available here. While font names have been changed and this is allowed due to the licensing of each of the source fonts, I have not modified any copyright messages included in the font files and included attribution to the original authors in the document below.
I have also linked to the original fonts, too. Some of these have a really interesting history behind them, so I encourage you to read a bit more about these beautiful fonts. You may find the originals useful for your own projects! Since this repository only offers a maximum of 4 versions for each font family, you may find the originals a better choice for e.g. desktop publishing programs and such.
If you're curious, you can learn more about how and why I originally made these tweaked fonts on my website: [Patching Fonts for my Kobo](https://nicoverbruggen.be/blog/patching-fonts-for-kobo). I explain there how this repository came to be.
## Core fonts
The _core_ collection is a selection of my very favorite fonts, and the ones that I consider to the highest quality ones.
### NV Baskerwil
An excellent open, libre alternative for _Baskerville_.
<kbd><img src="./examples/NV-Baskerwil.png" width='400px'/></kbd>
**NV Baskerwil** is a version of [Baskervville](https://github.com/anrt-type/ANRT-Baskervville) that was extracted from the so it works correctly on Kobo devices. For optimal readability, the Regular and Italic fonts are using a weight of 500 instead of 400.
**NV Baskerwil** is a version of [Baskervville](https://github.com/anrt-type/ANRT-Baskervville) that was extracted from the so it works correctly on Kobo devices. For optimal readability, the Regular and Italic fonts are using a weight of 500 instead of 400.
_You can also find the original version of Baskervville [on Google Web Fonts](https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Baskervville/about). Baskervville was designed by the ANRT students from 2017 (Alexis Faudot, Rémi Forte, Morgane Pierson, Rafael Ribas, Tanguy Vanlaeys and Rosalie Wagner), under the direction of Charles Mazé and Thomas Huot-Marchand. It is available under the [OFL license](https://openfontlicense.org/)._
### NV Bitter
An excellent open, libre alternative for _Caecilia_.
<kbd><img src="./examples/NV-Bitter.png" width='400px'/></kbd>
**NV Bitter** is a version of [Bitter](https://github.com/solmatas/BitterPro) that has been renamed so it works correctly on Kobo devices.
**NV Bitter** is a version of [Bitter](https://github.com/solmatas/BitterPro) that has been renamed so it works correctly on Kobo devices.
_You can also find the original version of Bitter [on Google Web Fonts](https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Bitter/about). Bitter was designed by [Sol Matas](http://www.solmatas.com/), and available under the [OFL license](https://openfontlicense.org/)._
_You can find the original version of Bitter [on Google Web Fonts](https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Bitter/about). Bitter was designed by [Sol Matas](http://www.solmatas.com/), and available under the [OFL license](https://openfontlicense.org/)._
**Note:** This font is included by default on newer Kobo devices. On older Kobo devices, like the Kobo Libra 2, it is not available without installing this version. Because this font has a different name, you can install it and it will co-exist alongside the included system font on newer devices.
### NV Charter
This is not an alternative to _Charter_, it is _is_ a Charter variant.
<kbd><img src="./examples/NV-Charter.png" width='400px'/></kbd>
// TODO
**NV Charter** is a renamed version of [XCharter](https://www.ctan.org/tex-archive/fonts/xcharter/), which is an extended version of [Bitstream Charter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitstream_Charter). This one has a [dedicated repository](https://github.com/nicoverbruggen/nv-charter) that I've linked. Available under a [this license](https://github.com/nicoverbruggen/nv-charter/blob/main/LICENSE) which lets you use, copy, modify, sublicense, sell and redistribute this font.
_Charter was designed by Matthew Carter in 1987 as a body text font that would hold up well on low-resolution output devices of the day—fax machines and 300 dpi laser printers. XCharter is a project by Michael Sharpe, which extends Bitstream's Charter. An extended copyright notice has been included as part of the font files._
> **What about Charis?** Recently, [Charis 7.0](https://software.sil.org/charis/) was released. It is visually very similar to Charter. Up until recently I considered it an inferior version of Charter due for various reasons, but since then there have been improvements to kerning, line spacing [and more](https://software.sil.org/charis/v7changes/) recently. I've included **NV Charis** as part of the collection now, too. Charis is fully licensed under the OFL license, which may be more desirable if you care about that sort of thing.
### NV Garamond
An excellent open, libre alternative for _Garamond_ and _Adobe Garamond_.
<kbd><img src="./examples/NV-Garamond.png" width='400px'/></kbd>
**NV Garamond** is an EB Garamond version that contains a bunch of tweaks, mostly related to glyph sizes. This version is about 10% optically larger than EB Garamond, which, with an adjusted line height, makes it ideal for reading on Kobo devices. This version has a [dedicated repository](https://github.com/nicoverbruggen/nv-garamond) that I've linked because of the manual edits that I've made.
**NV Garamond** is an EB Garamond version that contains a bunch of tweaks, mostly related to glyph sizes. This version is about 10% optically larger than EB Garamond, which, with an adjusted line height, makes it ideal for reading on Kobo devices. This version has a [dedicated repository](https://github.com/nicoverbruggen/nv-garamond) that I've linked because of the manual edits that I've made.
_You can also find the original version of EB Garamond [on Google Web Fonts](https://fonts.google.com/specimen/EB+Garamond/about). EB Garamond was designed by Octavio Pardo and Georg Duffner, and created as an open source revival of Claude Garamont's original design, based on the Berner specimen. You can learn more about the project [here](http://www.georgduffner.at/ebgaramond/). It is available under the [OFL license](https://openfontlicense.org/)._
---
> **TODO**: All font descriptions below should be updated and contain links to the original source and attribution. Fonts that are already present on Kobo devices should also have the same note as NV Bitter below them.
---
_You can also find the original version of EB Garamond [on Google Web Fonts](https://fonts.google.com/specimen/EB+Garamond/about). EB Garamond was designed by Octavio Pardo and Georg Duffner, and created as an open source revival of Claude Garamont's original design, based on the Berner specimen. You can learn more about the project [here](http://www.georgduffner.at/ebgaramond/). It is available under the [OFL license](https://openfontlicense.org/)._
### NV Georsio
An excellent open, libre alternative for _Georgia_.
<kbd><img src="./examples/NV-Georsio.png" width='400px'/></kbd>
**NV Georsio** is a modified version of Gelasio.
**NV Georsio** is a modified version of Gelasio, which was created to have identical metrics to Georgia, one of the [web's core fonts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Core_fonts_for_the_Web) thanks to Microsoft making it available on pretty much every PC and Mac in the world.
_You can find the original version of Gelasio [on Google Web Fonts](https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Gelasio/about). Gelasio was designed by Eben Sorkin. Gelasio is an original typeface that has metrics compatible with Georgia in its Regular, Bold, Italic and Bold Italic weights. Its design was inspired by an original printed sample of a French Transitional typeface which follows the Romain Du Roi typeface introduced in 1702. It is available under the [OFL license](https://openfontlicense.org/)._
**Note**: Georgia used to be the default font on older Kobo devices, and if you really liked it you can consider this to be a very similar alternative. With the release of Kobo Libra Color and Kobo Clara Color, Rakuten Serif is now the default font.
### NV Jost
An excellent open, libre alternative for _Futura_.
<kbd><img src="./examples/NV-Jost.png" width='400px'/></kbd>
**NV Jost** is a Jost variant, with a slightly altered lowercase G and single storey a (similar to Futura, only accessible via OT feature on the original font). This one has a [dedicated repository](https://github.com/nicoverbruggen/nv-jost) that I've linked, OFL licensed.
**NV Jost** is a Jost variant, with a slightly altered lowercase G and single storey a (similar to Futura, only accessible via OT feature on the original font). This one has a [dedicated repository](https://github.com/nicoverbruggen/nv-jost), mostly because I made some glyph alterations.
_You can find the original version of Jost [on Google Web Fonts](https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Jost/about). Jost was designed by Owen Earl of [indestructable type*](https://indestructibletype.com). It is available under the [OFL license](https://openfontlicense.org/)._
### NV Legible
An excellent open, libre alternative for _Helvetica_ or _Arial_. Excellent for readers with low vision, as individual characters are easier to distinguish even when blurry.
<kbd><img src="./examples/NV-Legible.png" width='400px'/></kbd>
**NV Legible** is a variant of Atkinson Hyperlegible Next.
**NV Legible** is a variant of Atkinson Hyperlegible Next. This is a refined version of the original Atkinson Hyperlegible released in 2025. Because "Atkinson Hyperlegible Next" is a very long name, I decided to shorten it up a bit for your e-reader.
_You can find the original version of Atkinson Hyperlegible Next [on Google Web Fonts](https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Atkinson+Hyperlegible+Next/about). Designed by: Braille Institute, Applied Design Works, Elliott Scott, Megan Eiswerth, Letters From Sweden. Named after the founder of the Braille Institute, Atkinson Hyperlegible Next has been developed specifically to increase legibility for readers with low vision, and to improve reading comprehension._
**Note:** The previous version, Atkinson Hyperlegible, is included by default on newer Kobo devices. This is an improved version and I recommend it over the original.
### NV Palatium
An excellent open, libre alternative for _Palatino_.
<kbd><img src="./examples/NV-Palatium.png" width='400px'/></kbd>
**NV Palatium**, is a renamed version of [Domitian](https://www.ctan.org/tex-archive/fonts/domitian/), which is an extended version of [URW Palladio](https://tug.org/FontCatalogue/urwpalladio/). This one has a [dedicated repository](https://github.com/nicoverbruggen/nv-palatium) that I've linked. Available under a [Free license](https://github.com/nicoverbruggen/nv-palatium/blob/main/LICENSE).
**NV Palatium**, is a renamed version of [Domitian](https://www.ctan.org/tex-archive/fonts/domitian/), which is an extended version of [URW Palladio](https://tug.org/FontCatalogue/urwpalladio/). This one has a [dedicated repository](https://github.com/nicoverbruggen/nv-palatium) that I've linked because I've expanded and updated the embedded license in each of the font files.
_You can find the original version of Domitian [on GitHub](https://github.com/dbenjaminmiller/domitian). Designed by: Hermann Zapf, Daniel Benjamin Miller. Domitian is a project to develop a full-featured, free and open-source implementation of Hermann Zapf's Palatino design. "Domitian" is in refrerence to builder of the Flavian Palace, located on the Palatine Hill. It is available under various licenses, including the [OFL license](https://openfontlicense.org/)._
## Extra fonts
Also included are a set of extra fonts. Because this list could potentially grow, I do not have screenshots for each and every one of them.
Also included are a set of extra fonts. Because this list remains in flux and can potentially grow, I do not have screenshots for each and every one of them.
- **NV Cardo** is a version of [Cardo](https://github.com/ryanfb/Cardo) with 20% spacing and has been renamed so you can keep the original Cardo installed side-by-side as well. Does not have a separate repository because no other changes were applied. OFL licensed.
- **NV Charis** is a version of Charis 7.0 with a slightly more narrow line-height.
- **NV Charis** is a version of [Charis](https://software.sil.org/charis/) 7.0 by SIL with a slightly more narrow line-height. It is very similar to Charter, but under a more permissive license. OFL licensed.
- **NV Cooper** is a renamed version of [Cooper](https://indestructibletype.com/Cooper/).
- **NV Cooper** is a renamed version of [Cooper](https://indestructibletype.com/Cooper/). It's another beautiful font made by Owen Earl of [indestructable type*](https://indestructibletype.com). I've altered the metrics for adjusted line height. OFL licensed.
- **NV Elstob** is a version of [Elstob](https://github.com/psb1558/Elstob-font) that has been renamed so it works correctly on Kobo devices. It is based on the 12pt version. Does not have a separate repository because no other changes were applied. OFL licensed.
- **NV Gentium** is a version of Gentium Book 7.0 with corrected PANOSE information for the Bold and Bold Italic weights. This ensures the font is displayed correctly on Kobo devices.
- **NV Gentium** is a version of [Gentium](https://software.sil.org/gentium/) Book 7.0 with corrected PANOSE information for the Bold and Bold Italic weights, which was incorrect. This modified version ensures the font is displayed correctly on Kobo devices. OFL licensed.
- **NV Junius** is a [Junicode 2](https://github.com/psb1558/Junicode-font) variant based on the variable font, with adjusted metrics and a 10% glyph size increase. This one does not have a repository, but can be easily recreated by using [Slice](https://github.com/source-foundry/Slice), a GUI that allows you to export various fixed configurations.
- **NV Junius** is a [Junicode 2](https://github.com/psb1558/Junicode-font) variant based on the variable font, with adjusted metrics and a 10% glyph size increase. This one does not have a repository, but can be easily recreated by using [Slice](https://github.com/source-foundry/Slice), a GUI that allows you to export various fixed configurations. OFL licensed.
- **NV Libertinus** is a variant of Libertinus Serif.
- **NV Libertinus** is a variant of [Libertinus](https://github.com/alerque/libertinus) Serif. I've altered the metrics for adjusted line height. OFL licensed.
- **NV Newsreader** is a variant of Newsreader.
- **NV Newsreader** is a variant of [Newsreader](https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Newsreader). Based on a particular weight that is ideal for e-reading. OFL licensed.
- **NV Source Serif** is a version of [Source Serif 4](https://github.com/adobe-fonts/source-serif) with 20% spacing and has been renamed so it works correctly on Kobo devices. Does not have a separate repository because no other changes were applied. OFL licensed.
- **NV Source Serif** is a version of [Source Serif 4](https://github.com/adobe-fonts/source-serif) with 20% spacing and has been renamed so it works correctly on Kobo devices. OFL licensed.
- **NV Technical** is a variant of STIX Two Text. (If you use a Kobo that has stylus support, STIX Two Text will be included on your device.)
- **NV Technical** is a variant of [STIX Two Text](https://fonts.google.com/specimen/STIX+Two+Text/about). OFL licensed. (Note: If you use a Kobo that has stylus support, STIX Two Text will likely already be included on your device.)
## How to install
To install these fonts on your Kobo, unzip the files and drag the font files into the `fonts` directory at the root of your Kobo device after connecting your Kobo to your PC via USB cable. You may need to create the `fonts` directory.
To install these fonts on your Kobo, unzip the files and drag the font files into the `fonts` directory at the root of your Kobo device after connecting your Kobo to your PC via USB cable. You may need to create the `fonts` directory. Drag the `.ttf` and `.otf` files into the `fonts` directory, do not use subfolders.
**I recommend rebooting your Kobo after installing the fonts to make sure they work correctly. A reboot is REQUIRED if you already had other versions of these fonts installed on your device, or the new versions won't be used.**