15 Best Programming Fonts for better Coding

Mar 16, 2022
A small figure kneeling in front of a board with programming fonts

Do you suffer from eyestrain or trouble reading your code following a couple of hours of intense working? A lot of programmers don't switch their font until they begin to experience headaches.

Are you looking to change things up a little? Plenty of the fonts listed here are completely free, so it can't hurt to try. These are the top programmatic fonts to ease eyestrain and improve comprehension, both for free and paid.

The Reasons to Switch Your Programming Font?

Though a lot of these apps offer the ability to switch fonts, not many users take advantage of it. Some programmers may not even be aware that they're using an inferior font until they change to a community-backed alternative and realize how better things are.

  • Clear and easy-to-read characters to lessen eye strain after spending hours looking at hundreds of lines of code.
  • It clearly differentiates from commonly confused characters, such as the letters "O" and the numeral "0" or the lowercase "L" as well as the numeral "1".
  • Ligatures or extra whitespace for commonly-used symbols in the most popular programming languages not for everyone, but other people enjoy it.
  • Different fonts that have different variations of the way certain characters are treated are fantastic, and you are free to choose which one you like best.

Free Programming Fonts

1. Fira Code

Fira Code font styles
Fira Code font.

The concept behind Fira Code is simple: The monospaced font is created to blend the commonly used multi-symbol sequences into one which reduces the amount of time it takes to scan through your code to find exactly what you're searching for.

This doesn't alter the character in the first place, their style, in order to not impact the program. It just makes it easier to read!

There are also some variations of characters, so that you are able to modify the font to how you like it.

2. Proggy Fonts

Proggy Fonts markup
Proggy Fonts.

Proggy Proggy HTML0 is adored in developer circles because of its easy but efficient look, especially for C as well as C++ coding. There are the usual attributes like a slashed zero and distinct letters, as well as other optimizations like vertically centered asterisks and axis-aligned arithmetic operators.

Proggy is available in a variety of versions, which include an e-version of the font as well as over a dozen bitmap versions that change how certain characters are rendered. Select the font that you like best and get started coding!

3. DejaVu Sans Mono

DejaVu Sans Mono font 
DejaVu Sans Mono.

The DejaVu fonts are designed to cover the Unicode character set in its entirety, even though the goal isn't fully attained, their coverage of the font is much greater than what other fonts offer.

DejaVu Sans Mono has the same principle, but of course it's a monospaced typeface that is suitable for developing. Its readability and distinct characters are a great selection for programmer.

Because the font is completely free, open-source, and relatively popular, it's bundled with many operating systems, particularly Linux OS'. There's a good chance that it's already installed in your personal computer, which means it's an ideal font to change to if aren't interested in installing a new font.

4. Source Code Pro

Source Code Pro font
Source Code Pro.

Adobe has published several open-source fonts within their Source Sans collection, and this one is monospaced, and specifically designed to work with UI. Though the regular weight will be compatible with most programming programs A variety of weights are available should you require them.

While this font is pretty identical to Source Sans, it had certain changes that would better suit coders: optimized symbols, dots zero and altered "i," "j," and "l," and more.

5. Dina

Dina font markup
Dina.

Dina is a clear and well-designed font which can make code easier to read and creates less stress.

The version here is recreated from the original version, then changed to TTF and then upgraded to eliminate any artifacts. In contrast to other conversions, this is probably the best quality and comprehensive conversion.

There's also a bold version in case you want it. And if you have trouble with the remaster, you could always download the original version of bitmap for free as well.

6. Terminus

Terminus font
Terminus.

The Terminus font was designed to be used by people who work long 8+ hour days in a programming terminal. It won't hurt your eyes more than other fonts and is very effortless to install and read.

A lot of developers that have been using the font since it was first introduced over 10 years ago are raving about the font, and it could be worth a look.

Modern programs can have trouble using bitmap fonts. So check out Terminus TTF If you are experiencing this issue.

7. Input

Input font
Input.

If you need a super adaptable font with a range of styles that look excellent in any setting, or you keep running through issues with popular bitmap fonts used by certain software, try out input.

There are 168 designs that are available There are 168 styles to choose from, and you can swap out character defaults for certain symbols to your preference. It is also possible to alter the line spacing. Give the preview on their website a try to see the versatility of it.

The style was influenced by the popular bitmap fonts used in the community, and plenty of care was given to this process, including making this a proportional font - though there is a monospaced font accessible.

Want to know what we did to increase our volume by more than 1000 per cent?

Join the 20,000+ who get our weekly newsletter with insider WordPress tricks!

Input is free for private usage, however you'll require a licence to utilize Input in public projects, such as for websites.

8. Hack

Hack font
Hack.

Need a coding font? Hack comes with every functional features you could need: Bold, italic, and both mixed, Powerline support, and specially designed characters that improve accessibility on screen. No more squinting and no hassles.

Test this font Playground to test what it appears like in your favorite programming language, or even compare it with existing fonts on your system.

Then, you can try alt-hack and the font-line tools for swapping characters and change line spacing.

9. Cascadia Code

Cascadia Code font
Cascadia Code.

Cascadia Code is the default font that is used in Windows Terminal and Visual Studio. It comes with a default unicode (no ligatures) as well as an italic as well as a cursive font. it also has extra support for embedding Powerline symbols.

Additionally this font is renowned for its ligatures that are both functional and stylistic, though there is the possibility to enable a package without these. Reception has been mixed among the developers. Some are not happy (or prefer the older standard, Consolas), while others love the font.

It's open-source, so you can test it yourself, or launch Visual Studio to see it in action.

10. JetBrains Mono

JetBrains Mono font markup
JetBrains Mono.

If you're using JetBrains IDE then you could be familiar with this font. If not, you'll want to try it out. It's designed specifically to be used by developers and is optimized to handle large quantities of programming.

JetBrains Mono comes packed with nearly 140 code ligatures and 8 weights that each have italics and support for 145 languages. It's open-source and is available to use in any private or commercial context.

11. Anonymous Pro

Anonymous Pro font
Anonymous Pro.

Anonymous has long-running history, beginning around the middle of the 90s. It was a bitmap font developed specifically for Macintosh and then ported to TrueType in 2001. Now that iconic font has been restored with four fixed-width typefaces explicitly designed for programmers.

In contrast to many of the designer's other fonts this one is available for free in the Open Font License. If you enjoyed the font, you should check out his other premium fonts also.

There aren't many things that are free, and some of the best code fonts come with premium or paid. While you can always try an open-source font alternatively, you may enjoy the extra careful design, research, and work put into these fonts.

12. Monolisa

Monolisa font
Monolisa.

Tired of boring monospaced fonts that are ugly to behold and create eye strain? Monolisa is a unique font with monospaced standardization in order to lessen fatigue and is far more appealing to look at.

Apart from focusing on a better readability, Monolisa incorporates Powerline symbols, 200+ language support, and several different ligatures. These include whitespace only and complete replacements for symbols. It is also possible to turn it off if this isn't your cup of tea.

Take a look at the character sets or the font playground before you buy. It includes a 14-day free trial, so you can return your purchase If you're not satisfied.

13. Gintronic

Gintronic font
Gintronic.

Being a programmer doesn't mean using lifeless, robotic character sets, and "monospaced" doesn't mean "not enjoyable at all." Gintronic is readable and beautiful both, with a light-hearted yet technical design.

Six styles are available, which have italics setting for each one, and the support is for various symbols and languages as well as beautiful enough style that you could use it for non-code purposes without having to even blink an eye.

Gintronic is available in several bundles, or you can purchase the version that you love. It is also possible to sign up for a free trial for a chance to experience it before committing.

14. Dank Mono

Dank Mono font
Dank Mono.

It's not the typical bitmap font, however it's a good choice for the job and looks great while doing it. It became quite well-known in some circles and received general praise. Take a look at the writer's note on his design choices if you want some insight into the design process.

A personal and commercial license can be obtained depending on the use you require it for.

15. PragmataPro

PragmataPro font
PragmataPro.

What if you need the best font that is optimized for tiny screen sizes? PragmataPro accomplishes what it says. Also, it doesn't have interline spacing, making it more compact.

Many of the ligatures can be made to work with any programming language, and there are some fun graphic ones bundled in there too.

There are two packs available for purchase There are two options to choose from: the Essential pack, which includes only monospaced monospaced sans-ligature fonts as well as the complete pack, which includes the monospacing as well as modular spacing variants that come with or without Ligatures.

It's a shame that it came out in the year 2010 but it has not been updated to version 1.0 or even updated. Updates are extremely rare. The best way to purchase it is only if you are satisfied with what's available now.

Summary

When your job is looking at a screen all daylong, it's up to yourself to choose a font that won't make you suffer with a headache at the end of the day. Maybe you're searching for something a little different and more fun rather than the standard fonts that you've used for over a decade.

Most people stick with whatever font the IDE has to offer without having to change it, but that font isn't always the greatest font available. It could take a couple of tries to find the one that is suitable for your needs. But since most programming fonts are available for free, you may test as many of them as you'd like.

Reduce time, money and increase site performance:

  • 24/7 help and support from WordPress experts in hosting, 24 hours a day.
  • Cloudflare Enterprise integration.
  • Global audience reach with 29 data centers across the globe.
  • Optimization with our integrated Application to monitor performance.