Understanding Font Weight in VS Code

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 73 views

Introduction

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a popular code editor that offers a wide range of customization options to enhance the user experience. One of the essential features of VS Code is its ability to customize the font and font weight. However, users have reported issues with changing the font weight to specific values, such as "900". In this article, we will explore the process of changing the font weight in VS Code and provide a solution to overcome the limitations of the current settings.

Understanding Font Weight in VS Code

Font weight in VS Code refers to the thickness of the font, with values ranging from 100 to 900. The default font weight in VS Code is 400, which is the standard weight for most fonts. To change the font weight, you need to modify the settings in the settings.json file.

Changing Font Weight in settings.json

To change the font weight in VS Code, you need to open the settings.json file and add the following code:

{
    "editor.fontWeight": "bold"
}

However, as you mentioned, changing the font weight to "bold" is the only option available. To change the font weight to a specific value, such as "900", you need to use the following code:

{
    "editor.fontWeight": "900"
}

But, unfortunately, this code has no effect on the font weight.

Solution: Using a Custom Font

The reason why changing the font weight to a specific value, such as "900", has no effect is because VS Code uses a custom font called "Monaco" by default. The Monaco font does not support font weights beyond "bold". To change the font weight to a specific value, you need to use a custom font that supports font weights.

Step 1: Install a Custom Font

To install a custom font, you need to download a font that supports font weights, such as "Fira Code" or "Source Code Pro". Once you have downloaded the font, you need to install it on your system.

Step 2: Configure the Custom Font in VS Code

To configure the custom font in VS Code, you need to open the settings.json file and add the following code:

{
    "editor.fontFamily": "Fira Code",
    "editor.fontWeight": "900"
}

Replace "Fira Code" with the name of the custom font you installed.

Step 3: Verify the Font Weight

After configuring the custom font, you need to verify that the font weight has changed. To do this, open a new file in VS Code and check the font weight by selecting the text and using the font weight menu.

Conclusion

Changing the font weight in VS Code can be a bit tricky, but with the right solution, you can achieve the desired font weight. By using a custom font that supports font weights, you can change the font weight to a specific value, such as "900". We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide to changing the font weight in VS Code.

Additional Tips and Tricks

To change the font family, you can use the following code:

{
    "editor.fontFamily": "Fira Code"
}

To change the font size, you can use the following code:

{
    "editor.fontSize": 14
}

To change the font style, you can use the following code:

{
    "editor.fontStyle": "italic"
}

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide to customizing the font in VS Code.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you are experiencing issues with the font weight, try resetting the VS Code settings to their default values.
If you are experiencing issues with the custom font, try reinstalling the font or using a different custom font.
If you are experiencing issues with the font size, try changing the font size to a different value.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the process of changing the font weight in Visual Studio Code (VS Code). We discussed the limitations of the current settings and provided a solution to overcome them by using a custom font that supports font weights. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to changing the font weight in VS Code.

Q: Why can't I change the font weight to a specific value, such as "900"?

A: The reason why you can't change the font weight to a specific value, such as "900", is because VS Code uses a custom font called "Monaco" by default. The Monaco font does not support font weights beyond "bold".

Q: How do I change the font weight to a specific value, such as "900"?

A: To change the font weight to a specific value, such as "900", you need to use a custom font that supports font weights. You can install a custom font, such as "Fira Code" or "Source Code Pro", and configure it in VS Code.

Q: How do I install a custom font?

A: To install a custom font, you need to download the font from a reputable source and install it on your system. Once you have installed the font, you can configure it in VS Code.

Q: How do I configure a custom font in VS Code?

A: To configure a custom font in VS Code, you need to open the settings.json file and add the following code:

{
    "editor.fontFamily": "Fira Code",
    "editor.fontWeight": "900"
}

Replace "Fira Code" with the name of the custom font you installed.

Q: Why is my custom font not working in VS Code?

A: There are several reasons why your custom font may not be working in VS Code. Some common issues include:

The font is not installed correctly on your system.
The font is not configured correctly in VS Code.
The font is not supported by VS Code.

Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with my custom font?

A: To troubleshoot issues with your custom font, you can try the following:

Check that the font is installed correctly on your system.
Check that the font is configured correctly in VS Code.
Try using a different custom font to see if the issue is specific to the font you are using.

Q: Can I change the font weight to a specific value, such as "900", without using a custom font?

A: Unfortunately, no. The Monaco font used by VS Code does not support font weights beyond "bold". To change the font weight to a specific value, such as "900", you need to use a custom font that supports font weights.

Q: How do I reset the VS Code settings to their default values?

A: To reset the VS Code settings to their default values, you can follow these steps:

Open the Command Palette in VS Code by pressing Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + P (Mac).
Type "Reset Settings" in the Command Palette and select the "Reset Settings" command.
Confirm that you want to reset the settings to their default values.

Conclusion

In conclusion, changing the font weight in VS Code can be a bit tricky, but with the right solution, you can achieve the desired font weight. By using a custom font that supports font weights, you can change the font weight to a specific value, such as "900". We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide to changing the font weight in VS Code and has answered some of the frequently asked questions related to this topic.