Font & Readability
OpenDyslexic Font — What It Is and How to Try It Online
OpenDyslexic is a free typeface created by Abbie Gonzalez. It uses weighted bottoms, distinctive letter shapes and open spacing, and it is available in a range of reading tools.
Those design choices do not make it a treatment for dyslexia. Controlled research has not found a reliable improvement in reading speed or accuracy compared with familiar fonts. Preference varies, so the useful question is whether it feels clearer to you on real text.
Dyslexly makes that comparison quick: one click applies OpenDyslexic to most compatible pages in Chrome, and the other font and spacing controls stay free.
Font preview
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Note: OpenDyslexic may not render above unless installed locally. Dyslexly loads the font automatically in Chrome.
How OpenDyslexic Is Designed
Weighted bottoms on every character
Each letter has a heavier base. This is a distinctive design feature, but research has not shown that it reliably prevents reversals or improves accuracy.
Distinct letterforms for similar characters
Letters such as b, d, p and q are drawn differently from one another, which some readers may prefer when comparing fonts.
Generous letter spacing
The typeface has open spacing. Dyslexly also lets you adjust letter, word and line spacing independently of the font.
Consistent stroke weight
The letter shapes use a recognisable visual style. Familiar sans-serif fonts may still be faster or more comfortable for some readers.
Does It Actually Work?
The strongest answer is cautious. A controlled study of pupils with dyslexia found no improvement in reading rate or accuracy with OpenDyslexic, and a recent meta-analysis found no consistent or reliable performance benefit from dyslexia-specific fonts.
That does not make personal preference irrelevant. A reader may still find one design less tiring or easier to navigate. Treat OpenDyslexic as an option to compare, not a guaranteed improvement or a substitute for evidence-based reading support.
For some readers, spacing adjustments (wider letter spacing, larger line height) make a bigger difference than font choice alone. Dyslexly combines both: OpenDyslexic font plus independent spacing controls, so you can tune both variables until reading feels comfortable.
Read the OpenDyslexic study and the 2026 font meta-analysis for the underlying evidence.
How to Try OpenDyslexic on Websites
Install Dyslexly from the Chrome Web Store — it takes about 30 seconds.
Click the Dyslexly icon in your Chrome toolbar to open the panel.
Toggle OpenDyslexic font on — it applies immediately to the current page.
Adjust letter spacing, word spacing, and line height to your preference.
Save it as your default for compatible sites if you prefer it.
Compare OpenDyslexic for Free
Free Chrome extension. OpenDyslexic font, colour overlays, line focus, and read-aloud — on most compatible websites. No account needed for the reading tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does OpenDyslexic actually help dyslexic readers?⌄
Research has not found a consistent or reliable improvement in reading speed or accuracy from dyslexia-specific fonts. Some readers still prefer OpenDyslexic, so it can be useful as a free personal setting rather than a proven intervention. Compare it with a familiar sans-serif font and keep whichever feels clearest.
How is OpenDyslexic different from standard fonts?⌄
OpenDyslexic uses a weighted baseline and deliberately distinct letter shapes. Those are design choices, not proof that the font prevents reversals or improves reading performance. Its unusual shapes may feel clearer to some readers and less familiar to others.
Can I use OpenDyslexic on any website?⌄
Dyslexly can replace page fonts on most ordinary websites in Chrome and other Chromium browsers. Browser settings pages, the Chrome Web Store, some protected frames and scanned documents are restricted. You can toggle the font for the current site or save it as your default.
Is OpenDyslexic free?⌄
Yes. OpenDyslexic was created by Abbie Gonzalez and is released under the SIL Open Font Licence — it is completely free to use. Dyslexly's implementation of it in Chrome is also free. The extension installs from the Chrome Web Store at no cost and requires no account.
What other fonts help with dyslexia?⌄
There is no single best font for every dyslexic reader. Dyslexly includes OpenDyslexic, Lexend, Atkinson Hyperlegible and Andika, plus the page or system font, in the free extension. Compare a short passage while keeping size and spacing unchanged, then choose the option you prefer.