Windows Terminal: use the profile’s appearance
Windows Terminal documents a font object within profile settings, with face, size and weight values. For example, "font": { "face": "Cascadia Mono", "size": 12 } describes that profile’s font choice.
The family must be available; the documented configuration has a fallback if the face cannot be found. Use the settings UI or edit the correct profile configuration deliberately.
Mac: change the selected profile
In Terminal on Mac, open Terminal > Settings > Profiles, select the intended profile, then open Text. Choose the font using the available control.
Apple emphasizes that these settings apply to the selected profile rather than every Terminal window unconditionally. Check the profile used by the window you are reading.
Compare code, symbols and ordinary text
Try paths, punctuation, tables and similar letters and digits. If a prompt uses special symbols, verify their actual glyph coverage rather than assuming every monospaced design contains them.
A larger reading size changes appearance without altering the command text. Do not replace meaningful syntax with decorative characters from a copy-and-paste generator.
Read the design background
Compare IBM Plex Mono and Source Code Pro for independent fixed-width options. The monospaced guide explains the spacing distinction.
Your questions, answered.
Does changing a terminal font change command output characters?
It changes their rendering. The underlying command and output text remain separate from that font selection.
Will every profile change at once?
Not necessarily. Both applications have profile-specific settings; check the selected profile and any defaults.
Sources & background
Sources supporting this page’s explanations. Practical examples are our editorial suggestions.