Choose the editor settings
Open Settings and search for Font Family or Font Size. The corresponding JSON keys include editor.fontFamily and editor.fontSize. Use the exact installed family name and a suitable fallback.
A font name in settings is a request to use an available resource; it does not install the font files.
Separate editor, terminal and window scope
The integrated terminal has its own settings, including terminal.integrated.fontSize. Overall scaling uses window zoom rather than the editor’s font-size setting.
Check whether you are editing User or Workspace settings. Workspace or language-specific overrides can explain why an expected global preference does not appear in one project.
Enable only features the font supplies
VS Code exposes editor.fontLigatures, but the selected font must provide the intended ligatures. A switch cannot invent missing glyph features.
Test ambiguous characters, punctuation and code alignment at your preferred size. Keep the original source text unchanged while comparing appearance.
Compare documented families
Try Roboto Mono and Source Code Pro as separate coding-font studies. Their profiles cover design background and source files; local installation remains a separate step.
Your questions, answered.
Does setting editor.fontFamily download a font?
No. The requested font resource must be available in the relevant environment.
Why did my terminal text not change?
The integrated terminal has its own font settings and is distinct from the main editor.
Sources & background
Sources supporting this page’s explanations. Practical examples are our editorial suggestions.