Console.app, macOS Sierra's powerful tool for viewing system logs, doesn't offer an immediate way to change the font directly. However, there are workarounds and third-party applications that can give you more control over your logging experience, enabling you to change font in Console.app in macOS Sierra. This article will delve into the methods and tools that allow you to customize your Console.app font, making your log viewing more comfortable and visually appealing.
Understanding Console.app's Font Limitations
Console.app, by default, utilizes the system font for displaying log information. While you can change the system font in macOS, this will affect the entire system, not just Console.app. The app itself lacks a dedicated setting for font customization, making it challenging to tailor the font specifically for your preferences.
Utilizing Accessibility Features for Font Changes
While not a direct font change, macOS's accessibility features offer a way to modify the overall text appearance, which can indirectly impact the font used in Console.app.
1. Increasing Text Size
Go to System Preferences > Accessibility > Display. In this section, you can adjust the "Increase contrast" slider, making the text within Console.app larger and more legible. This won't change the font itself, but it will make it more readable for users who need larger text sizes.
2. Inverting Colors
Under the same "Display" section, you can also enable "Invert colors" for high-contrast viewing. This changes the color scheme of the Console.app interface, including the text, making it easier to distinguish between different elements.
Exploring Third-Party Solutions
To gain direct control over the font in Console.app, third-party tools offer a more robust solution. Here's a popular option:
1. ConsolePlus
ConsolePlus is a powerful third-party app that extends the functionality of macOS's built-in Console.app. It provides a wide range of features, including:
- Customizable Appearance: ConsolePlus allows you to change the font used for displaying logs, offering a wider range of choices than the system settings.
- Advanced Filtering: Refine your log viewing experience with powerful filtering options, allowing you to isolate specific events or messages.
- Color Coding: ConsolePlus enables you to apply color coding based on log levels (e.g., error, warning, info), making it easier to visually identify different types of messages.
Note: While ConsolePlus provides excellent customization, it's a paid application.
Alternative Approaches to Customize Font
If you're not ready to use a third-party app like ConsolePlus, there are some alternative approaches that can make your logs more readable:
- Copying and Pasting: Copy the text from Console.app and paste it into another application, such as TextEdit or a code editor. You can then adjust the font and size to your liking in the target application.
- Saving Logs to File: Export the log data from Console.app into a plain text file. You can then open this file in a text editor or code editor that allows you to customize fonts.
Conclusion
While directly changing font in Console.app in macOS Sierra isn't natively possible, workarounds using accessibility features and third-party tools like ConsolePlus offer a way to customize your logging experience. By utilizing these methods, you can enhance readability and personalize your Console.app interface to suit your individual needs. Remember, choosing the right approach depends on the level of control you desire and your comfort with third-party applications.
