Kobo Clara BW - how to change dictionary font size?

samReader · 03-23-2026, 12:29 PM

Hi, I have a Kobo Clara BW. I can easily adjust the reading front size and have to my liking. However, when I long-press on a word to look it up in the dictionary the pop-up box with the definition is formatted with a very small (and light in weight) font that is difficult for my eyesight. Is there a way I can increase the font size or change the font in the dictionary lookup results popup?

Thanks for any tips,
Sam

bluepeter · 03-23-2026, 12:42 PM

You could go to More tab, Beta Features, Large Print Mode On.

it makes all fonts in the UI larger. It's far from ideal, since it affects a lot more than just the dictionary. However, it is an option.

I see that there's also a patch that looks as if it might be relevant:

Dictionary text font-family/font-size/line-height

I've never used it myself, so I'm not sure exactly what it does or how it works. Perhaps it's worth playing with it? It's easy enough to remove a patch if you find that you don't like it.

JSWolf · 03-23-2026, 12:50 PM

The best solution is to use the patch. I've tested that patch and it does apply with the current firmware for the Clara BW.

samReader · 03-23-2026, 03:54 PM

Thanks a lot for the quick responses @bluepeter and @JSWolf.

I tried the Large Print Mode and that worked for the dictionary popup. I think I'm OK with all the menu items being in a larger font as well.

But I am interested in the patch also, but I don't know how to get and apply it. My firmware is ver 4.4523646. I think I see a patch from 2023 in a yaml file in Github - how would I know if this is compatible with my firmware?

Assuming I can get my hands on the patch you mention, I wouldn't know how to apply it. Could you please point me to relevant installation instructions?

Thanks again,
Sam

bluepeter · 03-23-2026, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samReader

But I am interested in the patch also, but I don't know how to get and apply it. My firmware is ver 4.4523646. I think I see a patch from 2023 in a yaml file in Github - how would I know if this is compatible with my firmware?

Assuming I can get my hands on the patch you mention, I wouldn't know how to apply it. Could you please point me to relevant installation instructions?

See this thread. The zip file attached to the first post contains all that you need. Start with readme.txt!

Oh and if you read through that thread, you'll find that @MrSilverstrike has even written a Web UI to help you.

JSWolf · 03-23-2026, 04:25 PM

If you are stuck, ask in the thread where the patches are posted.

samReader · 05-06-2026, 04:11 PM

I've been using the beta feature Large Print Mode for a while now and am quite happy with it. I can read the dictionary popups no problem. Thanks @JSWolf and @bluepeter for the advice.

bluepeter · 05-07-2026, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samReader

I've been using the beta feature Large Print Mode for a while now and am quite happy with it. I can read the dictionary popups no problem. Thanks @JSWolf and @bluepeter for the advice.

That's good. I'm glad to hear it, and to have been able to help.

JSWolf · 05-07-2026, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samReader

I've been using the beta feature Large Print Mode for a while now and am quite happy with it. I can read the dictionary popups no problem. Thanks @JSWolf and @bluepeter for the advice.

The problem with the beta large print is that it makes everything large print. You can use the patch do make the dictionary larger and leave the rest of the text for the UI alone.

03-23-2026, 12:29 PM	#1
samReader Junior Member Posts: 9 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2025 Location: Boston, MA Device: Clara BW	Kobo Clara BW - how to change dictionary font size? Hi, I have a Kobo Clara BW. I can easily adjust the reading front size and have to my liking. However, when I long-press on a word to look it up in the dictionary the pop-up box with the definition is formatted with a very small (and light in weight) font that is difficult for my eyesight. Is there a way I can increase the font size or change the font in the dictionary lookup results popup? Thanks for any tips, Sam

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03-23-2026, 12:42 PM	#2
bluepeter Addict Posts: 309 Karma: 1028630 Join Date: May 2024 Location: Salisbury, UK Device: Clara BW, Mini, Kindle (11G), Paperwhite (10G), Boox Poke 5	You could go to More tab, Beta Features, Large Print Mode On. it makes all fonts in the UI larger. It's far from ideal, since it affects a lot more than just the dictionary. However, it is an option. I see that there's also a patch that looks as if it might be relevant: Dictionary text font-family/font-size/line-height I've never used it myself, so I'm not sure exactly what it does or how it works. Perhaps it's worth playing with it? It's easy enough to remove a patch if you find that you don't like it.

03-23-2026, 12:50 PM	#3
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 83,296 Karma: 153646249 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	The best solution is to use the patch. I've tested that patch and it does apply with the current firmware for the Clara BW.

03-23-2026, 03:54 PM	#4
samReader Junior Member Posts: 9 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2025 Location: Boston, MA Device: Clara BW	Thanks a lot for the quick responses @bluepeter and @JSWolf. I tried the Large Print Mode and that worked for the dictionary popup. I think I'm OK with all the menu items being in a larger font as well. But I am interested in the patch also, but I don't know how to get and apply it. My firmware is ver 4.4523646. I think I see a patch from 2023 in a yaml file in Github - how would I know if this is compatible with my firmware? Assuming I can get my hands on the patch you mention, I wouldn't know how to apply it. Could you please point me to relevant installation instructions? Thanks again, Sam

03-23-2026, 04:25 PM	#6
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 83,296 Karma: 153646249 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	If you are stuck, ask in the thread where the patches are posted.

05-06-2026, 04:11 PM	#7
samReader Junior Member Posts: 9 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2025 Location: Boston, MA Device: Clara BW	I've been using the beta feature Large Print Mode for a while now and am quite happy with it. I can read the dictionary popups no problem. Thanks @JSWolf and @bluepeter for the advice.

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