# Why Text Cells converted with Alt-7 have different fonts

So I am writing a report in Mathematica and experiencing a problem.

First I create an input cell. Then write some text into it. Afterwards convert it to text cell with Alt-7. As a result some cells show up as the first cell, some as the second (as shown in the gif below).

As you can see in the gif, the cell fonts are different. Also the cell brackets are different. However both cells were created using Format > Style > Text (Alt-7 shortcut).

Here is the question. Why is this happening and how can I make them look the same way (use the same fonts at least)?

Sorry if it is a duplicate. Couldn't find anything.

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• The cell brackets give a clue. One is an output cell, the other a text cell. I guess that you have generated output using Mathematica then edited it. I don't think this is likely to work very well. – mikado Jul 1 '18 at 20:14
• How can I convert the output cell into text cell. No output was generated. cells behave differently when I convert their style into text. – Levon Jul 1 '18 at 22:09
• @Levon Thanks for the edit. – Kuba Jul 4 '18 at 14:26

You input cell contained a SubscriptBox so it can't be converted to a string when switching to a Text cell. The whole cell content is left as it was in BoxData which makes StandardForm styles active with addition to "Text" cell styles. The second cell content can be converted to a plain string so only "Text" styles apply.

You can investigate the content with Ctrl+Shift+E.

To keep consistent fonts, with Text cells and with 2D typesetting features proceed as follows:

• do not convert input cells but write in text cells from the beginning

• when a 2D formula happens, e.g. a subscript entered with Ctrl+-, an inline cell will be created automatically leaving the rest of the cell intact while supporting 2D features "locally"

• in the second cell your τ should match the previous one, you can select it and hit Alt+9 to create an inline cell manually.

• Great, thanks @Kuba – Levon Jul 4 '18 at 15:32