Using multiple typefaces supports visual hierarchy through contrast, since different fonts have different roles. Pairing TypefacesĪlways consider pairing complementary typefaces since it’s rare that one typeface will be sufficient for your entire website.
Typeface vs font download#
You can also discover and download typefaces from sites like dafont. Use online font-hosting services such as Google Fonts or Adobe Typekit to discover and try out unique, attention-grabbing typefaces. When choosing a typeface, you want your site to be unique, so don’t feel limited by using just web-safe fonts such as Times New Roman or Helvetica. Sans-serifs, in their streamlined design, elegantly avoid this problem. This is because on lower-resolution digital displays, fine details like serifs may disappear or appear too large. Sans-serif fonts have become the most prevalent for display of text on computer screens. As a result, serifs are very often employed by reading-focussed sites, such as news sites and blogs. The presence of serifs also make text easier to read, providing hints to the eye about what letters the user is reading and guiding the eye along each line. Serif typefaces have a strong aesthetic and their presence will greatly impact how users experience projects. Times New Roman is an example of a serif font family. Serif fonts have a fancier feel than their sans-serif counterparts. Making the decision to include or not include serifs early on can help guide your search for the right typeface.Ī serif is a piece of ornamentation or flourish added to the ends of characters of a typeface. When selecting a typeface a large question you should broach first is whether you should be using a serif font or a sans-serif font. As long as you keep the user in mind with every decision you make, you’ll be on the right path. On an advertising page, the users’ eyes should be drawn to the value statements and calls to action. If you have a blog, you want to make sure the user is drawn to the title of a post first, then inwards to the content.
The more text your site has, the more important this becomes. You need to make sure the text on your site is easy to read. The biggest factor in any design choice is whether a font meets users’ needs for legibility and clarity. Which typefaces are appropriate for your site depends on many factors. To describe a grouping of all sizes and styles of a specific typeface, we use the word typeface (or font family as seen in CSS). While the term ‘font’ is colloquially used to describe all sizes and styles of a particular typeface, it actually refers to a typeface at a specific size. Finally, as with all major design decisions, we review the importance of seeking regular feedback to achieve the best user experience.īefore we dive in, let’s clarify some terminology.
Typeface vs font how to#
Second, we’ll advise on how to best utilize fonts to convey content and tone. First, we’ll convey best practices for selecting the typeface for site design. Text has the power to greatly transform a site’s design by improving balance and visual flow, communicating meaning and textual importance, and making the visual experience engaging and enjoyable for all users. Decisions about the arrangement of text are just as vital to site design as color, layout, and image selection. Typography is the art of arranging text on a page to make it legible and appealing.