Fonts/Typefaces in Design: 1-Minute Explain
3 min readMar 10, 2024
Typography: It’s not just about fancy fonts! It’s the art of arranging text for clear communication and visual appeal. Here’s why it matters:
- Crystal-Clear Message: Good typography ensures your message is understood loud and clear, making your design engaging and aesthetically pleasing.
- Visual Hierarchy: Typography guides the reader’s eye, creating a clear hierarchy and emphasizing important information.
Common Lingo
- Typefaces vs. Fonts: Think of a typeface as a font family (Arial, Times New Roman). A font is a specific variation (bold Arial, italic Times New Roman).
- Serif vs. Sans-Serif: Serifs are the small decorative lines on letters (Times New Roman). Sans-serif fonts lack these, offering a clean, modern look (Arial).
- Leading (Line Spacing): This controls the vertical space between text lines.
- Kerning: Adjusting the space between individual characters for optimal readability.
Font Fun Facts
- Decorative Fonts: Highly stylized and ornamental for a unique touch (Kaufmann Bold, Blagground, Lobster).
- Monospace Fonts: All characters have the same width, creating a uniform look (Courier New, Consolas, Menlo).
- Px vs. Pt: Use pixels (px) for digital design and points (pt) for print design (1 pt = 1/72nd of an inch).
Free vs. Paid Fonts
- Free Fonts: Free to download and use, but often have restrictions (personal use only).
- Paid Fonts: Range in price depending on complexity and foundry reputation. Offer broader use rights (commercial use, webfonts).
Font Pairing Magic
- Pairing Power: A bold sans-serif headline can complement a classic serif body font.
- Versatility is Key: Choose fonts that work well together across different applications.
- Get Feedback: Show your design drafts with different font choices for input from others.
Recommended font sizes
the ideal font size depends on the device or medium you’re designing for.
Useful Font Pairing Websites:
- Fontjoy: https://fontjoy.com/
- Fontpair: https://www.fontpair.co/
- Typotheque Font Combiner: https://www.typotheque.com/fonts
Navigating Font Licenses
- Free Fonts with a Catch: Free fonts can be great, but always check the license for restrictions.
- License Types: Personal use only, desktop license, webfont license, commercial license, multiple users.
- Open-Source Licenses: Look for fonts with OFL or SIL OFL for broader use.
- Restrictions Apply: Even “free” fonts might have limitations on modifications or distribution.
Finding Free Fonts:
- Google Fonts: https://fonts.google.com/
- Font Squirrel: https://www.fontsquirrel.com/
- Adobe Fonts (Free Section): https://fonts.adobe.com/
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That’s One Minute for Today!
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