When creating a site design, there are relatively a million things to think about ‒ from crafting graphics, choosing colors, and selecting the right images.
However, there's one thing that most people underestimate when building their site, and that's choosing the right fonts.
So, don't commit the same mistake. Choosing the right font can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your site design.
While it may seem like a minute detail, you can harness its power to take your web design to the next level.
In this post, we'll talk about everything you need to know when it comes to choosing the right typefaces for your website.
Start with the Fundamentals
Keep in mind that when it comes to working with web fonts, you have to start with the fundamentals.
- Serif or sans serif: While there are several categories in web design, almost every kind of project is usually based on one either of the two. The most common typeface is the sans serif.
- Tracking, kerning and leading: The space that surrounds a particular text is just as substantial as the typeface. Tracking is the space that's found in group dos characters. The space between letter pairs is called Kerning. Meanwhile, leading is the space between lines of text.
- Readability: When working with texts, the total number of characters found per line is vital. What’s the size of the screen where the text will appear? Make sure that it's easy to read as well.
- Alignment and justification: How will the text-align on the screen ‒ left, right, or center? Will the blocks of text have ragged edges or fully justified?
- Hyphenation: Hyphens usually make a mess of texts on the screen.
- Amount of typefaces: Ideally, don't try to use more than three fonts.
- Contrast: For your texts to be readable, it must have enough contrast between the text and the background.
Consider Compatibility
One of the things that make web typography challenging is that browsers are continually evolving and getting updates. That's why it's crucial to choose a typeface that's comfortable with modern web interfaces both in desktop, and other mobile devices.
It might take a lot of testing on different devices before eventually finding something that will work seamlessly for you.
Use a Service
You can also opt font service. That way, you can easily overcome different technical issues that may arise.
There are a variety of options that you can choose from, online. Also, the pricing may vary ‒ there are free options (like Google Fonts) and more expensive kits available in the market.
Each of these options provided above has a multitude of type options, and relatively easy to use. What's great about them is that they can give you an expansive type of library without having to spend individually on fonts.
The possible downside is that they can only be used online, and not on printed projects.
Be Considerate of Tone and Message
Think about how will your text go along with other design elements such as the color and images.
That's why it's essential to pick a typeface that matches your tone and brand message.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What kind of project are you working on? Is it formal or casual?
- Should your texts be lighter or bold?
- How will it work with the color and visuals?
- Does the mood of your fonts match the words that are being read out?
Look for Suggestions
Font pairing isn’t easy, and it’s not always your strong suit. That’s why it alright to ask for help. Just be wary of overused font combinations though.
Ideally, you need to know the basics in font pairing and search for fonts that are quite the same in mood, height, and stroke.
Study the slant and shape of letters and select typefaces with the same outlines. It’s always an excellent idea to mix and match different font types.
Consider the Load Time
If a font doesn’t load quickly, then look for other options. Remember that users these days no longer have the patience for slow loading sites.
No matter how great a particular typeface is, it also needs to load fast to be effective.
Here are some practical ways to reduce site load times:
- Keep the number of typefaces to a minimum
- Choose only the styles that you plan to use.
- Select only the language that you’ll use for a particular font.
Be Choosy
When it comes to choosing the perfect font palette for your site, you have to be choosy. That way, you’re sure that you’re only picking out the best options for your website.
Over to You
What truly separates a professionally designed site from an amateur one are the tiny details. The same way, you shouldn’t underestimate the power of choosing the right font design for your business. Working with a professional in Web Design in Northern Ireland will make sure that even those tiny things will matter, making a significant difference on your site in the long run.
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