Regardless of how many people perceive graphics or pictures as the most appealing method of conveying information, text use is still widespread. It’s because text media delivers information more efficiently and accurately.
When presenting information in text, you should carefully consider your font choice. The right font will amplify your message. On the other hand, using the wrong font can make the information unreadable.
Typographers have come up with thousands of fonts over time. It’s your task to choose which one that fits your design! Here are five tips to help you choose the most suitable font for your design:
First of all, consider the general theme of the project before selecting a specific font. If you’re designing something for a specific brand, you should trace it back to the brand’s original message. You want the font choice to reflect the brand identity. It’s going to help your effort to develop brand recognition.
Note that each typeface reflects a certain vibe. A transitional serif typeface is suitable for brands with an authoritative or educational tone. Meanwhile, if your brand is considered whimsical, look for script fonts! Or, if your brand has an innovative and modern vibe, check out various sans-serif font options!
Once you’ve identified the brand identity, you can focus on the project’s specifics. The font used in infographics might differ from those used in posters or billboards. Even each campaign from the same brand will be unique to one another.
For instance, the brand may promote a sustainability message close to Earth Day. Then, in another instance, the brand may highlight issues like education.
Every font comes with its unique characteristics, which will heavily influence text readability. To ensure maximum readability, select your font based on its purpose.
Creators may design a specific typeface for headlines — use that for headlines! Do you need a font for the body text? Choose a font that’s designed for that use!
Imagine that your font choice for the body copy is meant for headlines. Headline-specific fonts are usually bolder and have other elements to make them catchier. In the body, where you have larger quantities of text, these fonts will look overwhelming.
When dealing with multi-line text, ensure that your line height is bigger than the point size of your font. Readers will find it difficult to discern the text if the lines above and below the text are too close to it.
Graphic designers often use multiple fonts in a single project to spice things up. This practice is encouraged because it makes the design more attractive to the audience. However, you’re advised to err on the side of caution. Using too many fonts will reduce the readability of your text media.
To get started, narrow your options to a maximum of three fonts. Place them beside each other to see how compatible they are. It’s because not all fonts will look good when paired with others, especially if each font choice has incredibly unique features.
People dealing with text media usually establish a visual hierarchy for font pairing. Visual hierarchy means the order in which one’s attention will be directed when looking at a certain design. In this case, each font will represent different parts of the text — headlines, body, and captions.
In addition to fonts, other components like font size, boldness, kerning, and space between the lines will also play a part in the visual hierarchy.
Think about where you’re going to distribute your text. Will it be on a printed medium or digital? Your medium will determine which font choice you should go for.
Print design is considered more forgiving when it comes to font options because fewer variables play a role. A printed page looks more consistent than a digital page. You can easily control the color elements. The typeface will remain similar regardless of the audience, too.
On the other hand, a digital medium is more fluid. Your text media may appear different for each user. It can be due to the screen size differences, which won’t be a problem if your platform has a responsive design feature.
Another concern is text legibility due to screen resolution. Older gadgets may not accommodate a high-resolution interface, making text less legible on certain devices. This usually prompts graphic designers to opt for more neutral fonts, like sans-serif.
Never skimp on your trial run when it comes to designing! What appears on your screen may look different in print or on others’ devices. It’s better to make corrections before launching than revise it later.
You should make a prototype if you’re designing for a printed medium. When it comes to a digital design project, check the interface on various devices. Ensure that your font choice is readable to the audience.
It’s difficult to decide on your own, especially if you make the design. This is why it’s encouraged to seek third-party opinions. Ask your colleagues, friends, and family members to rate the readability of your text media.
Exploring the font market may be nerve-wracking for you. There are so many options! To make it simpler, please understand that there are various categories of fonts. Narrow down your search by considering this.
There are serif fonts, which are often used in prints. These fonts typically have small strokes linked to the ends of larger strokes. Some examples of this font category are the popular Times New Roman and the unique Cheria-Humanist.
For digital projects, many people will select sans-serif fonts. Unlike the more traditional serif fonts, sans-serif usually doesn’t have small lines at the end of the strokes, creating a modern feel to the fonts. The Gyoza font is an example of a modern typeface.
Another popular font category is the script font. Script fonts often mimic calligraphy or handwriting, making them look more human-made than other font categories. They’re unsuitable for body text because of their small details, but they look great on headlines. Galliardo is a good example of a script font.
Consider your project carefully, and you’ll find the best font choice for it!
