Texts are the major source of information on the Internet. When a person visits your website, it is the presentation of the font that they first see. So, typography indeed plays a key role in designing the likeability of your website. But how does one choose the right fonts for their website? Will the same old typefaces make a site look boring or will they make it easy for the audience to read the content easily?
As a web designer, you might have these questions. Your web designing certification and course would have discussed this part, but maybe not in detail. Confused about designs and using the perfect font types and styles for your site? This article will guide you to improve your typography techniques!
Typography and Web Design – What is it and Why is it Important?
Statistics state that 95% of data on the internet is written content. The internet is flooded with typed content, which automatically means that typography is an important aspect of design. For those who are unclear, typography is the technique of arranging written content in a legible, clear, and appealing way. It is one of the major elements of building a simple yet effective website with an attractive user interface.
Typograph balances the overall look of a site – the perfect font will complement the graphic and media content on your site to present a neat and appealing user interface. It also improves user-friendliness and boosts traffic on your site.
Here are a few basic considerations to think about before choosing a typeface:
- The font should be clear and readable in different sizes. Vector fonts are often preferred because of their clarity.
- It should adapt to different screen types – the font should not look good just on a desktop screen, but also on a tablet or a smartphone screen.
- Screen resolution and calibration are common challenges for web designers – but these are two factors one should keep in mind while choosing a typeface.
Typography and Formatting – How to Style your Website
Typography is not just about the font. It is also about formatting, setting contrast, and many other elements. Here are some of the aspects you should remember when styling your website’s text content.
1. Readability and Formatting
Readability is the first aspect you should consider when selecting a font. When the font style is complex or tough to read, audiences lose interest and exit the site. The typeface and font style should have a clear form and distinctive appeal that enhances your site’s design.
Formatting your text on screen is about multiple factors like font size, special effects, line spacing, and much more. While designing, it might not be easy to see the formatted effects – this is why you should never skip testing.
2. Scalability, Line Length, and Spacing
Scalability refers to the extent to which a font can be enlarged or shrunken without losing clarity. You can opt for scalable fonts (or vector fonts) that are commonly used – these fonts are good in any resolution and do not break when magnified.
As for line length and spacing, it depends on the device on which the text will be viewed. Usually, the smaller the font size, the more tight you will pack the text. However, it does not mean you should apply minimal to non-existing line spacing – space your lines comfortably for a better reading experience. Line length is about the number of words that sit comfortably on a line without causing strain on the reader’s eye. The right length would be 45-75 characters per line.
3. Limit the Number of Fonts
This is a popular advice any designer should follow, be it graphic designing or web designing. Too many font styles on the same page or site spoil the look and feel. It also causes reading strain and fatigue for the audience, causing them to quit your site easily. The maximum type of fonts you can use on your site is three – any number more than that can be a tough task to execute.
4. Factor in Brand and Personality
Every website has a personality – it depends on the content it publishes, the audience it caters to, and the brand it vouches for. The typeface you choose should reflect all of the above. This means you have to choose a unique font that is still readable and simple while carrying an air of specialty. Many websites like Typewolf offer an assortment of fonts and typefaces – select the one that suits your style and brand image to achieve a unique effect!
5. Color Contrasts and Screen sizes
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines state that the contrast ratio should be at least 4:5:1 to be accessible for all types of readers. You must format your content according to the guidelines to achieve better styling which is accessible by all.
When it comes to screen size and adaptability, it all depends on the type of font you choose. Commonly used typefaces adapt to different screen and font sizes to avoid an uneven look, so choose wisely.
6. Font and Web Testing
Last and final step, don’t miss out on testing your font. Test typography, especially on a screen, is crucial to know where your design has problems. You can also ask some of your friends or colleagues for feedback on how they found the design and where you can improve for a better user experience.
Wrapping Up
Typography is one of the fundamental design aspects that people often forget to consider. As a web designer, you should never skip on picking the right typeface and formatting it according to your users’ taste and accessibility. Try different fonts and have fun choosing the perfect ones for your site!
