Design Template by Anonymous

Typography Best Practices

Typography can make or break a website. Whether you’re aiming for elegance, clarity, professionalism, or creativity, there are a few fundamental principles that will help you avoid common mistakes and design with intention. This section is a straightforward list of dos and don’ts—grounded in industry best practices and real-world advice.

Use No More Than 2–3 Fonts

Mixing too many fonts is one of the quickest ways to make a site feel chaotic. A good rule of thumb is to stick with one primary font for body text and one contrasting font for headings. Occasionally, a third font can be used for accent text (like pull quotes or branding), but any more than that and the page starts to lose visual cohesion. The best typography systems are consistent and recognizable. Too many fonts create a lack of identity and confuse readers.

Keep Line Length Readable (50–75 Characters)

Long lines of text make it hard for readers to keep their place, while short lines break the reading rhythm. Ideal line length for comfortable reading is about 50–75 characters per line, including spaces. For smaller screens, this will naturally adjust, but for desktop layouts, controlling line length with CSS properties like max-width on containers ensures a better user experience.

Use Proper Contrast for Readability (WCAG)

Good design isn’t just about looks—it’s about access. Text needs to be easy to read against its background, especially for users with visual impairments. Following WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Use tools like contrast checkers to verify your design. Black text on white is a classic for a reason—it works. Avoid light gray text on white or using low-contrast color combos.

Maintain Consistent Hierarchy

Visual hierarchy helps users scan and understand content quickly. Headings should follow a logical progression (H1, H2, H3…), and size, weight, and spacing should be used consistently to differentiate levels of importance. If your subheadings look like body text or your body text is bolder than your headings, it creates confusion. Define a clear structure and stick to it across your pages.

Optimize for Mobile (Scaling Fonts)

Mobile devices are the primary browsing method for many users, so font sizes must be legible on small screens. Avoid using fixed px units—opt instead for em or rem units, which scale better. You can also use media queries to adjust font sizes for different screen widths. Generally, body text should be at least 16px equivalent on mobile, and headings should scale accordingly.

Avoid Font Clutter or Trend-Overload

Just because a font is trendy doesn’t mean it’s suitable for every use. Overusing decorative or novelty fonts can hurt readability and come off as unprofessional. Avoid using cursive, gothic, or stylized fonts for long-form text. Stick to classic, legible typefaces for main content, and if you want to introduce flair, do it sparingly and with purpose—perhaps in a logo or call-to-action.

Test Font Rendering on Different Browsers/Devices

Not all fonts look the same everywhere. Font rendering can vary depending on the browser, operating system, and even screen resolution. Always test your typography on multiple browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) and devices (laptops, tablets, phones) to ensure consistency. Also, set fallbacks in your CSS font stack to guarantee that if one font fails, the next one still maintains your intended design style.

By keeping these best practices in mind, you’ll be able to create typography that enhances your web design rather than hinders it. The goal is always clarity, consistency, and accessibility. Typography is not just about how text looks—it’s about how it works.