Fonts for Better Website Design
TL;DR:
- Use two fonts maximum: one for headings and one for body text
- Keep text sizes balanced and readable across all devices
- Make navigation and buttons consistent in font weight and style
- Stick to your brand guidelines when choosing fonts
- Simple typography choices create cleaner, more professional sites
Most websites work best with just two fonts. Pick one for your headings and another for body text. This keeps things clean and stops your site looking like a ransom note.
The temptation is always there to add more fonts, especially when you see something that catches your eye. But resist it. Too many fonts make your site look unprofessional and confuse visitors about what they should be reading first.
Getting Your Sizing Right
Your headings need to stand out without shouting. Make them big enough to grab attention but not so massive they dominate the page. Body text should be comfortable to read on any device, with enough spacing so it doesn't look cramped together.
This is the bit most people miss: your text needs to work just as well on a phone as it does on a desktop. Test your font sizes on different devices before you go live.
Keep Navigation and Buttons Consistent
Your navigation menu and buttons should use the same font weight and style across every page. When these elements look identical throughout your site, visitors know they can trust what they're clicking on.
This consistency works in the background to make your site feel more professional. Visitors might not consciously notice it, but they'll feel more confident using your site.
Choosing the Right Fonts
Start with your brand guidelines if you have them. Your fonts should match your brand's personality while being easy to read on screens.
If you're starting from scratch, pick fonts that render well on different devices. Some beautiful fonts look great in print but turn into a pixelated mess on certain screens.
Test your font choices on multiple devices and browsers before making your final decision. What looks perfect on your laptop might be unreadable on someone's phone.
FAQs
Why should I limit myself to just two fonts?
Fewer fonts keep your site looking professional and make it easier for visitors to navigate. Too many fonts create visual chaos and make your content harder to follow.
How do I know if my fonts work well together?
Good font pairs have enough contrast to differentiate between headings and body text, but they shouldn't clash stylistically. When in doubt, pick fonts from the same family but use different weights.
Can I use different fonts for different sections?
You can, but consistency usually works better. If you want variety, try using different weights or styles within the same font family instead of switching to completely different fonts.
Jargon Buster
Font Weight – How thick or thin the characters appear. Common weights include light, regular, bold, and extra bold.
Font Style – The slant or emphasis of text, like italic or bold. These help highlight important information.
Readability – How easy your text is to read. Good readability means clear, well-spaced text in a legible font.
Font Family – A group of related fonts that share common design features but come in different weights and styles.
Wrap-up
Good typography doesn't need to be complicated. Stick to two well-chosen fonts, keep your sizing consistent, and make sure everything works across different devices. Your visitors will thank you for making their experience cleaner and easier to navigate.
The best typography is often invisible to users. When people can focus on your content instead of struggling with your font choices, you've got it right.
Ready to improve your website design skills? Join Pixelhaze Academy for more practical web design guidance.