Using Font Weight to Create Visual Hierarchy
TL;DR:
- Use different font weights to create clear visual hierarchy without adding extra fonts
- Stick to 2-3 weight variations: bold for headings, regular for body text, light/medium for secondary content
- Keep font weights consistent across your site for a professional look
- Strategic font weight changes help highlight important information and improve readability
Font weight is one of the simplest ways to organise your content and guide users through your pages. By adjusting how thick or thin your text appears, you can create a clear structure that makes your content easier to scan and digest.
Why Font Weight Matters
Most websites benefit from a clear information hierarchy. Users need to quickly understand what's most important on a page, and font weight helps you show them without cluttering your design with multiple typefaces.
Think of font weight as your content's volume control. Heavier weights naturally draw more attention, while lighter weights step back and let other elements shine.
Setting Up Your Font Weight System
The most effective approach uses just two or three weight variations:
Bold weights work best for headings and important callouts. They grab attention and signal that something matters.
Regular weights handle your main body text. They're comfortable to read in longer passages and won't tire your users' eyes.
Light or medium weights work well for secondary information like captions, dates, or supporting details. They provide information without competing with your main content.
Common Font Weight Mistakes
Many designers either go overboard with too many weight variations or don't create enough contrast between their choices.
If your bold headings don't feel much different from your body text, bump up the weight difference. If your light text is hard to read, consider using medium instead.
Another issue is inconsistency. Pick your weight system and stick to it across your entire site. Random weight changes confuse users and make your design feel unprofessional.
Making Font Weight Work on All Devices
Font weights can look different on various screens and devices. What appears perfectly readable on your desktop might be too light on mobile.
Test your font weights on actual devices, not just browser developer tools. Consider using slightly heavier weights for mobile if your light text becomes hard to read on smaller screens.
Some web fonts also load their weights differently. Always check how your chosen weights actually render in browsers before finalising your design.
FAQs
How many font weights should I use in my design?
Stick to 2-3 weights maximum. More than that creates visual chaos and defeats the purpose of clear hierarchy.
Can I mix font weights from different font families?
It's better to use different weights from the same font family. This creates consistency while still giving you the contrast you need.
Why do my font weights look different in different browsers?
Browsers render fonts slightly differently, and some web fonts load weights with subtle variations. Always test across multiple browsers and devices.
Should I use the same font weights for mobile and desktop?
Not necessarily. Mobile screens might need slightly heavier weights for readability, especially for smaller text.
Jargon Buster
Font Weight: How thick or thin the strokes of your letters appear, typically ranging from light to bold.
Visual Hierarchy: The arrangement of design elements to show their order of importance.
Contrast: The difference between elements that makes them distinct from each other.
Wrap-up
Font weight gives you a simple but powerful way to organise your content and improve user experience. By choosing 2-3 consistent weights and applying them strategically, you can create clear visual hierarchy that helps users navigate your content effortlessly. The key is finding the right balance between contrast and consistency.
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