Ever wondered why some designs just feel right?
It’s not magic—it’s typography.
The right fonts, spacing, and hierarchy can make or break your design.
But here’s the thing: most people don’t even notice it when it’s done well.
They just feel it.
And that’s the power of typography.
I’ve been designing for years, and I can tell you this: typography is the unsung hero of great design.
Let’s break it down so you can use it to level up your work.
What is Typography?
Typography is the art of arranging text to make it readable, legible, and visually appealing.
It’s not just about picking a font.
It’s about:
- Font choice.
- Size.
- Spacing.
- Alignment.
- Colour.
When done right, it guides the reader’s eye and communicates your message clearly.
Why Typography Matters
1. First Impressions Count
Your typography is the first thing people notice.
If it’s messy or hard to read, they’ll bounce.
Good typography builds trust and keeps people engaged.
2. It Sets the Tone
Fonts have personalities.
A sleek sans-serif feels modern.
A classic serif feels timeless.
Choose the right one to match your brand’s vibe.
3. It Improves Readability
No one wants to squint at tiny text or struggle with poor spacing.
Good typography makes your content easy to read—and keeps people on the page.
The Basics of Typography
1. Fonts vs. Typefaces
- Typeface: The design of the lettering (e.g., Helvetica).
- Font: The specific style or weight within a typeface (e.g., Helvetica Bold).
2. Serif vs. Sans-Serif
- Serif: Fonts with little “feet” at the ends of letters (e.g., Times New Roman). Great for print and formal designs.
- Sans-Serif: Fonts without “feet” (e.g., Arial). Clean and modern, perfect for digital.
3. Hierarchy
Use different font sizes, weights, and styles to guide the reader’s eye.
For example:
- Headings: Large and bold.
- Subheadings: Medium and semi-bold.
- Body Text: Small and regular.
4. Line Length and Spacing
- Line Length: Keep it between 50-75 characters for optimal readability.
- Line Spacing (Leading): 1.5 times the font size is a good rule of thumb.
- Letter Spacing (Tracking): Adjust to improve readability, especially in headings.
Advanced Typography Tips
1. Pair Fonts Like a Pro
- Choose one font for headings and one for body text.
- Stick to 2-3 fonts max to avoid clutter.
- Pair a serif with a sans-serif for contrast.
2. Use Contrast
Contrast makes your text pop.
Play with:
- Size (big vs. small).
- Weight (bold vs. light).
- Colour (dark vs. light).
3. Align Text Properly
- Left-Align: Best for body text.
- Center-Align: Use sparingly for headings or short text.
- Right-Align: Rare, but can work for specific designs.
4. Mind the Details
- Kerning: Adjust the space between specific letter pairs (e.g., “AV” or “To”).
- Hyphenation: Avoid too many hyphens in a row.
- Orphans and Widows: Don’t leave single words hanging on a new line.
Common Typography Mistakes
- Using Too Many Fonts: It’s distracting and unprofessional.
- Ignoring Hierarchy: Without it, your design feels flat.
- Poor Contrast: Light grey text on a white background is a nightmare to read.
- Overusing Centred Text: It’s hard to read in large blocks.
How I Use Typography in My Designs
When I first started, I made all the classic mistakes.
I used too many fonts, ignored spacing, and didn’t think about hierarchy.
The result? My designs looked amateurish.
It wasn’t until I started paying attention to typography that things changed.
Now, it’s the first thing I consider when starting a new project.
And the difference is night and day.
Typography Tools to Make Your Life Easier
1. Google Fonts
A free library of fonts you can use for web and print.
2. Adobe Fonts
Great for high-quality typefaces, especially if you’re using Adobe software.
3. Font Pairing Tools
- Fontjoy: Helps you pair fonts effortlessly.
- Canva Font Combinations: Pre-made pairings for quick inspiration.
4. Type Scale
A tool to create consistent typography hierarchies.
FAQs About Typography
Q: How do I choose the right font?
A: Think about your brand’s personality and the medium (web vs. print). Test a few options and see what feels right.
Q: Can I use custom fonts on my website?
A: Yes, but make sure they’re web-friendly and load quickly.
Q: What’s the best font size for web design?
A: 16px is a good starting point for body text. Adjust based on readability.
Q: How do I improve readability?
A: Use clear fonts, proper spacing, and contrast. Avoid long lines of text.
Final Thoughts
Typography is one of the most powerful tools in your design arsenal.
It’s not just about making things look pretty—it’s about communicating effectively.
So, take the time to learn the basics, experiment with fonts, and pay attention to the details.
Your designs will thank you.
And so will your audience.
