How to Choose the Right Font for a Design
Different Types of Font Can Affect a Finished Graphic Design
Dec 28, 2008
All computers come with a range of pre-installed fonts that cover a range of styles, but this range can be expanded by installing commercial or free fonts. Some software is also supplied with fonts bundled in.
The main font groups have specific characteristics and these make them more suitable for certain types of projects than others.
Serif Font Faces
Serif fonts are a traditional style of font, characterised by serifs or small lines that extend from the end of a stroke. Probably the best known serif font is Times Roman, originally designed for the Times newspaper in the UK.
Serif fonts are ideal for projects that need to express traditional values and solidity. It should be noted that the serifs may disappear when used at smaller sizes, particularly on newsprint, and serif fonts designed for print lose some of their subtleties when used in web pages.
Sans-Serif or Linear Font Faces
This site uses a sans-serif font, primarily Arial although that may differ depending on the fonts installed on the computer viewing this site. Sans-serif fonts are cleaner in their design and lack the small extensions of serif fonts. This can make them better for use at smaller sizes in body copy.
Sans-serif fonts should be used when projecting simpler and cleaner designs, perhaps with a more contemporary twist. They also tend to work better on the web at smaller sizes. Combining a serif font with a linear font can be an effective design technique, using one style for headings and the other for body text.
Script Font Faces
Script fonts have the style of fancy old fashioned calligraphy, often with many elaborate flourishes. These are entirely unsuitable for body text, but can be quite striking when used in moderation for headings.
They can be used to add a sense of luxury to a design and to give a more ornate feel.
Handwriting Font Faces
Handwriting fonts share some similarities with script fonts, but tend to be less ornate. There are a range of styles from those that are very legible through to more stylised or grungy designs.
Handwriting fonts can add a sense of looseness to a design that might otherwise feel too tight. They can also be used to make a message within a design feel more personal to the viewer.
Futuristic Font Faces
Futuristic fonts tend to push font designs, sometimes to the point that legibility almost disappears. The shapes may be simplified or unexpected and in some cases interpretation may require some effort by the viewer, though many futuristic fonts are perfectly clear.
Futuristic fonts should be used in designs that are intended to be ultra-modern or forward thinking. They will rarely be suitable for any great amount of body copy, but can be effective at larger sizes.
There are many other categories and subcategories of fonts, but these represent some of the main and more commonly used types.
While these different font groups do lend themselves more readily to specific types of Graphic Design, a good Graphic Designer will always be looking to use fonts and graphics in unexpected ways. Experimenting with fonts can produce some striking results that will stand out from the crowd.
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