What's Typography in Web Design | Types | Beginners Guide

Think about the last time you were on a website that had terrible typography. It was probably difficult to read, and the text stand was either too small or too large. Maybe the font was ugly or incompatible with the design of the website. Chances are, you didn't stick around for very long. Why would you!

Poor typography can ruin a website's overall design and make it difficult for beginners and internet users to navigate and find information. In this blog post, our London web design agency will discuss why typography is so important in web design no matter where you are if it's London or on the other side of the world.

Table of contents:

  1. What is typography
  1. Why is typography important
  1. Types
  1. Examples of typography
  1. Typography and font pairing tips
  1. Common mistakes for web designers

What is typography in web design?

Typography is the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable and appealing when displayed. It is an important element of web design, and it should be used to create a cohesive and user-friendly website. Also, typography can help set the tone and mood of a website.

For example, if you want to design a website that is friendly and approachable, you would use different fonts than if you were designing a website for a law firm or other agency in London.

website typography

What is font?

Fonts refer to the typeface that is used to display the text on a website. There are hundreds of different fonts available, and web designers can choose from serif or sans-serif fonts, as well as a variety of other font types. Also, web designers can specify the size, color and style of the font.

Why is typography important in web design?

When it comes to web design projects, typography is one of the most important elements. Typography can make or break a website design; if done well, it can create a beautiful and user-friendly experience, but if done poorly, it can make a website difficult to navigate and use. Further, typography can have a significant impact on search engine optimization (SEO).

Pros of typography:

Typography is important for a web design agency as it can be used to create a hierarchy of information, making the most important information stand out. Typography can also be used to create a visually appealing design, making your site more enjoyable to look at. Good typography can make your website more user-friendly, as it can make it easier to read.

Cons of typography:

However, too much typography can be overwhelming and make it difficult to read the text on your site. It's important to find the right balance of typography so that it enhances your website design without overpowering it. You should also avoid using too many different fonts on your web page, as this can make it look cluttered and unprofessional.

When choosing a font for your website typography, be sure to select one that is easy to read and that will work well with the overall design of your site.

If you're not sure where to start with typography in web design, consider hiring a professional web designer to help you create a stylish and user-friendly website. A good web designer or a web design agency will be able to create a custom typography scheme that fits your brand recognition and your website's business goals. Contact our web design agency in London via the email address or call us today to get started.

Type of typographies in web design

When it comes to line lengths and typography in web design solutions, there are three main types: serif, sans-serif, and decorative.

1. Serif fonts [SF]

serif font

Are the ones with the little tails on the letters, like individual letter Times New Roman. They’re considered more traditional and are often used in print design. For example, a book would be set in a serif font. They can be harder to read on screens, so they’re not always the best choice for web design.

2. Sans-serif fonts [SSF]

san serif font

SSF are the ones without the tails, like Arial. They’re considered more modern and are often used for web design style because they’re easier to read on screens. Also, since SSF are simpler, they can be used for smaller text, like body copy.

3. Decorative fonts

decorative font

Decorative fonts are fonts that are meant to be used for display purposes, like titles or headings. They’re not meant to be used for large blocks of text because they can be hard to read. An example of a decorative font style is Comic Sans.

Typography and font pairing tips

Typography design is an important aspect of web design, it will draw attention. It's what makes your site readable and helps to set the tone and style for your website. There are a few things you need to consider when choosing the right typography plays for your website design.

- There is a difference between typefaces and fonts. A typeface is a family of fonts, while a font is a specific weight, style, and size of a typeface. For example, Helvetica Neue is a typeface, while Helvetica Neue Bold is a font.

- You should always have a fallback font. A fallback font is a typeface that you specify in your CSS in case the user doesn't have the first typeface you specified. For example, if you want to use the Montserrat typeface but the user doesn't have it, you can specify a fallback font of Arial.

When choosing a typeface, make sure to consider the following:

- The readability of the same typeface. Is it easy to read in small sizes?

- The personality of the typeface. Does it convey the feeling you want for your site?

- The number of weights and styles. Does the typeface come in the styles you need?

- The availability of the typeface. Is it available on all major operating systems?

Once you've chosen a typeface, pair it with a complementary font. A good rule of thumb is to pair a serif font with a SS font. For example, you could pair PT Serif with Open Sans. Remember, typography contributes to web design and is an important part, so take the time to choose the right typeface for your website!

Examples of good typography on websites

One way to create an effective web design is through good typography plays. By using the right font types and sizes, you can control the overall look and feel of your web typography. Here are some examples of good typography designs on web pages:

1. Use a Serif Font for Body Text

A serif font is a typeface that has small lines attached to the ends of its letters. Times New Roman is a popular serif font. SF is generally easy to read, making them a good choice for body text. Choosing fonts that have a creative explosion and match the screen sizes is equally important.

You can also combine different font types to create a creative brand design. For example, you could use a serif font for your headings and an SSF for your body text. This can help to add variety to your web page and make it more visually appealing.

When choosing a font, it is important to consider how easy it is to read. You want people to be able to understand your content without difficulty.

Some popular serif fonts include:

  • Times New Roman
  • Georgia
  • Palatino Linotype

2. Use a Sans-Serif Font for Headings

An SSF is a typeface that does not have small lines attached to the ends of its letters. Individual letter Helvetica is a popular SSF. Sans-serif fonts are generally used for headings because they are easy to read and look modern. Further, arranging letters so the text appears aesthetically pleasing in UI design is a beginner's guide must.

Some popular sans-serif fonts include:

  • Helvetica
  • Arial
  • Verdana

3. Use Large Fonts for Headings

When choosing a font size, it is important to consider how easy it is to read. You want people to be able to understand your content without difficulty and provide a visual cue like letter spacing. Prominent headings have a graphical representation that users digest in certain emotions.

- Use large fonts for headings for graphic design (16px or larger). Some popular large fonts include:

  • Impact
  • Arial Black
  • Tahoma

- Use medium fonts for body text for graphic design (14px or larger). Some popular medium fonts include:

  • Times New Roman
  • Georgia
  • Palatino Linotype

- Use small fonts for captions and labels for graphic design (12px or smaller). Some popular small fonts include:

  • Arial
  • Verdana
  • Tahoma

These are just a few tips for beginners using web typography and white space. By using the right font types and sizes, you can create an effective and strong visual hierarchy website for brand recognition.

4. Use decorative fonts sparingly

Attractive fonts are fun and can add personality to your website typography. However, they should be used sparingly as they can be difficult to read. If you use a decorative font style for your body text, make sure to pair it with simple web-safe fonts so that people will understand your content and will draw attention.

Some popular decorative fonts include:

  • Comic Sans
  • Papyrus
  • Brush Script
typography for web design

Common mistakes with typography for web designers

- Not paying attention to the details, not considering the user interface design, and choosing the wrong typeface.

- Not paying attention to the details can involve things like not adjusting the next line spacing, letter spacing or choosing the wrong font size.

- Not considering the user interface can mean not taking into account how they will be viewing the website. Work with specialists.  

- Choosing the wrong typeface can be a matter of using an ornate font that is difficult to read or not considering how the type will work with the overall graphic design.  

Conclusion

The importance of typographic hierarchy in web design cannot be understated. A good rule of thumb is to pair a serif font with a sans-serif font choice. This will provide an effective and visual hierarchy of website readability, as long as you take the time to choose the right typeface for your website design!

You can also combine different fonts types to set an interesting look. Just be sure to use large fonts for headings and small fonts for captions and labels! And lastly, don't forget that attractive fonts should be used sparingly as they can be difficult to read. By following these simple tips, you can create a beautiful and positive user experience [UX] website for your web development agency clients! q a

Do you need help?

If you are looking for a graphic design agency that does bespoke web design, then Fit Design in London has the experts for you. Our graphic designer creates beautiful, modern web pages that are responsive and easy to use. We also offer SEO services to help you get found online! Contact us today to learn more about our web design agency, digital marketing and SEO services. Simply use this contact information form.