Typefaces change the tone or voice of text. Not every typeface is the right choice for every job, but most designers have a handful of favorites that cover just about everything.

Knowing which font (typeface) will be the most effective for your project can mean the difference between a logo or website that engages your customers or turns them away.

Select your font style

There are a few basic types of fonts: serif, sans serif, script and fancy.

Serif typefaces

Serif fonts have small strokes that extend from the ends of letters and symbols. Because the lines make each character more distinct, serif text is easier to read off screen. Commonly used in printed books, magazines and newspapers.

Serif fonts are great for conveying: warm, personal, stately, traditional, conservative or intellectual.

Sans serif typefaces

Sans serif fonts are simple and straightforward, and lack the “lines” of the serif fonts (“sans” is French for “without”). They are easier to read onscreen. Commonly used for newspaper headlines, website text and technical documents.

Sans serif fonts are great for conveying: technical, cool, clean, crisp, youthful, modern or uncluttered.

Script typefaces

Script fonts look like cursive or plain handwriting. Great for feature text, but are hard to read in large amounts. Commonly used as headings.

Script fonts are great for conveying: personal, artistic, old fashioned, cheerful, playful.

Fancy typefaces

Fancy fonts vary widely in their look and personality. Great for feature text, but are hard to read in large amounts. Commonly used for logos, headings and posters.

Fancy fonts are great for conveying: fun, personal, artistic, funky, creative, playful.

Fonts for your website

Some fonts look better on PCs (such as Arial), while others are best viewed on Macs (like Helvetica and Geneva). Verdana is a sans serif font that looks good on both PCs and Macs.

Note: If your website features a font that is not pre-installed, the user’s browser will display your page using the browser’s default font. This will change the overall look and feel of your web site.

See Core fonts for the Web, from Wikipedia for a guide of common website fonts.

Ask your designer for help

While fonts may not seem as important a design element as color and graphics, thoughtful consideration should go into your selections. We are more than happy to help you select the right font for your project.

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