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Choosing fonts that work together
Build a clear hierachy, choose type with a purpose and make your words easier to read.
Give each font a job
Start with one or two font families. Add another only when it has a clear purpose.
Headings
Set the tone and help people find their way through the page.
Body text
Keep longer passages comfortable to read at the size they’ll be used.
INDD
Use consistent styles for captions, labels and practical details.
Three approaches to try
01
Serif + sans serif
An expressive heading with a straightforward body font.
Make room for good ideas.
Clear information gives people a reason to keep reading. Let the heading lead, and the body explain.
02
One family, different weights
Build contrast through size and weight.
Simple can still stand out.
You do not need several fonts to create hierachy. A consistent family can do the work.
03
A characterful heading
Use expressive type sparingly, with calm supporting text.
Simple can still stand out.
Keep supporting information easy to read.
Contrast helps. Competition does not.
When everything shouts
Summer Open Day
Saturday 20 June
12-4pm – Free Entry
Similar emphasis makes it harder to know what to read first.
When the hierachy is clear
Summer Open Day
Saturday 20 June
12-4pm – Free entry
Use size, weight, and spacing to guide the eye.
Check more than the font names
Size and proportion
Fonts at the same point size can look very different. Compare them visually.
Spacing
Give lines and paragraphs enough room. Avoid stretching letters to fill space.
Weight
Make sure headings, body, text and emphasis remain distinct.
Characters
Check numerals, punctuation, £ signs and any accented letters you need.
Test it with your actual content
Use a real heading, a longer paragraph and a few practical details. Check the result on mobile and in print at its intended size.
Long headings
Do they wrap comfortably?
Body paragraphs
Can you read without effort?
Small details
Are dates and contact details clear?
Before you commit
Each style has a clear role
The smallest text is comfortably readable
Weights and characters are available
The licence covers you intended use
related guides
How to send artwork to a printer
View guide
What belongs in a brand kit
View guide
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