FONT BASICS

To begin, there are two major groups of

font families: serif and sans-serif.​

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SERIF FONTS:

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Serif fonts: Serif fonts are when the tops and bottoms of letters have a slight edge to them. They are generally used in a professional setting, like by book publishers or in formal writing. These can be a great choice to use in headings on a website, as they are eye-catching. However, it is best to avoid these fonts for a body paragraph, since some of them can be straining on the eyes, and not as simple to read as a sans-serif font. 

 

    Serif tip: Serif fonts can be beautiful, but it’s best to use them when creating a heading on a website, not for bodies of text. Headings are where you can have fun and let creativity flow, while still ensuring that the text is legible.

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    Choose a heading font that aligns with your brand.

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Headings are meant to be eye-catching. If you run a small business promoting children’s books, try choosing a font that has a playful feel. On the other hand, if you run an editing company, try to choose a heading font that has a sleek and professional look to it.

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SANS-SERIF FONTS:

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Sans-serif fonts do not have an edge on the tops and bottoms of their letters. Due to their clean, sleek, and modern look, they are the most widely legible font family that exists. Choosing a sans-serif font for large amounts of text is a great choice, since consumers have an easier time reading them. 

 

    Sans-serif tip: Sans-serif fonts are the way to go for clarity when reading.

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Due to their simple look, consumers generally have an easier time reading them. They are not filled with intense curves, but instead, have a clean look, making them a great choice for large bodies of text on a page. According to design company Dot2Shape, easily legible fonts increase trust of customers by 40%. 

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Examples of sans-serif fonts, approved by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA):

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1. Arial

2. Verdana

3. Helvetica 

4. Calibri 

5. Open Sans

6. Tahoma

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DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SANS-SERIF AND SERIF​

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           Serif Font                                                           Sans-Serif Font

 

Remember, if you are having a hard time reading the text due to the font that you chose, other people are going to as well. Don’t be afraid to ask the people closest to you for feedback on the fonts you are choosing.