The Dos and Don'ts of Web Typography: Tips for Improving Readability and User Experience

Choose Readable Fonts:

Do: Opt for clean and legible fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Roboto for body text. For headings and accents, you can be more creative, but ensure they remain readable.

Maintain a Hierarchy:

Do: Establish a clear typographic hierarchy with different font sizes and styles (bold, italics) for headings, subheadings, and body text. This guides users through your content.

ADA Compliance:

Do: Prioritize color contrast to make your content accessible to all users, including those with visual impairments. Ensure that text and background colors have a sufficient contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for standard text and 3:1 for large text. There are various online tools available to help you check and improve color contrast.

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Responsive Typography:

Do: Use responsive typography that adapts to various screen sizes and resolutions. Consider using relative units like ems or percentages instead of fixed pixel sizes.

Consistency is Key:

Do: Stick to a consistent set of fonts and styles across your website. This creates a cohesive and professional appearance.

Overload with Fonts:

Don't: Resist the temptation to use too many fonts. Limit yourself to two or three typefaces for a cleaner look.

Tiny Font Sizes:

Don't: Avoid tiny font sizes. Ensure that text is easily readable on all devices without users having to zoom in.

Ignoring Readability on All Devices:

Don't: Forget to test your typography on different devices, including mobile phones and tablets. What looks good on a desktop may not work well on smaller screens.

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Using Too Many Text Effects:

Don't: Excessive use of text effects like shadow, gradients, or animated fonts can distract users and make your website look unprofessional.

Inconsistent Styling:

Don't: Inconsistency in font choices, sizes, and colors across your website can confuse users and make your design appear chaotic.