Choosing the Right Fonts in Figma
Key Concepts
- Serif vs. Sans Serif
- Readability
- Font Pairing
- Font Hierarchy
- Font Licensing
1. Serif vs. Sans Serif
Serif fonts have small lines or strokes at the ends of characters, while Sans Serif fonts do not. Serif fonts are often associated with tradition and formality, making them suitable for print materials like books and newspapers. Sans Serif fonts are modern and clean, ideal for digital interfaces and headlines.
Think of Serif fonts as the classic suit, appropriate for formal occasions, while Sans Serif fonts are the casual jeans, perfect for everyday wear.
2. Readability
Readability refers to how easily text can be read and understood. Factors affecting readability include font size, line height, and letter spacing. In Figma, you can adjust these properties to ensure text is legible, especially for long paragraphs or small screens.
Consider readability as the clarity of a road sign. Just as a clear sign ensures safe navigation, readable text ensures effective communication.
3. Font Pairing
Font Pairing involves selecting complementary fonts that work well together. This can enhance the visual appeal and organization of your design. Common pairing strategies include combining a Serif font for headings with a Sans Serif font for body text.
Think of font pairing as coordinating outfits. Just as a well-coordinated outfit looks harmonious, well-paired fonts create a cohesive design.
4. Font Hierarchy
Font Hierarchy refers to the arrangement of text elements based on their importance. This helps guide the viewer's eye through the content. In Figma, you can establish hierarchy by using different font sizes, weights, and styles for headings, subheadings, and body text.
Consider font hierarchy as the outline of a book. Just as an outline organizes content for easy reading, font hierarchy organizes text for easy navigation.
5. Font Licensing
Font Licensing determines how a font can be used. Some fonts are free for personal use, while others require a commercial license. In Figma, it's crucial to ensure that the fonts you use comply with their licensing agreements, especially for commercial projects.
Think of font licensing as the rules of a library. Just as you must follow library rules to borrow books, you must follow licensing rules to use fonts legally.
Examples and Analogies
Imagine designing a website for a law firm. You might choose a Serif font like Times New Roman for headings to convey authority and tradition, paired with a Sans Serif font like Arial for body text to ensure readability. By establishing a clear font hierarchy, you guide users through important information like firm history, services, and contact details. Finally, you ensure all fonts are properly licensed for commercial use.
Consider a website as a well-organized office. The choice of fonts is like the choice of office furniture: Serif fonts are the classic wooden desks, Sans Serif fonts are the modern ergonomic chairs, readability ensures the lighting is just right, font pairing ensures the decor is harmonious, font hierarchy organizes the files neatly, and font licensing ensures all purchases are legally compliant.