Typography is one of the most basic, but also essential aspects of design. It’s integral to how your audience perceives your message, whether it be in print or online, and the beauty of typography in web design is the endless amount of ways it can be used. It takes more than just choosing a typeface/size/color at random when it comes to the text of your website, however. That’s why we’ve compiled this basic introduction to using text within web design.

What is typography, exactly?

In short, typography is the use of text in design. Web designers use typography to create a greater sense of meaning for their page’s design by very carefully and deliberately choosing the font, color, size or alignment of the text. All of these factors play an essential role in the overall effectiveness of a webpage.

There are two primary forms of typefaces available for designers to choose from: Serif and Sans Serif. Serif fonts are fonts that have embellishments or feet at the end of the typeface’s stokes, whereas Sans Serif fonts lack those embellishments. It’s how designers use these types of fonts that can really make the design as a whole come alive.

What to consider when designing for the web

While the basic tenants of print and web design are similar, there are certain aspects of designing for the internet that one must take into consideration. Some of those aspects are readability, contrast, color and size. One of the reasons typography is different for the web than it is for print is because of the medium itself. Contrast is especially important online because if there isn’t enough contrast between the text and the background of a site, the text can be nearly impossible to read. Have you ever tried reading blue text on websites with a red background? It’s not easy. That’s why, more often than not, you’ll see black text within a white background. It’s the easiest to read.

You have options with your fonts, take control of them

The ability to take complete control of your text is another aspect of design that sets web design apart from print design. Most typefaces can be manipulated in a near infinite amount of ways. Designers can use these different combinations to create many different feels, all with the same font. By deliberately choosing the size, color or style of a font, designers can actively send specific messages geared towards the desired audience. If a website features a serif font like Lis Art Conservation & Restoration Services does, it often feels more professional and serious; but a sans serif font can be more playful.

It’s how they’re used that makes typefaces so important to web design. And luckily for you, the designers at TM are experts at determining what typeface best fits you, your company and your company’s message. Contact us today if you have questions about our web design services.

One Response to A Brief Introduction to Typography in Web Design

  1. Very neat blog.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing.

    media | September 6, 2012at 3:35 pm

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