Three Basic Principles of Web Typography

Typography on the Web has come a long way in the last couple decades. In the past, Web typography was rarely well designed due to technical limitations. Although constraints do still exist, doing a little extra to create clear, readable typography on the Web is both possible and smart.

Good typography improves communication. While most people think this applies only to print, it is really more important on the Web. In a typical print piece, you have a resolution of roughly 300 dots per inch (DPI). On the Web, it's a third of that. In other words, visual information is one-third less dense on the Web. This means that you have to be extra careful on the Web.

Good typography also enhances site flow and interactivity. While messaging is especially important in directing site users, these users won't even find your content if you haven't thought about the readability of your content.

What's more, your written content is usually the most valuable element on your Web site. Thus, prioritizing your Web site typography is actually highlighting your most profitable resource.

Below are three basic, but important rules to abide by when considering typography on the Web.

1. Establish a Clear Hierarchy of Information with Your Text

Arrange type with varying size, style and weight in a consistent manner. This allows you to inform the user, through typographical techniques, what content is most important. And this makes it ease to access the information they want. When your typography works as a visual cue, it allows the user to navigate throughout the site almost intuitively.

Organizing your textual information in a clear hierarchy will have a big impact on the effectiveness of your Web site.

2. Limit the Number of Fonts You Use on Your Site

Don't use more than three typefaces in a Web site design. Three is a maximum! There's nothing wrong with using just two or one style. This simplifies the visual landscape and thus avoids visual confusion for the user. Limiting the number of typefaces in your Web design will help create visual unity and help provide a cohesive, organized experience on your site.

3. Leave Space Surrounding Your Type

When designing for the Web, it is important that you create ample space surrounding your typography. It is best to create a visual balance between the positive space of the type and the negative space surrounding it. This will ultimately enhance readability for the user because it gives the eye a well-defined border to use when looking for something to read. Without this border, your type can get lost in a sea of visual clutter. So, paradoxically, the more type you put on your Web page, the less people will read.