Typography Tips: Choosing the Right Font

Typography can make or break a piece of print. It shapes how your message is read, felt and remembered. Whether it's a leaflet, poster, booklet or banner, the right type choice sets the tone.

Here are a few pointers from our design team to help you get it right on paper:

1. Stick to the staples

Fonts like Helvetica, Garamond, Futura and Times New Roman have stood the test of time for a reason. They’re clean, versatile and print beautifully. If you’re tempted by something more decorative, use it sparingly and always check readability at smaller sizes.

2. Size matters

Body text should be 10pt or larger. Go smaller and legibility takes a hit, especially in print. For titles, subheads and captions, size up or down with purpose.

3. Limit your font choices

Two is usually enough: one for headlines, one for body copy. Going overboard with multiple fonts can make things feel cluttered and inconsistent.

4. Use weights wisely

Bold, regular, light: each weight has its role. Reserve bold for emphasis and keep the overall visual hierarchy in mind. Too much variation can dilute your message.

5. Match the mood

Fonts have character. A formal serif works for professional documents; a rounded sans serif feels more friendly and open. Let the tone of your project guide the type you choose.

Need a hand choosing fonts?

We live and breathe font choices. Our team knows where to find the right fonts (even the obscure ones!), and how to make them work across different formats. If you're unsure, we're happy to help throughout the design process.

Tip: Sites like Google Fonts, Adobe Fonts, and Font Squirrel are great starting points when sourcing high-quality, license-free fonts for print.