Typeface Basics

Know whether you're looking for a text face (small type for body copy) or a display face (larger type to grab attention).

Display Face Rules:

There are no rules! (Well, make sure it's readable.)

Text Face Rules:

Make sure the x-height isn't too short, and the counters aren't too small.

Nothing too high-contrast.

Nothing too dark or bold. If the text block seems dark, try adding more line spacing or just go with a different typeface.

Combining Type

Start with the Text Face—there's more of it so your design is more affected by that choice. Plus, falling in love with a particular display face can (in my opinion) sometimes box you in.

Think Unity and Variety when you pair type: not too similar, not too much contrast between the faces.

Places to find Unity and/or Variety:
• • letter shapes (e.g., geometric forms?)
• • letter proportions (e.g., x-height to ascenders or descenders)
• • level of contrast
• • weight, width, or style of letterforms
• • time period of design
• • tools used to create/inspire the typeface (google it!)

Some Possible Approaches

Stay in the same type family.

Tried and true: pair a serif with a sans-serif.

Pair two typefaces with the same classification.

Use a script or handwriting font: I wouldn't recommend using these for the text face, but they can work great as a display face.

Remember, you know best what the objectives of your project are. When in doubt, ground your decisions in what you want to achieve.

This is a shorter version of a more in-depth article on combining type—you may want to read that if you're looking for a little more information.

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