Typography in UI Design: Choosing the Right Font
Vadim Zlygastev
Editor
Typography is not just about choosing a font; it's about shaping the way users consume information. Good typography establishes hierarchy, improves readability, and sets the tone for your brand.
Serif vs. Sans-Serif
The age-old debate. Sans-serif fonts (like Inter, Roboto, or Helvetica) are generally preferred for digital interfaces due to their clean lines and legibility on screens. Serif fonts (like Merriweather or Playfair Display) convey tradition, elegance, and authority, often used for headings or editorial layouts.
Pro Tip: A popular trend is pairing a characterful serif for headings with a neutral sans-serif for body text.
Hierarchy & Scale
Visual hierarchy guides the user's eye through the content. You can achieve this through:
- Size: Use a modular scale (e.g., 1.25 ratio) to ensure harmonious sizing between headings and body text.
- Weight: Use bold or semibold weights to emphasize important elements, but use them sparingly.
- Color: Lighter grays for secondary text help primary content stand out.
Readability is King
Line Height & Length
For optimal readability, aim for a line height (leading) of 1.5 to 1.6 for body text. Keep line lengths between 45-75 characters to prevent eye fatigue.
Conclusion
Great typography is invisible—it feels natural and effortless to read. By mastering the basics of type selection, hierarchy, and spacing, you can significantly elevate the quality of your UI designs.