Choosing and Working with Typography on the Web

Typography is one of the most powerful elements of visual design, as the chosen typeface can fundamentally change the meaning and tone of the words on a page. Beyond the literal definitions of the words, visual treatment communicates a brand's personality, signaling whether a message is serious, professional, or playful. Strategic typographic choices are essential because they form a user's first impression and can evoke strong emotional reactions before they even begin to engage deeply with the content.

Comic Sans is perhaps the most notorious example of a digital typeface being used to convey a meaning opposite of its intent. First bundled with Microsoft's Windows 95, it has been used frequently in appropriate situations, like the classroom, but more often than not, it's used in inappropriate situations. For example, in 2019, a former attorney to the President of the United States wrote a letter explaining certain people's involvement in a political scandal, making headlines because the font was entirely too whimsical for the situation.

Overview

1. Type Basics — Core components and classifications
2. Choosing Type for the Web — Selection, pairing, and sizing
3. Vertical Rhythm — Spacing and mathematical order

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