UI Typography Dos and Don'ts

Do establish hierarchy

A clear visual hierarchy is crucial in UI design. It organises text elements and directs users from titles to subheadings and body content.

• Use size and weight effectively: Bold, larger fonts draw attention to titles, while medium or regular weight fits body text.

• Incorporate contrast and colour: Distinguish headings and subheadings with subtle colour changes or bolder styles, but keep it simple.

• Users skim pages before reading, so ensure your hierarchy helps them navigate content quickly

Don’t make the differences hard to notice

When it comes to hierarchy, avoid subtle or minor changes. Minimal font size or weight variations can make the design look accidental and messy.

• Avoid weak contrasts: Ensure subheadings and headings are clearly different from the body text.

• Make intentional choices: Each text element should have a distinct look that contributes to an organised layout.

Do choose appropriate typeface for your context

Choose fonts that fit your content’s purpose. While heading fonts can be more spicy and stylized, body text fonts should prioritise legibility.

• Stylized heading fonts: Experiment with creative fonts for headers that capture attention.

• Readable body text: Opt for clean, straightforward fonts that ensure easy reading at smaller sizes.

Don’t use too many different font families

Using more than two or three fonts can make your design look chaotic. Too much contrast can distract readers and create an unprofessional layout unless it’s done by a pro.

• Limit font variety: A bold typeface for headings and a simple one for body text is usually enough.

• Pair fonts wisely: Use complementary font families that align well visually.

Do allow breathing room

Spacing is crucial. Adequate line-height and spacing between elements improve readability and make designs look inviting. White space around text blocks reduces visual clutter and makes reading smoother.

Don’t ignore line-length

Line-length can impact how users interact with your content. Lines that are too long strain the eyes, while very short lines break the reading flow.

• The optimal amount of characters per line, including spaces, is 40-75 characters

Supercharge bonus tips: Font sizes

Conclusion

Mastering UI typography dos and don’ts means balancing creativity and functionality. Prioritise hierarchy, choose fonts that match your context, limit typefaces for simplicity, and maintain proper spacing and line-length for readability. And remember, the best typography isn’t just aesthetically pleasing—it’s about making information accessible and enjoyable.

If you want to widen your knowledge about typography by learning from industry professionals, check out The Ultimate UI Typography Masterclass!