Web Fonts on Speckyboy Design Magazine https://speckyboy.com/topic/web-fonts/ Resources & Inspiration for Creatives Sun, 16 Feb 2025 21:12:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://speckyboy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cropped-sdm-favicon-32x32.png Web Fonts on Speckyboy Design Magazine https://speckyboy.com/topic/web-fonts/ 32 32 Top 50 Free Icon Sets for UI Designers in 2025 https://speckyboy.com/top-50-free-icon-sets/ https://speckyboy.com/top-50-free-icon-sets/#respond Wed, 20 Nov 2024 09:46:28 +0000 https://speckyboy.com/?p=87015 Explore the best free icon sets for UI designers, featuring a variety of styles and formats. Find the perfect icons to improve your project's design and UX.

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Icons play a critical role in UI design, offering a simple yet effective way of presenting information and direction while improving user experience. Luckily, most icon sets are free for designers to use in many different types of projects, including web and mobile app design.

It’s just a matter of finding the icon set that best suits the requirements of your project. That’s where this collection comes in. If your web design project has taken a minimalist approach, you’re building a clean and simple mobile app, or you are looking for something a little more playful, you will find the icon set you need here.

Additionally, some icon sets have been designed for specific purposes, such as eCommerce, weather, or social media, making it easier to find relevant icons.

The free icon sets below are available in various formats (SVG, PSD, AI, EPS, and Webfonts) and for different UI applications, like Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD. All of the sets are free to download, and most allow you to use them in both your personal and commercial projects. However, please check the license before you use them.

With such a variety of free icon sets available, UI designers can find the perfect icons to fit their project’s style, tone, and purpose here.

Open-Source Icon Libraries

Open-source icon libraries offer a range of high-quality free icon sets for designers and developers to use in their UI projects. These libraries are community-driven and provide flexibility in customization.

Linear & Bold Iconsans

660 Icons, SVG, Vue & React Packages

Linear Bold Iconsans Open-Source Icon Set SVG Vue React Packages

Mage Stroke, Fill & Brand Icons

1089 Icons, SVG, Figma & React Package

Mage Stroke Fill Brand Open-Source Icon Set SVG Figma React Package

Atlas Icons

2,701 Icons, SVG, Figma, Web Font, React & Vue

Atlas Open-Source Icon Set SVG Figma Web Font React Vue

Bootstrap Icons

2,000+ Open-Source Icons, SVG, SVG Sprite & Webfont

Bootstrap Icons Open-Source Free SVG

Fluent Icons

4,000+ Open-Source Icons, SVG, PNG, WEBP & Figma

Fluent Icons Open-Source Free SVG PNG WEBP Figma

Sargam Icons

280+ Open-Source Icons, SVG & Figma

Free Icon Set UI Web Design Sargam Icons

Supercons React Iconset

200 Open-Source Icons, SVG & React

Supercons Open Source SVG React Iconset

Heroicons 2.0

288 Open-Source Icons, SVG & Figma

Free Icon Set UI Web Design Heroicons

Material Icons on Google Fonts

2,000+ Open-Source Icons, SVG, PNG, Webfont & Figma

Google Fonts Loves Material Icons

For more Material Design icon sets, take a look at this collection.

Glyphs Complete Icon Design System

6,000+ Open-Source Icons, SVG, Figma, Webfont, Vue & React

Open-Source Glyphs The Complete Icon Design System

Iconoir Icon Collection

1,500+ Open-Source Icons, SVG, Webfont, React, Figma & Framer

Iconoir 900+ Open-Source Icons SVG, Webfont React Figma Framer

Slim Icons

187 Icons, SVG

Slim Open-Source Icon Set SVG

Tabler Icons

5,200 Icons, SVG & PNG

Tabler Open-Source Icon Set SVG PNG

Phosphor Icons

9,072 Icons, SVG, Figma & Sketch

Phosphor Open-Source Icon Set SVG Figma Sketch

Boxicons Web-Friendly Icon Set

1,500+ Open-Source Icons, SVG & Webfont

Boxicons Web-Friendly Icon Set Open-Source SVG Webfont

Glyph & Pictogram Icon Sets

These icon sets offer a minimalist approach to icon design, featuring basic shapes and symbols to communicate their meaning. Glyphs and pictograms are ideal for presenting information in a clean and concise manner.

Notion Icons

2,200 Icons, SVG, Figma & PNG

Notion Icons Open-Source Icon Set SVG Figma PNG

Tetrisly Icon Library

260+ Icons, SVG & Figma

Tetrisly Icon Library Free Set SVG Figma

Website UI Thin Line Icons Pack

60 Icons, AI, EPS, PNG & SVG

Website UI Thin Line Icons Pack

Iconic Pixel-Perfect Icons

200 Open-Source Icons, SVG Format

Iconic Pixel-Perfect Icons 620 Free Icons SVG

Line Icons Expanded

200+ Icons, AI, EPS, PSD & PNG

Line Icons Expanded

Universal Icon Set

60 Free Icons, Figma, IconJar, SVG & PNG

Universal Icon Set 60 Free Icons Figma IconJar SVG PNG

Glyph Neue

1,500+ Free Icons, SVG & PNG

Glyph Neue Free Icons SVG PNG

Pebble Icons

160 Free Icons, React Package, SVG & PNG

Free Icon Set UI Web Design Pebble Icons

Vuesax Icon Kit

6,000+ Free Icons, Figma, Sketch & Adobe XD

6000 Free Icons

Anron Icons

480+ Free Icons, SVG & Figma

Anron Icons Free Icons SVG Figma

Akar Rounded Icon Library

434 Free Icons, SVG & Webfont

Akar Icons

Majesticons

7,300+ Free Icons, Figma

Majesticons 700+ Free Icons Figma

Dripicons v.2 Icon Set

200 Free Icons, PSD, AI, EPS, PDF, SVG, Sketch & Webfont

Dripicons Free Icon Set PSD AI EPS PDF SVG Sketch Webfont

Dazzle Icons

1,800 Free Icons, SVG & Figma

Free Icon Set UI Web Design Dazzle Icons

Gonzocons 2.0

100 Free Icons, Webfont

Gonzocons 2.0 icon font

Pure CSS Icon Sets

These icon sets have been created entirely using CSS without the need for any images or JavaScript. The sets offer scalable, customizable, and fast-loading icon sets for web designers.

Pure CSS Icon Set

512 Free Icons, CSS

Pure CSS Icon Set

Minimal Icon Sets

These simple and minimally designed icon sets feature clean, uncluttered designs that focus entirely on the bare essentials of each glyph. They are a customizable option that will allow you to seamlessly fit them into many design styles and UI projects.

Lineicons

8,400 Free Icons, Webfont, SVG, Figma, PNG & React

Lineicons Free Icons WebFonts SVG PNG React

Basicons

326 Free Icons, React Package & SVG

Free Icon Set UI Web Design Basicons

Iconex

1,000+ Free Icons, Figma

Free Icon Set UI Web Design Iconex

Regular UI Line Icons

56 Icons, AI & EPS

Regular UI Line Icons

Ripple Icon Library

302 Free Icons, Figma

Free Icon Set UI Web Design Ripple Icon Library

Edge Outline Icons

450+ Free Icons, Figma

Edge 450+ Outline Free Icons Figma

Doodle Icons

400 Free Icons, SVG, PNG & Figma

Free Icon Set UI Web Design Doodle Icons

Minimal Icon Pack

1,800+ Icons Free, Sketch, Photoshop, AI, SVG, EPS & PNG

1800 Free Minimal Icon Pack

All Purpose Line Icons

70 Icons, Free, AI & Sketch

70 Free All Purpose Line Icons

Line & Solid Icons

90 Icons, Free, Sketch App & AI

90 Free Line Solid Icons

Tiny Style-Controlled Iconset

Free, SVG

Tiny Style-Controlled Iconset

20×20 Line Icon Set

Free, AI, Sketch

20x20 Free Line Icon Set AI Sketch

Line Icon Set for Designers

Free, AI, EPS, SVG, PNG

Free Line Icon Set for Designers

Colorful Icon Sets

This selection of colorful icon sets offers a vibrant and dynamic option for UI designers looking to inject energy into their projects. They are versatile and can be used with various design styles.

BlobsIcons Colorful Icons

328 Free Icons, SVG

BlobsIcons Colorful Icons

Mex~Icons – Mexican-Themed Icon Set

Free, AI, EPS & PNG

Mex Icons Mexican-Themed Icon Set AI EPS PNG

Colorful Ficons Icons

Free, 120 Icons, PSD

Colorful Ficons Icons

Graphic & Web Design Icon Sets

Web Design Filled Icon Set

50 Icons, PSD, AI, Figma, Sketch & Affinity Designer

Web Design Filled Icon

Web Design Outline Icon Collection

50 Icons, PSD, AI, Figma, Sketch & Affinity Designer

Web Design Outline Icon Collection

The Free Art Tools Icon Set

Free Icons, AI, SVG, PNG

The Free Art Tools Icon Set AI SVG PNG

eCommerce Icon Sets

These free sets feature icons specifically designed for online stores and shopping. They offer a range of options to communicate important eCommerce information, like payment methods, shipping options, and shopping carts.

eCommerce Line Icon Collection

150+ Icons, EPS, AI, SVG & Affinity Designer

eCommerce Line Icon Collection

eCommerce Icon Pack

40 Icons, PSD, AI, Sketch & Figma

eCommerce Icon Pack

Retro Business Icons

170 Free Icons, Free, Sketch

170 Retro Business icons

Colorful eCommerce Icons

50 Icons, AI, EPS, PNG & SVG

Colorful eCommerce Icons

Smashicons Retro Business Icons

170 Free Icons, AI & Sketch

Smashicons Retro Business Icons

eCommerce Icon Pack

42 Free Icons, PSD & AI

eCommerce Icon Pack

Weather Icon Sets

These icon sets are commonly used in weather apps and websites to help communicate various weather conditions, such as temperature, sunny, cloudy, or rainy.

Weather Icons

30 Free Icons, Sketch Format

Weather Icons Sketch

Bold Weather Icon Set

25 Icons, Figma Format

Bold Weather Icon Set

UI Icon Set FAQs

  • Why Use Free Icon Sets in UI Design?
    Free icon sets can save you time and effort. They provide a range of ready-made icons that can give your design a professional and cohesive look without creating each icon from scratch.
  • How Do I Choose the Right Icon Set?
    Consider the style and theme of your project. Look for icon sets that match your design’s aesthetic and ensure they include the types of icons you need.
  • Can I Customize These Free Icons?
    In many cases, yes. Depending on the format, you can often change colors, sizes, and sometimes even the shape or design elements of the icons to suit your project better.
  • Do I Need Special Software to Use These Icons?
    Not usually. Most icons come in common file formats like PNG, SVG, or EPS, which can be used in various design software. Some sets might require specific software, so it’s good to check.
  • Can I Use The Icon Sets for Commercial Projects?
    Often, yes, but always check the licensing terms for the icon set. Some are free for personal use only, while others permit commercial use.
  • Are These Icons Suitable for Both Web and Mobile UI Design?
    Most icon sets are versatile and suitable for both web and mobile UI designs. Check if the set mentions specific formats or sizes that are optimized for mobile or web use.
  • Can I Combine Icons from Different Sets?
    Yes, you can mix and match icons from different sets. Just be mindful to keep a consistent style and size for a cohesive look in your design.
  • Do Free Icon Sets Come with a License?
    Most free icon sets come with a license that outlines how you can use them. Some may be open-source, while others might have certain restrictions or require attribution.
  • What File Formats are Commonly Used for Icons?
    Common file formats for icons include SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics), PNG (Portable Network Graphics), PSD (Photoshop Document), and sometimes AI (Adobe Illustrator). SVGs are especially popular as they can be scaled without losing quality.

More Free Icon Sets

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30+ Free Icon Fonts for UI Design https://speckyboy.com/free-icon-fonts/ https://speckyboy.com/free-icon-fonts/#respond Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:10:43 +0000 http://speckyboy.com/?p=48816 We have a collection of the best @font-face icon fonts that you can freely download and use in your next mobile app or web design projects.

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Instead of letters and numbers, an icon font contains glyphs, symbols, or pictograms. They are the simplest way for a UI designer to add icons to a UI design project.

One of the great things about using an icon font is its scalability. They can be resized without losing quality, making them perfect for responsive web design. With CSS media queries, they can be scaled up for desktop or down for mobile. Icon fonts are also fully customizable, allowing you to adjust the size and edit colors to fit the aesthetic of a UI design.

Adding icon fonts to any web design or mobile app project is easy using CSS. You load the font file using @font-face, and using standard CSS rules, you can set the font-size, color, padding, margin, or other properties.

Although very popular, icon fonts do also have their pitfalls. Ian Feather has discussed his reasons for switching from an icon font to SVG, and CSS Tricks have outlined some considerations when choosing between icon fonts or SVG icons. Both favor SVG.

As a counter-argument, Pictonic has said that icon fonts are 10% faster than SVG. These are just things you should consider before using icon fonts.

To ensure that your icons always load correctly and have reliable fallbacks for browsers that don’t support @fontface, you should take a look at the guidelines set out by the Filament Group, here.

The Pros & Cons of Icon Fonts

Icon fonts provide consistency, accessibility, and customization options while maintaining cross-browser compatibility. However, it’s essential to consider their pros and cons and choose the best icon format based on your specific design needs.

Here’s what you need to know about using icon fonts for UI design:

  1. Scalability: Icon fonts are vector-based, meaning they can be scaled up or down with no quality loss.
  2. Lightweight: Icon fonts are typically smaller in file size compared to image-based icons, reducing page load times and improving website performance.
  3. Ease of Use: Incorporating icon fonts into your UI design is straightforward. You can include them in your HTML and CSS, then style and size them.
  4. Consistency: Icon fonts provide a consistent look and feel across various devices and browsers.
  5. Customization: You can easily customize icon fonts by adjusting their size, color, and other CSS properties. This flexibility allows you to match icons to your project’s design.
  6. Accessibility: Icon fonts can be made accessible by adding appropriate aria-labels and roles, ensuring that screen readers can interpret their meanings to users with disabilities.
  7. Responsive Icons: Some icon fonts offer responsive features, allowing icons to adapt automatically to different contexts and orientations.
  8. Cross-Browser Compatibility: Icon fonts are widely supported by modern web browsers, making them a reliable choice for web design.

However, there are some limitations to consider:

  1. Limited Complexity: Icon fonts may not be suitable for complex or intricate icons that need multiple colors or fine details. In such cases, SVG icons might be a better choice.
  2. Icon Diversity: While icon fonts offer a wide variety of symbols, they might not cover every unique design requirement. You may need to create custom icons or combine them with other icon formats.
  3. Unicode Conflicts: Icon fonts use Unicode characters, which could conflict with actual text content if not managed correctly.

The Top Free Icon Fonts for UI Designers

Eva Icons Open Source UI Icon Set

480 Icons

These open-source icons include actions and items, from arrows and attachments to color palettes. With over 480 icons, it’s the whole package!

Eva Icons Open Source UI Icon Set @fontface webfont free

Ionicons Icon Pack for Ionic Framework

1,100+ Icons

Ionicons is a well-rounded icon pack for the Ionic framework. It includes numerous app icons (notifications, arrows, food, and more) and icons featuring renowned brands’ logos (e.g., Pinterest, Facebook, and others). You can download the outline, filled, or sharp icon renders as SVG or web font files.

Ionicons Icon Pack for Ionic Framework @fontface webfont free

Font Awesome

2,000+ Icons

Font Awesome is a hugely popular icon set with over 1,600 free icons. The FA gallery includes everything from brand logos to business and lifestyle icons.

Font Awesome Icon Set @fontface webfont free

Cryptofonts

1,250+ Free Icons, Icon Font

Free Icon Set UI Web Design Cryptofonts

Line Awesome Icon Font

1,380 Icons

Add modern line icons to your projects with Line Awesome in just one line of code. It builds on Font Awesome, offering 1,000s of icons, from accessibility and buildings to arrows and brands. You can easily add them to your website (via CDN).

Line Awesome Icon Font @fontface webfont free

Dashicons, the WordPress Admin Icon Font

300+ Icons

Dashicons is an icon font for WordPress. It’s technical in style but gets the point across and is easy to use. From brand logos to TinyMCE, run wild!

Dashicons WordPress Admin Icon Font @fontface webfont free

Remix Icon Open Source Library

2,000+ Icons

Remix Icon is an open-source icon library with over 2,200 icons. All of the icons are free for personal and commercial use. You’ll get a wide variety of icons, from thin outline icons to filled symbols for extra emphasis. Download them as PNG, SVG, or code.

Remix Icon Open Source Library @fontface webfont free

Themify Icon Font

320+ Icons

Inspired by Apple iOS, Themify icons offer over 300 beautiful minimalist icons. From arrows to app icons, you’ll get everything you need, such as an icon font for easier workflow integration (SVG included) or a plugin for WordPress. Themify icons are perfect for modern UI design!

Themify Icon Font @fontface webfont free

Dripicons Line-Icon Font v.2

200 Icons

If you don’t want garden-variety line icons, check out Dripicons. This free icon font is incredibly easy to use, but the best part is that they’re beautiful! You’ll get a set of versatile bold line icons, from arrows and tech to education and music.

Dripicons Line Icon Font v.2 @fontface webfont free

GitHub’s Octicons Icons

180 Icons

If you like GitHub’s aesthetic, you’ll love Octicons. These icons are available in two sizes (16px and 24px) and include some special-case icons, like pull requests. You can toggle between outline and filled icons, and they work well with different programming languages.

GitHub Octicons Icons @fontface webfont free

Foundation Icon Fonts

280 Icons

Get going with just a few lines of code and Foundation icons. This collection includes different sets, from general to accessibility icons, so there’s something for every project. Foundation icons work as a web font, so you don’t have to jump through hoops.

Foundation Icon Fonts @fontface webfont free

The Elegant Icon Font

360 Icons

Beautiful, elegant, and engaging – this icon font has over 300 icons. They’re simple to use, especially if you’ve used Elegant Themes or the Divi builder in the past. You will find everything you need, from file icons to arrows, in this set.

The Elegant Icon Font @fontface webfont free

Feather Open Source Icon Set

282 Icons

Keep it simple with Feather, a collection of minimalist open-source icons. From arrows and chevrons to app UI icons, Feather is an excellent addition to your standard design toolbox. You can customize every icon’s size, stroke width, and color.

Feather Open Source Icon Set @fontface webfont free

Typicons Icon Font

500+ Icons

Simple, friendly, and perfect for a wide range of projects, Typicons are a great choice. They are embedded in a web font, so they’re easy to use. You’ll get 336 icons, from cogs and arrows to brand logos. You can pick between filled icons or outlines.

Typicons Icon Font @fontface webfont free

Genericons Neue Icon Font

100 Icons

Simplify your design with Genericons, a set of simple and minimalist web and app design icons. They work well for blogs or simple websites where you want to keep the focus on your messaging. You’ll get plenty of icons for key features, from sitemaps to RSS feeds.

Genericons Neue Icon Font @fontface webfont free

Microns Icon Font

164 Icons

Microns take pride in their simplicity. The collection includes icons for the most common use cases, from charts and arrows to navigation. They’re easy to encode, and the file is only 5kb, so they’re perfect for use across your project portfolio.

Microns Icon Font @fontface webfont free

Stroke 7 Icon Font

200+ Icons

Straight out of the Pixeden workshop, Stroke 7 is a collection of thin-line icons. The set offers 200+ icons that can be customized with CSS. The icons are minimalist, so they won’t distract from your main message.

Stroke 7 Icon Font @fontface webfont free

Stroke Icon Font Vol.1

80 Icons

Petras Nargela designed this set of 80 free icons. These beautiful, fresh, clean icons can be downloaded as PSD, AI, or web font files. If you need something different, you’ve found it!

Stroke Icon Font Vol.1 @fontface webfont free

Material Design Iconic Font

Created by Google, the Material Design icon set contains plenty of icons you can use across your projects. You just have to add one line of code to your website, and you’re good to go! Since community members constantly add icons, there’s plenty of variety.

Material Design Iconic Font @fontface webfont free

CSSans Pro CSS Font

CSSans is a colorful and dynamic CSS font. It’s composed of multiple colorful geometric elements that add vibrancy to your designs. CSSans is all about personality! It’s infinitely customizable.

CSSans Pro CSS Font @fontface webfont free

MFG Labs Icon Set

120 Icons

The MFG Labs icon set was originally designed for an internal project, but the team couldn’t resist sharing this icon set. They’re easily embeddable and customizable with CSS. You’ll find all the icons necessary to create the right atmosphere for your next design.

MFG Labs Icon Set @fontface webfont free

Ligature Symbols Icon Font

240 Icons

Ligature Symbols is an icon font with fun and minimalist icons. Individual icons can be combined to create ligatures (e.g., combine table and cell icons to create grids), improving this collection’s usability. You’ll find everything you need here.

Ligature Symbols Icon Font @fontface webfont free

Devicon 2.0 Programming & Development Icon Font

180+ Icons

Devicons are friendly, developer-friendly icons created to represent programming and tools. From Chrome and Confluence to Django and Illustrator, you’ll find the icon you’ve been looking for. You can easily copy-paste them into your projects using either the font or SVG versions.

Devicon 2.0 Programming Development Icon Font @fontface webfont free

Mini Icon Font Set

80 Icons

Simple and clean, these mini icons are perfect for a wide variety of projects, particularly those more formal in tone. The icon collection contains 80 icons in Photoshop PSD and font formats. From download/upload symbols to location and weather icons, this set offers every icon you need!

Mini Icon Set @fontface webfont free

Helium Icon Set & Font

100 Icons

Taras Shypka’s Helium icon set offers plenty of icons. Not only do they come in every format imaginable, but you can also use them as an icon font. You’ll get 112 icons with fine-shaded lines.

Helium Icon Set Font @fontface webfont free

Gonzocons 2.0 Line Icons

100 Icons

Gonzocons, designed by Jan Rajtoral, includes 100 line-style icons that perfectly replicate modern icon design trends. From simplistic arrows to buoyant hearts and hourglasses, Gonzocons icons definitely have a personality. You can get them as SVG files or as a web font for easier integration with your app or site.

Gonzocons 2.0 Line Icons @fontface webfont free

Map Icon Marker Font

180 Icons

Map Icons is an icon font made for Google Maps and Places. You can customize them with CSS, and pick from over 180 icons. From general icons for hair salons to icons for activities, this set gives you plenty to choose from to make your next project amazing.

Map Icon Marker Font @fontface webfont free

Top Free Weather Icon Fonts

Weather Themed Icon Font

222 Icons

If accurate forecasts are important to your next project, you’ll love this set of weather-themed icons. With over 200 icons (including specialty icons like 28 lunar phases), you’ll be ready to create something amazing! You can easily customize them with CSS to fit your needs.

Weather Themed Icon Font @fontface webfont free

Meteocons Weather Icon Font

40 Icons

Get 40+ minimalist and friendly weather icons with Meteocons. This set offers every format imaginable, from SVG to desktop and web fonts. They’re free to use personally and commercially, and you can even create a custom font with the icons you frequently use.

Meteocons Weather Icon Font @fontface webfont free

Top Free Social Media Icon Fonts

Socialicious Social Media Icon Library

74 Icons

If you’re looking for incredible social icons, check out Socialicious. It gives you social media icons in font form, so they’re incredibly easy to use and even easier to customize. Integrate them with a single line of code and customize them with CSS.

Socialicious Social Media Icon Library @fontface webfont free

Mono Social Icons Font

100 Icons

Engaging and dynamic, Mono Social are social media icons with a fun personality. You can use them for free and pick one of the three options (rounded, circle, regular) to fit your style. Use them with CSS, HTML, and SCSS. They’re free for personal and commercial use.

Mono Social Icons Font @fontface webfont free

How to Use Icon Fonts

Adding icon fonts to a project typically involves a few simple steps. Here’s a general guide on how you can add icon fonts to your own web or UI project:

  1. Choose an Icon Font Library: Select an icon font library from above that suits your project’s needs.
  2. Download or Link to the Icon Font: You can download the icon font files and host them on your server or link to them via a CDN. Many icon font libraries offer both options.
  3. Include the CSS Stylesheet: Link to the icon font’s CSS stylesheet in your HTML document’s head section. This stylesheet contains the necessary CSS rules to display the icons correctly.
    <link rel="stylesheet" href="path/to/icon-font.css">
  4. Add Icon Elements to Your HTML: In your HTML markup, create elements (e.g., i, span, or div) with appropriate class names to represent the icons you want to use. Assign the class names provided by the icon font library.
    <i class="fas fa-heart"></i> <!-- Font Awesome Heart Icon 
    <i class="material-icons">star</i> <!-- Material Icons Star Icon 
  5. Style & Customize Icons: You can customize the icons by applying CSS styles to the elements. Adjust size, color, and other properties.
  6. Accessibility Considerations: Make sure your icons are accessible by providing alternative text or labels when necessary. This is important for users who rely on screen readers.
    <i class="fas fa-envelope" aria-label="Email"></i>
  7. Testing & Optimization: Test your icon fonts across different browsers and devices to ensure consistent rendering. Optimize your project for performance by minimizing the number of icon requests and reducing file sizes.
  8. Documentation & Maintenance: Document the icon classes you're using and keep track of any customizations for future reference and maintenance.

Refer to the documentation of each icon font for more detailed instructions.

Icon Font FAQs

  • What are Icon Fonts?
    Icon fonts consist of symbols and glyphs, offering a visual alternative to standard letters and numbers. In UI design, they're used to add scalable, styleable icons.
  • Why Use Icon Fonts in UI Design?
    Icon fonts are popular in UI design because they're lightweight, scalable, and easy to style with CSS. They ensure icons look sharp on all screen sizes.
  • Can I Customize These Icon Fonts?
    While you can't directly edit the icons in the font, you can use CSS to customize their appearance, like changing colors and size or adding effects like shadows.
  • Are Icon Fonts Compatible with All Browsers?
    Most modern browsers support icon fonts. However, testing your design in different browsers is always good to ensure compatibility and consistent appearance.
  • Can I Use Icon Fonts for Both Web and Mobile UI Design?
    Icon fonts are suitable for both web and mobile UIs. Their scalability and customization options make them a versatile choice for any platform.
  • How Do Icon Fonts Differ from SVG Icons?
    Icon fonts are a collection of icons as font characters, which makes them easy to scale and style with CSS. SVG icons are individual vector images with more complex designs and colors. Both are scalable, but SVGs offer more design details.
  • How Do I Ensure Accessibility with Icon Fonts?
    For accessibility, always provide proper text alternatives (like "alt" text) for screen readers.
  • Will Icon Fonts Slow Down My Website?
    Generally, icon fonts are lightweight and shouldn't significantly impact your website's loading speed. They are often more efficient than using many individual image files.

More Free Icon Sets

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How to Speed up Google Fonts in WordPress https://speckyboy.com/speed-google-fonts-wordpress/ https://speckyboy.com/speed-google-fonts-wordpress/#comments Sat, 02 Nov 2024 11:49:04 +0000 https://speckyboy.com/?p=86422 In this quick tutorial, we show you a couple of methods for optimizing and drastically speeding up Google Fonts in WordPress.

The post How to Speed up Google Fonts in WordPress appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

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Today, I’m going to cover a few methods for optimizing and speeding up Google Fonts in WordPress. Images, of course, are and always will be the heaviest part of a web page, but according to HTTP Archive, as of October 2016, web fonts are just over 3% of an average page’s overall weight.

Even though the weight of web fonts makes up only a small portion of the overall web page, every optimization you make helps contribute to faster load times. Check out some ways below to speed up those fonts!

What are Google Fonts?

First off, for those of you who might not know, Google Fonts is an open-source (free) directory of over 800 web font families which you can use on your website. They are also available to download locally for print and other uses. Millions of WordPress websites utilize Google Fonts as it is a great free way to enhance the look and usability of your site.

If you are going for pure performance, system fonts will always win, but there is nothing like the professionalism and aesthetic of a good web font. And in fact, typography has been shown to affect conversions in a positive way. But everything has its cost. And so, it is important to understand how adding Google Fonts to your WordPress site affects speed and performance.

How to Use Google Fonts in WordPress

There are a couple of ways to add Google Fonts to your WordPress site. The first and default way is to grab them directly from Google. This method uses their global CDN to deliver the fonts quickly from different servers from around the globe.

When you add them to your site there will be an external request to fonts.googleapis.com.

googleapis

The are also external requests to fonts.gstatic.com for the WOFF or WOFF2 versions depending upon browser support.

gstatic

WordPress Plugin

If you are a WordPress beginner, the easiest way to add Google Fonts to your website is probably with a free plugin. The Easy Google Fonts plugin is a good popular example. As of writing, it currently has over 300,000 active installs with a 4.9 out of 5-star rating.

easy google fonts wordpress

Add Embed Code From Google Fonts

It is important to note that most WordPress plugins add slight overhead, and so I prefer to add Google Fonts with their much simpler to use embed code. So, head over to Google Fonts and choose the font you want. For this example, I’m using Roboto.

Click on the “Customize” option. This is an important step as each font family has different font weights. Typically you will want regular, medium, and bold.

Note: Every font-weight you include adds to the overall load time of your fonts, so don’t just select all of them. The less, the better.

4 roboto google fonts

Then click on the “Embed” option. This is where you will want to copy the embed code it provides.

google fonts embed

Take that code and put it into the <head> section of your WordPress site. There are different ways you can do this, some might prefer to enqueue the fonts, but for this example I simply added the code to the header.php file. Note: This might vary slightly depending on the theme you are using.

header font embed

Then, to actually make your WordPress theme use the Google Fonts, you have to add some CSS styles. Below is an example of what I’m using. If your theme admin panel doesn’t have a custom CSS editor you can always use a free plugin like Custom CSS and JS.

body {font-family:roboto; font-size:18px;}
h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {font-family:roboto; font-weight:700; text-transform:none !important;}
h1 {font-size:28px;}
h2 {font-size:26px;}
h3 {font-size:24px;}
h4 {font-size:20px;}
h5 {font-size:18px;}
h6 {font-size:16px;}

Now that you know some quick methods for adding Google Fonts to your WordPress site, I’m now going to do a few quick tests to see alternative ways of speeding them up. I ran some tests first with the setup above and the average speed came out at 418ms. Note: Each test was run five times, and the average result was taken.

google fonts cdn speed test

Host Google Fonts Locally

Another way to deliver Google Fonts on your WordPress site is to host them locally on your web server. If your audience is in a certain geographical location and close to your server, it can actually be faster to host them locally than it is to use Google Fonts. Google Fonts CDN is great, but adding those additional external requests and DNS lookups can cause delays.

This method will typically only work if you are using fast hosting. In the example, I’m using managed WordPress hosting from Kinsta, which is ironically powered by the Google Cloud Platform.

To host locally I actually utilized a free tool called the google-webfonts-helper. This allows you to download the Google fonts locally more easily and gives you all of the CSS. Below is an example of what we will end up with. You will need to upload the fonts you downloaded to your web server. In this case, I put them in a folder called “fonts.”

/* roboto-regular - latin */

@font-face {
  font-family: 'Roboto';
  font-style: normal;
  font-weight: 400;
  src: local('Roboto'), local('Roboto-Regular'),
       url('https:/perfmatters.io/fonts/roboto-v15-latin-regular.woff2') format('woff2'), /* Chrome 26+, Opera 23+, Firefox 39+ */
       url('https://perfmatters.io/fonts/roboto-v15-latin-regular.woff') format('woff'); /* Chrome 6+, Firefox 3.6+, IE 9+, Safari 5.1+ */
}

/* roboto-500 - latin */
@font-face {
  font-family: 'Roboto';
  font-style: normal;
  font-weight: 500;
  src: local('Roboto Medium'), local('Roboto-Medium'),
       url('https://perfmatters.io/fonts/roboto-v15-latin-500.woff2') format('woff2'), /* Chrome 26+, Opera 23+, Firefox 39+ */
       url('https://perfmatters.io/fonts/roboto-v15-latin-500.woff') format('woff'); /* Chrome 6+, Firefox 3.6+, IE 9+, Safari 5.1+ */
}

/* roboto-700 - latin */
@font-face {
  font-family: 'Roboto';
  font-style: normal;
  font-weight: 700;
  src: local('Roboto Bold'), local('Roboto-Bold'),
       url('https:/perfmatters.io/fonts/roboto-v15-latin-700.woff2') format('woff2'), /* Chrome 26+, Opera 23+, Firefox 39+ */
       url('https://perfmatters.io/fonts/roboto-v15-latin-700.woff') format('woff'); /* Chrome 6+, Firefox 3.6+, IE 9+, Safari 5.1+ */
}

We then need to make sure to remove the embed code from Google Fonts in the header so that you no longer have those external calls. I then again ran some tests with the setup above and the average speed came out to 386ms.

local google fonts speed test

Note: The web server is located in Iowa, and the speed test from Pingdom was run from Dallas, TX. So as you can see, even though the server is located elsewhere in the United States, it is still slightly faster to load Google Fonts locally on the server. Of course, you will want to test various locations yourself based on your own audience.

Host Google Fonts on Your Own CDN

Now for a third scenario. On the site above, I’m using a third-party CDN provider already (KeyCDN) to host all of the other assets(images, CSS, Javascript, etc.). What happens if we now throw our fonts on the same CDN, instead of Google’s CDN?

I’m using the free CDN Enabler WordPress plugin. This actually copies the fonts from the “fonts” folder on the web server to KeyCDN automatically. We then have to tweak the code slightly so that the path to the fonts is now pointing to the CDN (such as cdn.domain.com).

/* roboto-regular - latin */

@font-face {
  font-family: 'Roboto';
  font-style: normal;
  font-weight: 400;
  src: local('Roboto'), local('Roboto-Regular'),
       url('https://cdn.perfmatters.io/fonts/roboto-v15-latin-regular.woff2') format('woff2'), /* Chrome 26+, Opera 23+, Firefox 39+ */
       url('https://cdn.perfmatters.io/fonts/roboto-v15-latin-regular.woff') format('woff'); /* Chrome 6+, Firefox 3.6+, IE 9+, Safari 5.1+ */
}

/* roboto-500 - latin */
@font-face {
  font-family: 'Roboto';
  font-style: normal;
  font-weight: 500;
  src: local('Roboto Medium'), local('Roboto-Medium'),
       url('https://cdn.perfmatters.io/fonts/roboto-v15-latin-500.woff2') format('woff2'), /* Chrome 26+, Opera 23+, Firefox 39+ */
       url('https://cdn.perfmatters.io/fonts/roboto-v15-latin-500.woff') format('woff'); /* Chrome 6+, Firefox 3.6+, IE 9+, Safari 5.1+ */
}

/* roboto-700 - latin */
@font-face {
  font-family: 'Roboto';
  font-style: normal;
  font-weight: 700;
  src: local('Roboto Bold'), local('Roboto-Bold'),
       url('https://cdn.perfmatters.io/fonts/roboto-v15-latin-700.woff2') format('woff2'), /* Chrome 26+, Opera 23+, Firefox 39+ */
       url('https://cdn.perfmatters.io/fonts/roboto-v15-latin-700.woff') format('woff'); /* Chrome 6+, Firefox 3.6+, IE 9+, Safari 5.1+ */
}

I then again ran some tests with the setup above and the average speed came out to 384ms.

As you can see, using a CDN is yet again just slightly faster. Not by much, but if you compare it to Google’s CDN, test it, it definitely is faster. Part of this is because it can utilize the same HTTP/2 connection, and it still reduces the external call and DNS lookup, just as hosting locally does. And of course, one advantage to this method is that it will be globally faster.

Summary

As you can see from the tests above, the Google Fonts CDN is great, but it might not always be the fastest. Of course, it will always depend on your own environment and where you are serving up traffic, whether it be to a local audience or global.

I recommend testing each method above for yourself and see which one is the fastest and works the best for your WordPress site. And remember, only load the font weights you actually need!

The post How to Speed up Google Fonts in WordPress appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

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How to Use Typography to Align Brand Identity https://speckyboy.com/use-typography-align-brand-identity/ https://speckyboy.com/use-typography-align-brand-identity/#comments Sat, 02 Nov 2024 11:16:17 +0000 http://speckyboy.com/?p=51967 Selecting the perfect font for promotional materials is a vital aspect of brand identity. Many small business owners and marketing professionals neglect to give proper attention to the fonts they...

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Selecting the perfect font for promotional materials is a vital aspect of brand identity. Many small business owners and marketing professionals neglect to give proper attention to the fonts they use and how they can help the company or organization connect to its audience.

Some don’t realize that slapping a default font onto a logo is like putting your money into savings instead of investing it: you’re playing it safe and you risk losing money by doing so.

Choose the Right Tone

Different fonts and colors express semi-universal tones that can be summed up in a few adjectives. Some fonts are seen as warm and friendly, others straightforward and serious. All affect how customers view companies. Many new businesses might not see the direct impact of font choice on their marketing successes, but some veteran brands who change the type in their logo see a strong backlash and sometimes even a drop in sales. The tone of a font has great power over how your brand is perceived.

Here are a few examples of various fonts and their tones:

1. Classic and Traditional

Classic and Traditional fonts, like serifs, can indicate professionalism or luxury depending on how they’re used. They can also indicate knowledge and authority within a brand.

Examples: Modum, Fenix STD, Museo and Novello.

Classic and Traditional fonts, like serifs, can indicate professionalism

2. Modern and Trendy

Modern sans serifs are trendy and simplistic. They are straightforward and functional because they don’t distract from the text.

Examples: Brandon Grotesque, Bebas, and Din.

Modern sans serifs are trendy and simplistic

3. Elegant, but Relatable

Thin or narrow fonts are more elegant, but are also very relatable and “human.” The rules change and vary with every new font that is created.

Examples: Kraftstoff, Simplifica, Neutraface and Glober.

Thin or narrow fonts are more elegant

4. Warm and Friendly

Bold fonts, such as the one used in the popular GAP logo, are more generic and friendly. They can also be seen as dramatic depending on the context they are used in.

Examples: Balto and Cubano.

Bold fonts are more generic and friendly

5. Fun or Emotional

Fonts can also have a sassy or fun personality. Handwritten fonts can be fun and outgoing while scripted fonts are very emotional in nature. These would make bad choices for body text because they are at their most legible in a large size.

Examples: Barrio, Bad Script, Lobster and Blenda Script.

Fonts can also have a sassy or fun personality

Select a Small Range of Fonts

Choose just a few fonts that can be incorporated well together regardless of the document. This will allow your brand image to appear honed and streamlined instead of all over the place. Here are the font categories your brand needs:

  1. Logo font: Your logo font should absolutely NOT be a default font like Arial or Times New Roman. The logo represents each potential customer’s first encounter with your company as well as the image that comes to consumer’s minds when they think of you in the future — if they think of you in the future. It should encapsulate what makes your brand unique, whether you’re a freelance photographer or a CEO of a large corporation.
  2. Heading and tagline font: If your logo font is legible in other formats, it can double as your heading and tagline font, but you can also choose something else. This font should be an eye-catching (though not obnoxious) display font since it’s meant to be used for headlines, subheadings and any other special text.
  3. Body font: Select another font for your body text. This should be highly legible and neutral since it will most likely be small and used for long and mid-length blocks of text. While the serif vs. sans-serif rule isn’t set in stone, it is customary to use a serif font for printed body text and a sans-serif font for online text.

These fonts should hold you over unless the ones you choose don’t translate well to a different size or weight. In that case, choose something that complements them well. This should be extra simple if you have decided to choose all of your fonts from the same family.

One of the most crucial keys to making your font selections is ensuring readability. If the text you’ve chosen for body text doesn’t comfortable shrink to a small size, you’ve chosen the wrong one. If your display font is too decadent for readers to easily distinguish one letter from another, it will take them too long to grasp the message. Choose fonts with generous spaces between the letters so they can be read more fluidly.

Be Consistent

Finally, allow your audience a chance to become familiar with your brand’s visual style. From dense, informative literature to billboards, use the fonts you have already selected to represent you. If your visual components conflict from channel to channel or message to message, your audience will have trouble connecting encounters with your brand into one lasting impression.

If you feel that your fonts are out of style or that your logo no longer accurately reflects the qualities of the company, think before you make over. Don’t tweak your logo font without updating the other fonts to make sure they pair well. People become attached to the feel of certain brands and experience everything from distaste to a sense of betrayal when a reliable visual element changes.

We use typography to communicate, so let your font choices accomplish two major goals: connecting clearly with your customers and accurately reflecting the character of your brand.

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20+ Free Fonts with Timeless Vintage & Retro Styles https://speckyboy.com/free-retro-fonts/ https://speckyboy.com/free-retro-fonts/#respond Mon, 28 Oct 2024 18:03:51 +0000 https://speckyboy.com/?p=104334 A collection of the best free retro and vintage fonts for creatives that will add a timeless and nostalgic touch to your design projects.

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Some design trends will always remain popular, and vintage and retro styles are classic examples. Due to their nostalgic and historical quality, these styles are loved by people of all ages.

Vintage and retro fonts are central to this timeless style. They take us back in time, offering a sense of history and quality craftsmanship. They help to preserve the spirit of past eras.

We’ve curated this collection of free retro and vintage fonts for you. Each font offers unique styles and intricate details, giving you a glimpse into various historical periods. These fonts will bring a touch of the past to your modern-day projects.

Whether you’re designing a logo, poster, website, or any other project needing vintage or retro elements, this collection of free fonts is perfect for adding historical flair to your work.


Chunky Retro Font

Free to Download

Chunky Retro is a fresh take on classic retro fonts with its elegant aesthetic. This free font has unique shapes and smooth, rounded corners, blending vintage style with modern design. It is ideal for various projects.

Free Chunky Retro Font Vintage Family

Romantic Groovy Handwritten Font

Free to Download

High Romantic is a handwritten retro font with bold strokes. It’s ideal for logo design, social media posts, movie titles, book titles, short and long text, and even works well as a secondary font paired with a sans or serif font.

High Romantic Psychedelic Groovy Handwritten Free Retro Vintage Font Family

Fenway Vintage Script & Sans Font

Free to Download

Fenway is a free script sports font. It also includes baseball illustrations for added authenticity. Capture vintage Americana effortlessly with this font.

Fenway Vintage Script & Sans Free Retro Font Family

Retro Lettering Font

Free to Download

Retro Lettering is a stylish font influenced by the design trends of the 1970s. It is perfect for various projects, including branding, social media, and product design.

Lettering Free Retro Vintage Font Family

Atlantico Display Font

Free to Download

Atlantico is a strong display font with thick, straight lines and bold, blocky shapes. It has a modern and industrial aesthetic and draws inspiration from the bold signage from the 1980s.

Atlantico Display Free Retro Vintage Font Family

56th Street Vintage Typeface

Free to Download

The bold 56th Street typeface demands attention with its thick, blocky letters inspired by old-school signage. It is perfect for headlines, titles, and logos and will add a retro feel to any design project.

Free Retro Vintage Font Family 56th Street

Retrofield Funky Retro Font

Retrofield is a playful retro font inspired by old-school 1980s designs. It is perfect for adding a touch of nostalgia to your designs.

Free Retro Vintage Font Family Retrofield Funky

Narse Font

Free to Download

Inspired by 1970s jazz album art, Narse is a bold display font with funky edges and creative lines. It is ideal for creating attention-grabbing logos and album cover art.

Free Retro Vintage Font Family Narse

Goodwyn Retro Font

Goodwyn is a retro font with bold and thick strokes, perfect for creating large headlines, titles, and logos. With a timeless and classic feel, Goodwyn can be used in various design projects for a touch of nostalgia.

Free Retro Vintage Font Family Goodwyn

GoodHood Font

Free to Download

Goodhood is a free brush script font inspired by 1990s graffiti. Its quirky handwritten style makes it perfect for various design projects, from branding to packaging.

Free Retro Vintage Font Family GoodHood

Vickie Retro Font

Vickie is a modern retro font with a big, bold, and playful design. Inspired by various eras of the last century, it is perfect for creating nostalgic typography.

Free Retro Vintage Font Family Vickie

Newake Font

Free to Download

Newake is a free sans-serif font that subtly adds a touch of retro to your text. With multiple weights and styles, Newake is suitable for various design projects, from branding to advertising.

Free Retro Vintage Font Family Newake

Nordic Club Retro Font

Free to Download

Inspired by vintage signs, Nordic Club is a free retro font with bold and distinctive characters. With its high legibility, Nordic Club is perfect for apparel, branding, and other design projects that need a retro look.

Free Retro Vintage Font Family Nordic Club

Retrology Retro Monoline Script

Retrology is a playful monoline script font with a unique design that will add a touch of nostalgia to any design project. It’s versatile and suitable for a range of design projects.

Retrology Retro Monoline Script Font

VT Chiffone Font

Free to Download

VT Chiffone’s unique and elegant design has a mix of serif and script typography, perfect for creating sophisticated and stylish vintage typography.

Free Retro Font FamilyVT Chiffone

Alstoria Font

Free to Download

Free Retro Vintage Font Family Alstoria

RM Serifancy Retro Font

Free to Download

It’s rare to see a font with a gradient, but RM Serifancy pulls it off perfectly. It has an old-timey, western feel, making it great for creating something epic or masculine.

RM Serifancy Free Retro Font Family

Action Is

Free to Download

If you’re looking for a font that can best be described as “groovy,” look no further. This font is perfect for capturing that sixties and seventies vibe. The curvy, mixed-case font is completely non-conforming to typical typography, and that’s precisely what makes it so great!

Action Is Free Retro Font Family

Diner

Free to Download

Skinny, tall, and thin, this all-caps font almost seems to be yelling at you through the screen. Inspired by American Diner design, this font is great if you need something bold and artsy.

Diner Free Retro Font Family

Showtime Font

Free to Download

This free font makes you feel as though you’re on Broadway. Showtime is a decorative font inspired by 1930s Broadway or cinema signage. Write your text and use brackets on either side to close it off for the full light effect.

Showtime Free Retro Font Family

Hamburger Heaven

Free to Download

Do you want to create the atmosphere of an old-school burger joint? This font is perfect for that! Inspired by the hamburger craze of the 1920s and 1930s, it brings a classic, nostalgic feel to your designs.

Hamburger Heaven Free Retro Font Family

MadisonSquare Font

Free to Download

MadisonSquare is a unique typeface for creating neon text. It’s an ideal choice for designs that need a vibrant and dynamic aesthetic.

MadisonSquare Free Retro Font Family

Mexcellent Font Family

Free to Download

Inspired by the 1968 Mexico Olympics (look it up and see the resemblance for yourself!), this stripey font comes in two styles: 3D and regular.

Mexcellent Font Family Free Retro Font Family

Budmo

Free to Download

Budmo is a free sans-serif font with glowing marquee typography reminiscent of old-school Hollywood. It can be used for both personal and commercial projects.

Budmo Free Retro Font Family

Kool Beans Retro Font

Free to Download

Inspired by the Kool-Aid logo and retro surfing typography, Kool Beans would make a lovely logo font. It also includes many special surfing characters and glyphs, so you can truly create your own style.

Kool Beans Free Retro Font Family

Vintage & Retro Font FAQs

  • What are Vintage and Retro Fonts?
    Vintage and retro fonts are typefaces inspired by designs from past eras. They capture the aesthetic of earlier decades, offering nostalgic, classic styles ideal for projects that need a timeless, historical, or nostalgic feel.
  • Why Use Vintage or Retro Fonts?
    They are great for creating a nostalgic or period-specific mood in your designs. They’re perfect for projects like themed posters or retro branding.
  • Can Vintage and Retro Fonts Be Used for Logo Design?
    Yes, they can give logos a timeless feel or a specific era’s charm.
  • Are Vintage and Retro Fonts Easy to Read?
    Some vintage and retro fonts might be more decorative and less legible, especially in smaller sizes. Use them for titles, headers, or short text for the best impact.
  • Can I Pair Vintage Fonts with Modern Fonts?
    Yes, pairing a vintage font with a modern font can create great contrast in your design. Make sure they complement each other, and the overall design remains cohesive.
  • What Should I Avoid When Using Vintage and Retro Fonts?
    Avoid using them where modernity or minimalism is needed, as their unique style might conflict with a contemporary aesthetic. Also, don’t overuse them in one design to avoid clutter.
  • Are There Different Types of Vintage and Retro Fonts?
    From Art Deco styles of the 1920s to psychedelic fonts of the 60s and 70s, there’s a wide range of types, each echoing a different historical period.

Adding Nostalgia to Your Projects

Select fonts that resonate with the project’s theme. Use them for headlines or titles to grab attention. Pair vintage fonts with modern and clean fonts for a balanced look.

You can apply subtle textures to the fonts for an authentic feel. Use color schemes that complement the era you’re remembering.

Using vintage and retro design in modern projects involves combining old-school charm with contemporary aesthetics. It’s about blending past and present, where fonts tell a story while fitting into today’s digital landscape.


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Good Font, Bad Font: How to Pick the Best Font https://speckyboy.com/good-font-bad-font/ https://speckyboy.com/good-font-bad-font/#comments Sat, 26 Oct 2024 22:12:24 +0000 https://speckyboy.com/?p=76083 We share five key rules for selecting the ideal typeface, and show you how to determine if that font you like may not be so great after all

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Type can be confusing for designers. We have access to thousands upon thousands of different fonts, many of which are free to download and use. This results in an overabundance of typographical solutions to problems that aren’t really so complicated.

Today, we’re going to look at five key rules for selecting an ideal typeface for any project, and how to determine if that font you think is amazing may not be so great after all.

You Don’t Need as Many Typefaces as You Think You Do

When I was in school, my type teachers would stress that graphic designers really only need around 5 or 6 ‘default’ typefaces that they can use to handle 99% of all possible scenarios.

This has the effect of giving your design work a very distinctive look; only using five fonts for everything will clue people in faster as to who the designer is. It can become a bit monotonous, though, and, if done incorrectly, can make your work look awkwardly limited.

Life is too short to use bad fonts
By Rikki Rogers

However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t good advice to stick to a particular ‘palette’ of fonts for the most part. If you learn the fundamentals of type, you can get a lot more versatility out of even a single typeface than many type novices think is possible.

Type can be altered, tweaked, spliced, and shaped to fit a variety of needs. Many of the newer fonts out there were created from classic ones anyway.

It’s all about making sure the changes are seamless and look like they were always part of the letterform.

Check For Telltale Signs of Auto-Tracing or Lumpy Vectors

Back before digital took over the print world, type was created by actual foundries, which offered sets of metal letterforms to be loaded into a printing press.

A common problem with a lot of modern digital fonts (even the ones you have to pay for) is that the ‘foundry’ that designed the typeface cut corners to produce it.

They might have taken scans of printed letterforms, auto-traced them in Illustrator, and put them into FontLab or a similar program without bothering to clean them up or correct any errors created by the software.

Display fonts are meant to be shown at large sizes, and when you have one that’s poorly drawn, it’s going to be that much more obvious when it’s blown up to the necessary size.

A good typeface should be just as elegant and readable at size ten as it is at size 84.

Accessibility - Text size font size resizer
By Blink Design

If it isn’t, consider looking for a different one. If you need a display font, make sure the vectors are clean and elegant, with no signs of lazy auto-tracing.

It’s easy to create outlines of any typeface in Illustrator to see whether it’s a prize or a dud.

Don’t Forget About The Symbols!

Symbols, numbers, ligatures, and dingbats may not seem important… until you need one and are forced to improvise or borrow from a different font.

It’s much easier and more cohesive for your design to just pick a font that has all the symbols you need.

symbols fonts dingbats in use
By Stefan Dziallas

Believe me, even if you think you’ve found the ‘perfect’ typeface, if it’s not complete enough for your project, you are going to be kicking yourself as your next deadline approaches.

Before you commit to an incomplete font, check to see if there isn’t a better option that’s just as good, which won’t have you scrambling to fill in the gaps.

Pulling Your Own Weight

Remember all that rambling about type weights you slept through in design school (don’t pretend like you didn’t)? Well, as it turns out, it was a vital piece of the typography puzzle.

Like symbols, type weights (bold, italic, etc.) only seem insignificant as long as you don’t absolutely need them.

Of course, there are plenty of faces – Roman capitals and many stencil or pixel fonts – that only come in one weight. If you choose to work with one of these fonts, it’s important to take their limitations into account before you begin your project.

Application is Everything

Are you using a web font, a print font, or a combination of the two? There is a difference, and it does matter. Web fonts are designed to be read on a computer screen.

They are typically sans serif, like Arial or Tahoma, although there are serif fonts, like Georgia, which are intended for digital applications as well.

Fonts meant for print are older and more classic, like Bodoni, Baskerville, or Goudy, and the best ones can be perfectly suited to web design with just a few tweaks to their curves and spacing.

helvetica poster design
By MadeByStudioJQ

Modern typefaces like Helvetica look great both on and off-screen. The popular Helvetica Neue was specifically created for digital design, relying heavily on Helvetica’s classic letterforms.

Just like celebrity break-ups and recipes for black forest cake, typefaces can be googled. With a simple search, you can find out a font’s origins, whether it was created for print or digital, and whether there is an updated version that might be better for your design.

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The 10 Most Popular Google Fonts for UI Design https://speckyboy.com/most-popular-google-fonts/ https://speckyboy.com/most-popular-google-fonts/#respond Sat, 26 Oct 2024 21:51:04 +0000 https://speckyboy.com/?p=98587 What stands out about the most popular Google fonts is that they overwhelmingly show a professional attitude and knowledge towards typography.

The post The 10 Most Popular Google Fonts for UI Design appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

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The impact Google Fonts has had on the web is undeniable. Since its somewhat humble beginnings in 2010, the 1,500+ fonts now hosted by the library have been viewed well over 75 trillion times. Of course, the likes of Adobe and others have followed suit with font repositories of their own. The difference is that everything Google Fonts has to offer is free.

And it’s a good thing that free web fonts have come along. Typography on the web used to be incredibly boring. It started out with the limitation that a specific font had to be on a user’s system in order to be viewed correctly in a browser. Eventually, @font-face brought more options to the table. But licensing issues were often difficult to deal with (if dealt with at all).

The brilliance of Google Fonts is the flexibility you have with where and how you use it. You can load fonts via Google’s service or download them to place on your own server or device. Plus, they receive contributions from font artists worldwide. That has led to an incredible variety of available styles.

Of course, some fonts tend to be more popular than others. Thanks to the openness of the library, Google provides a nifty analytics page that breaks down how much usage each font receives. Let’s take a look at ten of the most used fonts in the library. Note that, in some cases, multiple members of the same font family are separate entries on Google’s list. We’ll avoid repeating ourselves in those instances.

Open Sans

Designed by Steve Matteson

It’s probably not much of a surprise that Open Sans leads the way as you tend to see it all over the place. WordPress even used it as the default dashboard font at one point. It’s clean, easy-to-read and comes in an abundance of styles. The condensed version also ranks as one of Google’s more popular choices.

Open Sans Popular Google Font

Roboto

Designed by Christian Robertson

Again, we Google Fonts fanatics love our sans-serif type. This one is great for body text as it lends itself well to reading at smaller sizes. The look is also very modern and matches up nicely with more minimalist designs. It also saw a massive 65% jump in usage from February 2017-18. Also note that the condensed version is the sixth most-used font as well.

Roboto Popular Google Font

Lato

Designed by Łukasz Dziedzic

Did I mention the obsession with sans-serifs? Lato is one that I do find myself using a lot. As with its mates in the top three, it comes in a variety of styles and is a jack-of-all-trades. I think that helps to explain its popularity, along with the fact that it fits in with modern design trends.

Lato Popular Google Font

Slabo 27px

Designed by John Hudson

Finally, a serif in sight! What makes Slabo 27px a bit unique is that both it and its sister font (Slabo 13px) are optimized for viewing at the pixel size reflected in its name. This flavor is a great choice for producing clear, readable headlines.

Slabo 27px Popular Google Font

Oswald

Designed by Vernon Adams, Kalapi Gajjar and Cyreal

Many designers look for web fonts that resemble classics – but without the licensing hassles. Oswald is one that is pretty well on point with the popular Alternate Gothic family. It has that same timeless look that brings a touch of class to any website.

Oswald Popular Google Font

Source Sans 3

Designed by Paul D. Hunt

This font is actually historic in that it’s Adobe’s first-ever open source typeface. Their intention was to create a font that would be a good fit for UI. It certainly does hold up as being very readable. There is a nice spacing between characters and plenty of styles to choose from.

Source Sans 3 Popular Google Font

Montserrat

Inspired by the Montserrat neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, this font sports a classic urban style. It’s a great all-purpose font that adds a bit of pizzazz to both headlines and body text. Its popularity has also led to the Alternates and Subrayada versions.

Montserrat Popular Google Font

PT Sans

Designed by ParaType

Created for the “Public Types of Russian Federation” project, Google reports that the majority of PT Sans’ usage is in Russia. In fact, it features character sets for every title language in the country. That being said, designers around the world are taking advantage of this font’s clean and modern look.

PT Sans Popular Google Font

Raleway

Designed by Matt McInerney, Pablo Impallari and Rodrigo Fuenzalida

Raleway was developed as a headline font meant to be used at larger sizes. However, it does work quite well for body text as well. Personally, I don’t know if any other font on this list fits the modern, minimalist style better. It’s also available in a dots version.

Raleway Popular Google Font

Lora

Designed by Cyreal

Rounding out the list is Lora, a subtly-detailed serif font. While it only comes in four basic styles, that seems to be more than enough for just about any use.

Lora Popular Google Font

Bringing Great Typography to the Web

What stands out about the fonts above is that they are overwhelmingly a reflection of their core audience: designers. While the library is undoubtedly used by non-designers as well, the choices at the top of the list seem to show a professional attitude towards type. Notice the lack of any comic or whimsical styles.

Overall, these fonts have brought about a typographic revolution to the web. That’s something we designers should all be thankful for.


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25+ Free Serif Fonts for Timeless & Elegant Design https://speckyboy.com/free-serif-fonts/ https://speckyboy.com/free-serif-fonts/#respond Fri, 18 Oct 2024 07:43:53 +0000 https://speckyboy.com/?p=156555 A collection of the best free serif fonts currently available. Typefaces that beautifully combine aesthetics, functionality, and readability.

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Serif fonts play an important role in design, offering readability and a touch of sophistication. They are widely used in various design projects, from print to digital, due to their classic appearance and versatility.

High-quality free serif fonts are readily available, making it easier for designers to create professional work without breaking the bank.

When choosing a serif font, consider its readability, style, and how well it complements other design elements. Factors like the font’s weight, spacing, and overall aesthetic impact are essential.

This collection shares some of the best free serif fonts currently available, providing you with typefaces that combine aesthetics and functionality.

You might also like our collection of free Slab Serif fonts.

The Top Serif Fonts for Designers

Fénix Serif Typeface

Free to Download

Fenix works beautifully as a web font and is perfect for large displays due to its understated elegance. It offers multilingual support, includes plenty of special characters, and has stylish numerals and punctuation.

Fénix Serif Typeface is a top free serif font family for designers

Arkibal Serif Bold Serif

Inspired by vintage typography and contemporary design trends, Arkibal Serif is a bold typeface perfect for various displays. It includes six font weights, web font compatibility, and stylistic variations.

Arkibal Serif Bold is a top free serif font family for designers

Calendas Plus Serif Font Family

Free to Download

Calendas Plus is a classic serif typeface that will add a touch of sophistication to your typography. Its flexibility makes it excellent for various design projects. The regular style of the font is free to download.

Calendas Plus is a top free serif font family for designers

Grillages Modern Serif Font

Grillages is a typeface that combines contemporary design with classic serif characteristics. Its readability and modern aesthetic make it an excellent choice for editorial design, branding, and more.

Grillages Modern Font is a top free serif font family for designers

Marta Serif Font Family

Free to Download

Marta is a modern serif font family characterized by elegant and contemporary design elements. It includes regular, italic, and bold weights. This font is perfect for branding and editorial design.

Marta is a top free serif font family for designers

Horizona Classic Serif Font Family

Horizona is a classic, timeless serif font family designed to give your typography a sense of elegance and sophistication. It includes regular, italic, bold, and italic bold weights.

Horizona Classic is a top free serif font family for designers

Rumble Brave Vintage Fonts

This Rumble Brave collection of vintage fonts comes in three variations (serif, script, and dingbat). This font family is ideal for poster and logo design and print materials, like business cards.

Rumble Brave Vintage is a top free serif font family for designers

Bitter HT Serif Font

Free to Download

Bitter is a contemporary typeface with an elegant and classic serif design. It comes in various weights, including regular, bold, italic, thin, light, and more. It is an open-source font that’s also available on Google Fonts.

Bitter HT is a top free serif font family for designers

YoungSerif Medium Serif Typeface

Free to Download

YoungSerif takes a fresh approach to serif typography from a studio known for creating modern fonts for the web. This heavy-weight, vintage-inspired serif typeface is perfect for headlines and posters.

YoungSerif Medium is a top free serif font family for designers

Merriweather Serif

Free to Download

The Merriweather Serif font family was designed for web display and offers plenty of options through eight styles and weights: light, light italic, regular, italic, bold, bold italic, ultra-bold, and ultra-bold italic.

Merriweather is a top free serif font family for designers

Behind The Nineties Retro Serif

Himalaya Set Type is a beautiful font duo (script and sans-serif) for your next design project. The hand-drawn serif characters have a rough edge, making them perfect for edgy posters, stationery, business cards, and more.

Behind The Nineties Retro is a top serif font family for designers

Lora Serif Font

Free to Download

Lora is an elegant serif font that includes multiple styles and weights, such as regular, italic, bold, and bold italic, providing versatility for different design applications. Lora is available on Google Fonts.

Lora is a top free serif font family for designers

Bree Serif

Free to Download

Bree Serif perfectly replicates the flow of handwriting, retaining legibility and all the qualities that make serif typefaces ideal for the web. This free serif also comes with stylistic alternates for additional customization.

Bree is a top free serif font family for designers

Afta Serif Font

Free to Download

Afta Serif is perfect for body copy while retaining traditional serif elegance. It comes in two weights: regular and italic, with uppercase and lowercase characters, numerals, and punctuation for the standard English alphabet.

Afta is a top free serif font family for designers

Exodus Serif & Display Typefaces

Free to Download

Exodus is a free serif typeface with a luxurious aesthetic yet still appears simplistic. The bold lines of its alternate display characters can also give you a futuristic feel. From logo design to poster design, Exodus works perfectly!

Exodus Display Typefaces is a top free serif font family for designers

Butler Serif Typeface

Free to Download

Inspired by the Bodoni font family, Butler is a free serif font with 14 weights, various ligatures, text figures, and more. It works perfectly on big displays and body copy.

Butler Typeface is a top free serif font family for designers

Tryst Regular Serif Typeface

Free to Download

Tryst is a workhorse serif font that will work well on any type of design project, including web display and body copy. It includes uppercase and lowercase characters, as well as numerals and punctuation.

Tryst Regular Typeface is a top free serif font family for designers

Knubi Regular Serif Font

Free to Download

Knubi is a friendly serif typeface with beautifully rounded swashes. It includes over 400 glyphs, supports 80 languages, and comes with a multitude of special characters.

Knubi Regular is a top free serif font family for designers

Abraham Lincoln Serif Font

Free to Download

Inspired by the actual president’s height, stature, and honesty, the Abraham Lincoln Serif is a free typeface that embodies those qualities. It is condensed, which is great for readability, but you can also use it in larger sizes.

Abraham Lincoln is a top free serif font family for designers

Vollkorn Serif Font Family

Free to Download

The Vollkorn Serif font family comes with 12 grainy styles (from regular to semi-bold and extra bold with matching italics), support for the Latin, Greek, and Cyrillic alphabets and special characters, alternates, ligatures, and more. It’s truly the whole package for your kit!

Vollkorn is a top free serif font family for designers

Ginder Bold Serif Font

Ginder is a bold serif font designed to make a strong impact. This is the perfect font for creating headlines, titles, and other design elements where you need to grab the reader’s attention.

Ginder Bold is a top free serif font family for designers

Neraphic Serif Font

Free to Download

Created by Letterena Studios, Neraphic is a modern serif font perfect for logo design and bold and distinctive titles. The license for this font is for personal use only.

Neraphic is a top free serif font family for designers

Romancio Romantic Serif Font

Free to Download

The Romancio serif font is an expressive typeface with a romantic, script-like appearance. It’s perfect for wedding invitations, branding, posters, and any design project that needs elegance.

Romancio Romantic is a top free serif font family for designers

Chromate Serif Font

Free to Download

Chromate blends modern geometric shapes and bold serifs to create a classy, timeless font family. You can use this free font on both personal and commercial projects.

Chromate is a top free serif font family for designers

Restora Old-Style Serif Font

Free to Download

Restora is an old-style serif font perfect for vintage-inspired projects like book layouts, formal invitations, and more. The free version of the font includes Restora Extra Light and Restora Thin Italic.

Restora Old-Style is a top free serif font family for designers

Sreda Slab Serif Typeface

Free to Download

Sreda is a modern serif font with clean lines and a balanced design. It combines classic elements with a contemporary touch, making it suitable for various design projects, including editorial design, branding, web design, print materials, and more.

Sreda Slab is a top free serif font family for designers

Mort Modern Serif Font

Free to Download

Mort Modern is a top free serif font family for designers

Baround Serif Font

Free to Download

Baround, with its rounded serifs and simple design, will add a touch of class to any project. It includes regular, italic, uppercase, and lowercase variants and is free to use on both commercial and personal projects.

Baround is a top free serif font family for designers

Yenisei Modern Serif Font

Free to Download

Yenisei Modern is a top free serif font family for designers

Defgik Serif Font

Free to Download

Defgik Serif Font is a top free serif font family for designers

What are Serif Fonts?

Serif fonts are characterized by the small lines or decorative features extending from the edges of each character. Known for their readability, serif fonts are commonly used in print design as their clear and distinctive characters make text easier to process.

While typically used in print, many serif fonts also work well for titles or headlines on the web. Some, like the serif fonts above, can be used body text online. However, it’s important to always choose your web typography carefully.

The difference between sans-serif and serif fonts

Note on Font Licenses

Font licenses outline how fonts can be used in design projects. To avoid legal issues, it’s important to read and follow the specific license terms of each font. This keeps your work legally compliant.

Most free fonts in this collection are available for both personal and commercial use. Some fonts are free for personal use but require a license for commercial projects. Others may have specific restrictions on usage. Always read the license terms for each font before using them.

Serif Font FAQ

  • Why Choose Free Serif Fonts for My Project?
    Serif fonts add elegance and readability to your work.
  • Are Free Serif Fonts Good Quality?
    The free serif fonts above are all high quality and created by talented typographers. They’re great for giving your project a professional look without costing anything.
  • Can I Use Serif Fonts for Web Design?
    While traditionally more common in print, many modern serif fonts are optimized for screen readability, making them a great choice for websites and digital designs.
  • Can I Use Serif Fonts in Logo Design?
    Serif fonts can give logos a classic and sophisticated feel. They work well for brands wanting to communicate reliability, tradition, or luxury.
  • Are Serif Fonts Suitable for Long Text?
    Yes, serif fonts are often used for longer text like books and articles because their distinct strokes can make reading easier and more comfortable over extended periods.
  • Can I Pair Serif Fonts with Other Types of Fonts?
    Pairing serif fonts with sans-serif fonts is a popular choice. The contrast between the two can create a balanced design.
  • Are There Different Styles of Serif Fonts?
    There are traditional styles like Old Style and Transitional, and more contemporary styles, each bringing a different look and feel to your design. Experiment to see what works best for your project.
  • Are Serif Fonts Good for Print Materials Like Business Cards and Flyers?
    Serif fonts are excellent for print materials. Their classic look can add a touch of elegance and clarity to business cards, flyers, and other printed media.

Elegant & Timeless Serif Fonts

With their elegant and classic look, these serif fonts are a valuable addition to any designer’s toolkit. By considering factors like font pairing, spacing, and readability, you can use them to balance traditional and contemporary aesthetics in your design work. Happy downloading!


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20+ Free Fonts with Geometric Styles for Designers https://speckyboy.com/free-geometric-fonts/ https://speckyboy.com/free-geometric-fonts/#respond Wed, 16 Oct 2024 19:29:09 +0000 https://speckyboy.com/?p=159756 A collection of the best free geometric fonts. From minimalistic to bold and impactful, we have a geometric style for every design project.

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Great typography is the art of arranging type to make written language clear, readable, and attractive. The right font can transform a design from ordinary to extraordinary, influencing how viewers interact with the content. It’s about creating an experience that communicates well.

Geometric fonts are modern, simple, and elegant. Their clean lines and minimalist shapes make them ideal for logo, poster, website, and branding design. Their simplicity and precision make them perfect for contemporary design projects.

Despite being free, the fonts in this collection have all been designed by professionals and are perfect for designers and creatives wanting to add a sophisticated touch to their work. These free geometric fonts are ready for your next design project!

Exo 2.0 Geometric Font

Free to Download

Elegant yet futuristic, Exo is a free geometric sans-serif typeface that works well for display, web, and smaller formats. It comes with nine different weights (with matching italics) and offers intricately designed characters that create an authentic futuristic feel.

Exo 2.0 Geometric Font Free Designers Creatives

Palmera Geometric Slab Serif

Palmera is a contemporary slab serif font. Its well-defined characters and geometric shapes make it an excellent addition to any designer’s toolbox. With multiple weights and styles, Palmera offers consistency and a modern aesthetic.

Palmera Geometric Slab Serif Font Designers Creatives

Subjectivity Display Font

Free to Download

Subjectivity is an experimental free display font that draws inspiration from geometric shapes. The small tails in the letters A, J, Y, and T add a hand-drawn touch to the font.

Subjectivity Display Geometric Font Free Creatives Designers

Horas Geometric Sans-Serif

Horas is a geometric sans-serif font with well-balanced characters, making it a practical option for various design projects. With multiple weights and styles, this font offers both flexibility and readability.

Horas Geometric Sans-Serif Font Designers Creatives

Barracuda Geometric Sans-Serif Typeface

Free to Download

Barracuda is a free sans-serif typeface with geometric flair intertwined with unusual character widths. This new take on type design makes Barracuda unique and balanced.

Barracuda Geometric Sans-Serif Typeface Free Font Creatives Designers

Franie Geometric Sans Font

Franie is a modern typeface with clean lines and geometric characters. It is an excellent choice for various design applications, and its different weights and styles give you plenty of flexibility.

Franie Geometric Sans Font Free Font Designers Creatives

Nexa Geometric Sans-Serif

Free to Download

Nexa is a geometric sans-serif family that offers plenty of options to make your next design stand out. Even though it’s bold, it’s perfectly legible in smaller sizes, making it an excellent fit for the web, too. You’ll get nine weights and 36 fonts.

Nexa Geometric Sans-Serif Free Font Designers Creatives

The Metropolis Geometric Typeface

Free to Download

Drawing inspiration from minimalism, Metropolis is geometric, modern, and highly legible. It offers nine weights (each with matching italics), uppercase and lowercase characters, special characters with accents, numerals, and punctuation.

Metropolis Geometric Typeface Free Font Designers Creatives

Norwester Geometric Sans-Serif

Free to Download

Condensed, bold, and beautiful, Norwester is a sans-serif typeface your design toolbox needs. It is geometric and draws inspiration from traditional sans-serif design while adding boldness. It is an all-caps font with alternates, numerals, and punctuation.

Norwester Geometric Sans-Serif Free Font Designers

Kelson Geometric Sans-Serif

Free to Download

This sans font family is simple and effective. The Kelson family offers nine free fonts (from Sans Bold to Russian Light and everything in between) with numerals, punctuation, and multilingual support. It’s perfect for readable web copy and headlines!

Kelson Geometric Sans-Serif Free Font Designers Creatives

Rhyder Geometrical Sans-Serif

Free to Download

Rhyder is a geometric sans-serif font perfect for display and text. Every character has been meticulously designed, and accents, numerals, and punctuation are also included.

Rhyder Geometrical Sans-Serif Free Font Designers Creatives

League Gothic Open-Source Font

Free to Download

League Gothic is an open-source geometric font with bold characters. Its versatility and readability make it a dependable choice for designers who want to show professionalism and sophistication in their projects.

League Gothic Open-Source Geometric Sans-Serif Free Font Designers Creatives

Object Sans Geometric Font Family

Free to Download

Object Sans is a contemporary geometric font family with sharp lines. It is suitable for various design projects and a valuable addition to any designer’s font collection. Explore its different weights and styles to create engaging and visually appealing typography for your next project.

Object Sans Geometric Sans-Serif Free Font Designers Creatives

DM Sans Geometric Font

Free to Download

Available on Google Fonts, DM Sans offers a versatile and contemporary option for your design needs. With its clean, readable characters and variety of weights, it adapts effortlessly to various design projects.

DM Sans Geometric Sans-Serif Free Font Designers Creatives

Franie Geometric Sans Font

Free to Download

Franie is a free geometric font family that will give any design project a contemporary and professional look and feel. Its readability and minimalist aesthetics make it ideal for designers wanting an elegant and engaging typography solution without compromising clarity.

Franie Geometric Sans-Serif Free Font Designers Creatives

Variera Utility Sans-Serif

Free to Download

Variera is a modern geometric typeface. Its readability and elegance make it perfect for web design, branding, or print material. Thin and Light are available with the free download.

Variera Utility Sans-Serif Geometric Free Font Designers Creatives

Poppins Geometric Font Family

Free to Download

The popular geometric font Poppins is versatile and contemporary, with clean, well-defined characters. It comes in multiple weights and styles, making it perfect for designing websites, marketing materials, or business presentations. Poppins is available from Google Fonts.

Poppins Geometric Font Family Sans-Serif Free Designers Creatives

League Spartan Bold Geometric Font

Free to Download

League Spartan’s uppercase characters project strength and sophistication, making it ideal for headings, logos, and branding. Its sharp, clean design ensures readability.

League Spartan Bold Geometric Sans-Serif Free Font Designers Creatives

Manrope Modern Geometric Sans-Serif Font

Free to Download

Manrope is a versatile, stylish font with clean, geometric lines and a modern aesthetic. With multiple weights and styles available, this free geometric font offers flexibility and readability, making it a sensible choice for web, logo, and print design.

Manrope Modern Geometric Sans-Serif Free Font Designers Creatives

Arodora Light Geometric Font

Free to Download

Arodora is an elegant geometric typeface that focuses on readability and minimalist aesthetics. Its simplicity and clarity make it an excellent choice for professional and engaging typography.

Arodora Light Geometric Font Font Designers Creatives

Coolvetica Geometric Font Family

Free to Download

Coolvetica Geometric Font Family Free Font Designers Creatives

What are Geometric Fonts?

Geometric fonts are known for their distinct characteristics and rich history in design. They are defined by their use of geometric shapes and precise, uniform lines to create letterforms. They often use clean, minimalist aesthetics, with perfect circles, triangles, and rectangles forming the basis of their design.

Geometric fonts gained prominence in the Bauhaus and modernist movements. Over the years, they have evolved, with designers adding their twists and refinements while maintaining the core geometric principles.

An example of a Bauhaus geometric font
Bauhaus 93 Type by the URW Type Foundry

Geometric fonts are a favorite among designers because of their versatility and timeless aesthetic. They are widely used in various design applications where their clean and modern look presents a sense of professionalism and sophistication.

Geometric Font FAQ

  • Why Choose Geometric Fonts for My Project?
    They offer a crisp, minimalist style that works well in modern design. They can give your project a fresh and updated look, making them great for tech, fashion, and art-related projects.
  • Are Free Geometric Fonts High Quality?
    Yes, the free geometric fonts here are all of high quality. They’ve all been designed by professional type designers.
  • Can I Use Geometric Fonts for Both Print and the Web?
    Yes, geometric fonts are versatile and can be used for print and web design. They’re clear and legible, making them an excellent choice for various mediums.
  • How Do I Know If a Geometric Font Is Right for My Design?
    Consider the overall feel of your design. Geometric fonts are best suited for modern and minimalist designs. You can try a few and see how they complement your design’s aesthetics.
  • Are There Any Special Considerations for Using Geometric Fonts?
    Since they have a distinct style, make sure they align with your brand’s personality. Also, consider readability, especially for longer texts, as some geometric fonts work best in headings or short phrases.
  • Can I Use These Geometric Fonts in Commercial Projects?
    Often, you can, but it’s important to check each font license. Some of the free fonts are available for personal and commercial use, while others might have restrictions.
  • Can Geometric Fonts Be Paired with Other Font Types?
    Geometric fonts can be paired with sans-serif or serif fonts for contrast. Just make sure the combination complements the overall design and doesn’t overwhelm the viewer.
  • Are Geometric Fonts Suitable for Logo Design?
    Yes, they’re often used in logo design due to their clean lines and modern appearance.
  • What Should I Avoid When Using Geometric Fonts?
    Avoid using them in contexts where a more traditional or formal font is appropriate, as their modern look might not fit. Also, be cautious with legibility in smaller sizes or dense text.

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20+ Free Slab Serif Fonts for Bold & Modern Design https://speckyboy.com/free-slab-serif-fonts/ https://speckyboy.com/free-slab-serif-fonts/#respond Sun, 13 Oct 2024 12:17:20 +0000 https://speckyboy.com/?p=156566 A collection of the best free slab serif fonts for creatives. Robust, sturdy, and highly legible. Download them all!

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Slab serif fonts are known for their robust and rectangular serifs, giving them a sturdy, no-nonsense appearance. They play an important role in design because of their trustworthiness, strength, and reliability.

With their strength and confidence, slab serifs are often used to create striking headlines, memorable logos, and effective branding. Their versatility makes them suitable for various design applications, from posters and banners to UI design and packaging.

In this collection, we share some of the best free slab serif fonts for designers. Whether you’re an experienced designer or just starting your creative journey, these fonts will help to add a touch of timeless style and readability to your projects.


Chunk Bold Slab Serif

Free to Download

Chunk is a beautifully designed ultra-bold serif font. Its thick, rounded serifs give it a friendly aesthetic, making it suitable for various applications. Chunk is licensed under the Open Font License (OFL), allowing for free personal and commercial use with some restrictions.

Chunk Bold Slab Serif is a top free slab serif font family for designers

Munky Slab Serif Font

Be as funky as Munky. This slab serif is perfect for fun design projects. It includes both uppercase and lowercase letters and works well as a display type, but you can also use it for shorter copy.

Munky is a top free slab serif font family for designers

Nexa Slab Serif

Free to Download

Nexa Slab is a slab serif that combines the elegance of traditional serifs with a modern twist. With the free download, you will get both the regular and bold weights.

Nexa is a top free slab serif font family for designers

Slathers Ligature Slab Serif

Slathers is a slab serif display typeface with extra ligatures. It includes two weights (regular and bold), and it is perfect for logo design.

Slathers Ligature is a top free slab serif font family for designers

Klinic Slab

Free to Download

With its clean lines and sharp serifs, Klinic Slab beautifully balances modern and traditional aesthetics. It comes in various weights and styles and is free to download with the option to donate to the designer.

Klinic Slab is a top free slab serif font family for designers

Regular & Stylish Luna Fonts

LUNA is a slab serif with a vintage aesthetic and modern twist. It has two variations: regular and stylish. Both versions include uppercase and lowercase characters.

Luna is a top free slab serif font family for designers

BioRhyme Slab Serif

Free to Download

BioRhyme is a slab serif that combines elegance with readability. Its distinct letterforms, wide characters, generous spacing, and various weights and styles make it well-suited for many applications. It is also available on Google Fonts.

BioRhyme is a top free slab serif font family for designers

Zenzero Grotesk Typeface

Zenzero Grotesk draws inspiration from various typography styles to create a uniquely eccentric slab serif. It includes two font styles (regular and round) and numerous ligatures and stylistic alternates.

Zenzero Grotesk Typeface is a top free slab serif font family for designers

Roboto Slab

Free to Download

Whether aiming for a bold and commanding aesthetic or a more subtle and refined one, Roboto Slab provides the weights and styles to suit all your design needs. It is an open-source font that’s available from Google Fonts.

Roboto Slab is a top free slab serif font family for designers

Geared Condensed Slab Serif

Free to Download

Inspired by mechanical engineering and industrial signage, Geared is a slab serif that’s ideal for vintage and retro design projects. It is available with a pay-what-you-want pricing model.

Geared Condensed is a top free slab serif font family for designers

Aleo Slab Serif

Free to Download

Its strong legibility and clean lines make this slab serif an excellent choice for both print and digital projects. Aleo is free to use in both personal and commercial projects.

Aleo is a top free slab serif font family for designers

Arvo Slab Serif

Free to Download

Arvo is a modern slab serif that will add character and sophistication to any design. It has various weights and styles, including regular, regular italic, bold, and bold italic.

Arvo is a top free slab serif font family for designers

Andada Pro

Free to Download

Whether you need a bold, attention-grabbing headline or a more subtle and elegant body text, Andada Pro offers many weights and styles to match your design’s requirements. It’s open-source (released under a SIL Open Font License) and free to use, even for commercial projects.

Andada Pro is a top free slab serif font family for designers

Corduroy Slab Regular

Free to Download

Inspired by vintage typography, Corduroy Slab is a strong and sturdy display font that’s perfect for brands that want to lead the way.

Corduroy is a top free slab serif font family for designers

Carton Slab Serif

Free to Download

Carton Slab is a beautiful all-caps font that will help you create a gentle and sensitive aesthetic. Inspired by letterpress typography, Carton Slab effortlessly combines traditional and contemporary design trends.

Carton is a top free slab serif font family for designers

Weston Rounded Slab Serif

Free to Download

Weston is anything but typical. This all-caps slab serif offers a curvature that gives you a sense of friendliness. It comes in two versions (light and regular) and includes numerals and punctuation.

Weston Rounded is a top free slab serif font family for designers

Vollkorn Serif

Free to Download

Vollkorn Serif includes 12 styles and weights (from regular to semi-bold and extra bold with matching italics), support for the Latin, Greek, and Cyrillic alphabets and special characters, alternates, ligatures, and more.

Vollkorn Serif is a top free slab serif font family for designers

Twentywelve Slab

Free to Download

A simple slab serif,

Twentywelve is a simple slab serif. It includes bold, light, regular weights, uppercase and lowercase characters, numerals, punctuation, and special characters. Twentywelve is fantastic as a web font.

Twentywelve is a top free slab serif font family for designers

Lumberjack Font

Free to Download

Lumberjack, as its name suggests, has a hardworking aesthetic. This slab serif includes 385 glyphs, four variations (regular, rough, inline, and shadow), and multiple language support.

Lumberjack is a top free slab serif font family for designers

Ansley Display

Free to Download

Ansley is a display font that comes with six weights (from thin to inline). This free slab serif takes a friendly approach to vintage typography, you will love

Ansley Display is a top free slab serif font family for designers

Korneuburg Slab

Free to Download

Inspired by Austrian neoclassical architecture and the original Korneuburg font, Korneuburg Slab is an excellent and highly legible choice. The download package includes light, regular, and bold.

Korneuburg is a top free slab serif font family for designers

Alfa Slab One

Free to Download

Alfa Slab One features thick serifs, making it ideal for headings, titles, and other areas where you need to make a statement. It is available for free on Google Fonts.

Alfa Slab One is a top free slab serif font family for designers

Font Licenses

Even though a font may be free, it doesn’t automatically allow for unrestricted use. Fonts come with specific licenses. Some are for personal use only, while others permit commercial use. Some fonts may also ask you to credit the font creator.

You can usually find the license details for the font on the website where you downloaded it. If you’re unsure about the license terms, contact the font creator or choose a different font with clearer usage guidelines.

Slab Serif Font FAQs

  • What is a Slab Serif Font?
    Slab serif fonts are recognizable by their bold, robust appearance. They have thick, squared-off serifs with uniform stroke widths, minimal contrast, and few if any, curved lines.
  • Why Choose Slab Serif Fonts for My Project?
    Slab Serifs fonts will add robustness and confidence to your design. They are great for headlines, titles, and anywhere you need to make an impact.
  • Can Slab Serif Fonts Be Used for Both Print and Web?
    Slab serif fonts can be used in both print and digital formats. They are particularly popular in print media for their readability and strong presence.
  • What Should I Avoid When Using Slab Serif Fonts?
    Avoid using them in overly dense text blocks, as their bold serifs might reduce readability. Also, be cautious when pairing them with other bold fonts, which can overwhelm the design.
  • Can I Use Slab Serif Fonts for Logo Design?
    Yes, slab serif fonts can be excellent for logo design, especially if you’re aiming for a sturdy, grounded aesthetic.
  • How Do Slab Serif Fonts Compare to Regular Serif Fonts?
    Slab serifs are generally bolder and more pronounced than traditional serif fonts. This makes them stand out more, particularly suitable for headings and titles, whereas regular serif fonts are typically used for body text due to their readability.
  • Are There Any Famous Brands that Use Slab Serif Fonts?
    Various brands use slab serif fonts in their branding. Examples include Sony, Volvo, and Honda.

Conclusion

As you have seen in our collection, there is a wide range of free slab serif fonts available, each with its own unique style. Experiment with these slab fonts in your projects.

Design with the boldness of slab serif font, and may your creative journey be both rewarding and successful.


The post 20+ Free Slab Serif Fonts for Bold & Modern Design appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

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