web design
|
web design | Graphic Web Design |
|
FontsIf you're reading this, you're probably aware that computers have a very small set of fonts in common. Some fonts come with Windows 98, some different fonts come with 2000, NT, XP, ME, not to mention the variety that exist on Macs. So you know that if you're using some fancy or original font on your site, almost nobody but you will be able to see it, unless you make images out of it. (Duh, right?) Now, word on the street is that serif fonts (with the little serif-thingies on the letters, like this) are easier to read in huge blocks of text, and that sans serif fonts (like this) are better for headlines. Maybe this is true. Maybe. But as you can see, I don't believe it. But I'm giving you fair notice that the word on the street is that serif fonts are easier to read in blocks of text. As far as font variety goes, remember: fonts are like colors. More than a couple different fonts and <hyperbole>your eyes will start bleeding!</hyperbole> Here's what Randy recommends: one font. You can shrink it for different locations, like menus and footers, and you can make it bold or italic, or underlined. (Actually, on the web, you shouldn't underline anything for emphasis. Folks will think it's a link.) But just use one. (The logo of your company or band or website can be in a different font, because it's more of a graphic.) And the one you use should be Arial (Helvetica for Mac users). So says I. But hey, it's a free country, and design is part art; and art, or beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Just make sure your beholders' eyes aren't bleeding. Now, because people can leave your website so easily, your text needs to be scannable - this means highlighting important words. Some people will even suggest adding emphasis by Capitalizing the First Letter of Important Words, but these people did not have Mrs. Van Arsdale for Language Arts, and as such do not shudder at the horrendous abuse of capital letters. You'll look more intelligent if you obey the rules of grammar while making your text scannable. If your target market is stupid people, however, looking intelligent might not be part of your graphic web design. |