25Jan2010
Author
DSM Design

Custom typography in web design

One area in web design that there has always been a struggle is typography. Even the most beautiful web designs can be completely destroyed by a poor font that simply doesn’t cut the mustard. Quick escape methods usually include making an image of the title using the custom font and whilst this is often an easy way to get around styling it doesn’t help with SEO and consider having to change the wording or new pages on a regular basis. It simply isn’t a feasible method.
However recently there have been a slew of new developments in web coding which are now enabling custom fonts to be used for titles or text. We now have solutions such as Cufón and sIFR however one of the better options and one we prefer to use is @font-face in CSS.

What is @font-face?

The common issue is that traditionally a user can only see a font if they have it installed on their computer. Using @font-face however it provides a CSS rule which enable a web design company, such as ourselves to link to any custom font whether the reader has it installed or not. Once the font is linked in CSS it can be used just any other font rule in web design. 

Note: However, it is up to the client to assume responsibility for any licensing required for @font-face. 

Why Use @font-face?

The major benefits are that @font-face doesn’t rely on any other technologies than standard CSS, the font file itself and of course a capable browser, where as Cufon and sIFR rely of JavaScript and Flash.

Now that you know that there are possibilities why not go get some classy new fonts for your website? ThemeForest have 15 FREE @font-face fonts available for download and a tutorial of how to apply in CSS.

Also don’t forget about cross browser compatibility for @font-face support. The major downside is ensuring the fonts work in all major browsers so that users can get the best experience from your website. This article is also available from ThemeForest. 

So if you fancy a new font to be used in your website which better represents your corporate identity perhaps you should speak to DSM Design, a web design agency in Dorset? DSM will be able to advise on the best course of action to implement custom typography into your web design.

Thanks for Reading!

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DSM Design

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