Bob Bly Direct Response Copywriter Official Banner

Best Fonts for the Web?

October 21st, 2009 by Bob Bly

You always read the old rule ?use serif type which is easier to read than sans serif.?

That may be true in print but it?s not online.

Reason: the lower resolution of the screen vs. print renders serif imperfectly, making it less attractive and more difficult than sans serif to read.

With that in mind, here are the best fonts for online marketing:

>> For e-mail marketing messages, use either 12-point Arial or Verdana.

>> Do not use Times Roman for web pages ? it?s a serif type and difficult to read online.

>> Recommended typefaces for web sites include Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, and other popular san serif fonts.

>> If your web pages are too light to read on screen or when printed, use a boldface font like Helvetica Bold Condensed.

>> The most common error in web page design is using too small a type size. Use at least 12-point type. Even 16-point won?t look awkward, and larger is easier to read than smaller.

>> For web page headlines, use Arial Bold in 2 or more point sizes larger than the body copy.

Do you have other fonts you like better? Or disagree with any of the above?

Share

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 at 10:25 am and is filed under Online Marketing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

91 responses about “Best Fonts for the Web?”

  1. Debra Dalgleish said:

    I’m confused. You tell us sans serif is “less attractive and more difficult than serif to read.”
    Then you recommend sans serif fonts for online marketing.

  2. TC/Copywriter Underground said:

    Bob, you seem to be confused about the difference between serif and sans serif types.

    And back in 80s, I saw some fairly compelling data that suggested the best fonts were what people were used to reading.

    Engineers scored higher reading sans serif fonts (often used in tech docs), while those who read a great deal of fiction often scored higher/faster reading serifs.

    The Web is a typographer’s nightmare, and let’s hope that we’ll soon have more interesting choices (than arial, etc) soon.

  3. Stephan F- said:

    Ohh, font fun.
    Fonts are designed for many different reasons, right now I am reading “The Elements of Typographic Style” which is an awesome book on the subject, talks about how the font is displayed makes a huge difference. Also people read a screen differently then they will read a pamphlet or book.

    How content is displayed actually makes a significant difference to what font is best to use. A font that works best for imprinting, aka pressed into the page like a typewriter, is going to be vastly different compared to one that is to be ink-jet printed or laser printed or displayed on screen. I am sure that an e-Ink display has different font dynamics then an LCD or CRT display.

    The biggest problem is that you are limited to what fonts are installed on the readers computer so you can only follow general guidelines and not use the best font for the job*.

    In general, emissive displays like LCDs and CRTs should use a large sans serif font for easiest reading with lots of white space between paragraphs to make it easier to not lose track of where you are on the page.

    *pdfs allow you to get around that, so why not design the whole pdf to be designed to be read on screen. What I mean is why save it in a portrait layout when most computers have landscape monitors?

  4. Bob Bly said:

    TC: I’m not confused — I know the difference — but I did make a HORRIFIC typo which I have fixed.

    I hope the correction clears things up for Debra.

  5. Debra Dalgleish said:

    Bob, thanks, I understand the difference too. 😉
    Your intro paragraphs didn’t agree with the rest of the article though, so I wasn’t sure what you were trying to say.

  6. Ken Norkin - Freelance Copywriter said:

    To me, an issue as important as font selection or size is color. I don’t know why designers of so many sites — my own, I have to admit — put body copy in a dark gray rather than 100% black.

    I’m wondering if some readability study or convention says that an 80% tint is better on the eyes. I prefer good old fashioned black on white.

  7. Email marketing software, which is the best? said:

    […] Best Fonts for the Web? – bly.com blog – bly.com direct marketing blog […]

  8. Twitter Trackbacks for Best Fonts for the Web? - bly.com blog - bly.com direct marketing blog [bly.com] on Topsy.com said:

    […] Best Fonts for the Web? – bly.com blog – bly.com direct marketing blog bly.com/blog/online-marketing/best-fonts-for-the-web – view page – cached — From the page […]

  9. Webmaster Crap » Blog Archive » Best Fonts for the Web? - bly.com blog - bly.com direct marketing blog said:

    […] See the original post: Best Fonts for the Web? – bly.com blog – bly.com direct marketing blog […]

  10. Paul St. Amant said:

    I think your guidelines agree with the industry standards. There must be a threshold, though where serif fonts can be rendered well enough for reading online…like your logo at the top of this blog? I think headings are usually large enough for a serif font, but with phone-size browsers, maybe sans-serif is the safest route? Finally sometimes, typewriter fonts like courier are a good choice, especially for places where users input text (like here).

  11. Susan Fuller said:

    I totally agree. I especially appreciate the advice about not going too small (one of my pet peeves).

  12. Dr. Andrew Linick said:

    Bob—you are right on with your observations about which fonts to use and why.

    Here’s my take after 41 years in the business. Let’s add a few basic rules to the fundamental laws of choosing easy-to-read typography for the WEB. (I have 11 major rules to share so to save space, I’ll list four. If anyone wants the whole list for free just email me.) Here are four simple rules which should be learned and followed.

    1. Choose a typeface in keeping with your subject or topic. For example, do not use a delicate type Gill Sans Light to advertise heavy machinery or a heavy boldface type like Cooper Black to extol the virtues of a cosmetics company whose slogan is to ‘look 15 years younger’.

    2. Remember that Italic online and in print is difficult to read. Use it sparingly for emphasis or better yet, highlight the word or phrase in yellow to make it stand out.

    8. In considering the readability of type we must remember that the human eye can take in only so much comfortably. Type width should be planned around the reader’s eye being able to follow from the end of one line to the next without difficulty. Boomers and/or the over 50 market prefer to read larger type,14pt to16 pt (sans-serif) is best for this audience. Most web masters/graphic artists would agree that as a rule, it is difficult to read 6-or 8-point type set wider than 21 picas; 10-or 12 point wider than 18 to 24 picas; 14-or 18-point wider than 24 to 36 picas.

    9. If you must use reverse type (light or white type on a dark/black background—use it in small doses, but not in the body copy. It’s better using it in a headline or subhead line—making sure it’s 24-point or larger. Reading large amounts of reverse type can cause eyestrain. For big blocks of text, it’s better to use dark text on a light background. For example, Black on yellow is easy to read.

    Keep in mind that color packs a punch too—but that’s for another story on Which Colors to use on your Homepage to Attract, Engage and Hold a Visitors Eye™. Colored typography is expressive. Red denotes heat, fire, warmth or danger. Blue creates the impression of cleanliness and purity. The other colors of the rainbow all have inner meanings. Bob, perhaps you might ask your readers which colors they used on their homepage and why? email: andrewlinick@linick.net for ‘9 rules.’

  13. Lower Back Pain Relief | What your joints need said:

    […] Best Fonts for the Web? – bly.com blog – bly.com direct marketing blog […]

  14. Greg said:

    Hey Bob,

    I’ve run some font tests (in a non-marketing niche) and both Georgia and courier beat verdana (long style sales page, consumer info product.) I decided to test last year after I read an article stating serif fonts pulled well with “non-tech” products online.

    It was 16 point Georgia over vs 14 pt verdana. (Not by a landslide however)

  15. Note Taking Nerd #2 said:

    Clayton Makepeace used Courier in his “Makepeace Business System” sales letter which you can see in his webstore.

    The folks over at Agora also use it in their financial promo’s.

    I thought “Hell, if it’s good enough for them to test, it’s good enough for me.”

    The letter I was writing was for an online advertorial selling a private equity opportunity.

    One of the reasons I felt comfortable using it was because my market was rich, white, old guys.

    People who actually have memories of using and receiving letters punched out on typewriters.

    Not only was that in my favor, but courier offers lot’s of billowy white space in between the letters, which makes it easy on the eye.

    This is good news for the retina that has more years behind it, than ahead of it.

    If you’re ideal target is from an older generation, you may just want to test courier font for yourself.

    Note Taking Nerd #2
    http://www.mynotetakingnerd.wordpress.com

  16. Bob Bly said:

    Nerd: everyone talks about Courier and typewriters, but my favorite typewriter typeface was and is Prestige Elite, which has fallen by the wayside.

  17. What’s the Most Readable Typeface? « Let’s Grow Blog said:

    […] and consultant Bob Bly recently published a blog post offering specific suggestions on the best fonts for online […]

  18. Nathan Vari said:

    I am trying to figure out what font to use in a redesign of my site. (See the prototype here: http://blog.ccnsteam.com/ )

    Anyway, my web designer has set it up in Verdana. On other sites I’ve used Georgia and Tahoma which seem to work well.

    Any thoughts on this?

    Thanks,

    Nathan

  19. another bob said:

    Nathan,

    Tahoma is a nice font, but whatever percentage of your audience uses Linux, they won’t see it because it isn’t generally available to them. So make sure to include a fall-back font in your CSS.

  20. Joshua Williams said:

    I love to use Tahoma and Courier. It’s more pleasing to the eyes than Times New Roman and any other typeface.

  21. RROD said:

    You should use a common font so people will be able to outlook it as you designed the page. I would furthermore recommend a san-serif font, as the serifs can make the font less legible onscreen, particularly at a smaller size.

  22. Starwars the old republic said:

    Starwars the old republic…

    […]Best Fonts for the Web? – bly.com blog – bly.com direct marketing blog[…]…

  23. bad credit loans said:

    uxaiKQ,

  24. turnkey said:

    turnkey…

    […]Best Fonts for the Web? – bly.com blog – bly.com direct marketing blog[…]…

  25. paydayloans said:

    UEJXsoa

  26. online payday loans canada said:

    wgRZjGC

  27. online cash advance said:

    http://onlineinstantsamedayfastcashadvanceloans.us/#258384 – loans online – cash loanhttp://onlineinstantsamedayfastcashadvanceloans.us/#106282 cash loan

  28. Genf20 hgh releaser said:

    ulrhwcmz, Genf20 hgh true or false clains, JcmwmvV, [url=http://iprayonline.com/]Hgh genf20[/url], qJxbWSa, http://iprayonline.com/ Genf20 hgh releaser reviews, llvdzVk.

  29. Who invented the electronic cigarettes said:

    kdbzucmz, Electronic Cigarettes, LMVmdgE, [url=http://theelectroniccigaretteboutique.com/]Vapor pak electronic cigarettes[/url], xZgUoFq, http://theelectroniccigaretteboutique.com/ Consumer review of electronic cigarettes, YLasDuu.

  30. www.C10 Cigs said:

    Could anyone recommend a particular brand of electronic cigarette for a newbie? And where to get it?

  31. http://www.affordableautoinsuranceonline.Com said:

    Excellent items from you, man. I’ve be mindful your stuff prior to and you’re simply extremely excellent.
    I actually like what you’ve bought right here, really like what you are stating and the way wherein you say it. You’re making it enjoyable and you continue
    to take care of to keep it sensible. I cant wait to learn much more from you.
    That is really a great site.

  32. http://youtu.be/D4QTgm8Ld04 said:

    Hi, I do think this is a great site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may return once again since I saved as a favorite it.
    Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and
    continue to help others.

  33. e cigarette companies usa said:

    Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add
    to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve bden looking for a plug-in like this for quite some
    time and was hoping maybe you wouod have some experience with something like this.
    Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your
    blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  34. tank electronic cigarette gift set said:

    My brother recommended I might like this website.
    He was entirely right. This post truly made mmy day.

    You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent forr
    this info! Thanks!

  35. top av receivers 2014 said:

    This article presents clear idea designed for the new viewers of blogging, that actually how to do blogging and site-building.

  36. Kuhana said:

    Best fonts are those which basically touches your heart when you read something.
    Foremost Calendars are free, Click here

  37. Oflox said:

    Really nice and thanks for sharing. TeamOflox

  38. change destiny said:

    Sometimes you don’t have a choice but to do things that you wouldn’t have done otherwise. and Sometimes you regret your actions; sometimes your controversial actions are based on bizarre rationalization. Therefore you don’t feel any remorse.

    Astrological Remedies For Extra Marital Problems

  39. jone said:

    17+ Best Useful CSS Tricks for Designer [ultimate]

    A web designer enhances the beauty of a website. Websites are created with his hand-made CSS code.

    The role of a web designer is immense to create a website. A web designer’s thought process to enhance the design of a website beautifully puts all the beautiful ways of the website together only with his hands.

    learn more…

  40. FontChanger said:

    Nice Article bro.. I also likes to play with web fonts.

    I have created Font Changer website using unicode fonts where anyone can generate unlimited fancy & cool fonts with stylish symbols, emojis and letters.

  41. James William said:

    Hello Evereyone, I have created a website that provide stylish namnes and nicknames that can be used in games ( Free Fire, Pubg, Fortnite etc. ). And one the best article in my website is free fire guild name, you can check it one.
    If there is any mistake then please let me know.
    Thank You.

  42. Alex Hannes said:

    Hello Everyone, I have created a website that provides online and Eye-catching Unicode fonts. Font Changer Online
    text generator tools create awesome and Super Stylish text that you can share it like Twitter, Whatsapp status, Instagram bio, Captions And cool Names in Online Games

  43. Itzy said:

    Best font style online. It is a copy and paste Font Generator & font changer. Font Style – Font Changer Use these fancy text fonts in your Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Tumblr, WhatsApp. Linkedin Profile and Bio.

  44. One Dasty said:

    Bringing home a new puppy is a wonderful experience involving the whole family, which is why we begin training early to ease the transition to their new home and family. Owning a pug puppy or French Bulldog puppy is hard work. Making amount of support, we assist in the preparations to make it less stressful. To provide a completely different environment for our puppies, we thoroughly researched and make sure this puppies will only go to respectable families
    https://pugslandbreeder.company.com

  45. anuj said:

    One More Website For Font Changer

  46. shubham said:

    nice post https://www.monippro.online/

  47. robert said:

    https://savannahbengal.company.com/

  48. All SEO Tools said:

    Very very nice post.

  49. Font Changer said:

    Nice suggestion. thanks for posting.

  50. Saroj Meher's Blog said:

    Really nice and thanks for sharing.

  51. Whois Checker said:

    Whois Checker for the website. Very nice post indeed.

  52. Mark said:

    I have created a website that provides online and Eye-catching Unicode hacked text generator.

  53. Pankaj Kumar said:

    font online – make cool and designer fonts and text for your profile bio.

  54. coolsymbolfonts said:

    Use the fancy font changer to generate creative fonts. To get attractive font styles with special letters and symbols, try our Font Keyboard tool. This tool comes with a user-friendly interface and amazing features like an easy copy-paste option. Create beautiful messages with these text styles and emoticons and share them with your friends easily.

  55. Poster maker apppostermaker said:

    Our Poster maker has multiple templates designed by our creative designers. You can choose any poster template design that reflects your brand and fulfill your requirements. We also have the Poster maker app that lets you make awesome posters, flyers, banners in minutes.

  56. Parker said:

    Make your Instagram profile attractive by adding the highlights logo and reel covers. If you are searching for an easy way to design cover highlights and reel covers for your Instagram stories, then you can try the Cover maker app. The app has thousands plus ready-made templates for logos, reel covers, thumbnails, and highlights covers.

  57. Bijoy Samanta said:

    font style online – 8M user use this tool unique font

  58. bijoy said:

    font style online – 8M user use this tool unique font

  59. surbhi nahta said:

    Good to know about the information you have shared with us. I think your tips and strategies could help the writers to do their works properly

  60. Real Estate Agent In Long Island said:

    Our experienced team is considered one of the best in the real estate market. We assist you in selling your houses at the best rates. You can list your Houses for Sale in Long Island on our website. We offer rental services as well so you can rent your beautiful homes. Here are a few tips to help how one can sell their home.

  61. Jamie Oliver said:

    I totally agree with you. I think the font color you choose is completely suitable. flixdle

  62. Alexpeter said:

    Our career coaches have decades of experience and have taken thousands of interviews across different industries – so you’ll be in AMAZINGGG hands for your Interview Tips

  63. HazelJames said:

    Website development Ireland and Dublin that offers a complete digital solution in taking your business online. Our Award Winning Agency not only devises strategies for your brand, but we own it like our own.

  64. SmartSEO said:

    Really helpful. Thanks for sharing. Do you want to know what is trending on YouTube? Check out YouTube Trend.

  65. shaypari said:

    advance fitness by Bilal Brothers, established in 1979, is the leader in exercise, fitness, gymnasium and indoor sport equipment all over Pakistan. We work only with the world’s top brands and are proud to serve our customers with top-notch after sales service.

  66. carlos12 said:

    Full Stack Java Software Developer to build the mission critical software that powers some of the world’s most successful companies. We solve their business problems through agile and cloud native software innovation. They choose us because we offer the cutting-edge talent they need to change faster, easier and more profitably; but they stay with us long term because we deliver every time.

  67. SmartWEB said:

    Really nice and thanks for sharing. It is really helpful for me.

  68. natalie portman said:

    There are many different type of font for you to choose. Arial is a versatile sans-serif font with a capybara clicker contemporary feel.

  69. lizeenant said:

    With its insightful observations and contexto insightful commentary, this wordle article is sure to spark important conversations and debates in the days and weeks to come.

  70. wiki said:

    https://wikismm.info/

    this is best panel

  71. Josh said:

    great pattern, tute and message! So many think they can text, talk and drive and the rest of us spend half our time avoiding them!
    Visit this Page for more information or Site on this and view the most amazing content of all the time.

  72. savefrompinterest said:

    download pinterest video here savefrompinterest

  73. Shri Durga Chalisa said:

    Nice Article bro.. I also likes to play with web fonts.

    Read Shri Durga Chalisa in different languages.

  74. MyFont said:

    Really nice post brother. Happy to read all this.

    You can change your name with beautiful fonts in MyFont.

  75. Mike Rooney said:

    Your blog provided us with valuable information. I am looking forward to read more blog posts from here keep it up!!Eddie munson green vest

  76. Aliya88 said:

    Hi
    The 75 responses about the best fonts for the web offer a wealth of valuable insights and recommendations from experts and enthusiasts alike.https://ffstylishname.com

  77. SmartWEB said:

    Hy
    This is one of the excellent post in my today’s visit. Hope you will keep it up.

    YouTube Channel ID Finder

  78. https://totoward.com/ said:

    Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you get entry to constantly quickly. https://totoward.com/

  79. RitzyAPK said:

    This blog post on the “Best Fonts for the Web” offers a wealth of practical insights for anyone involved in web design or content creation. Fonts play a crucial role in conveying the right tone and enhancing readability, and your breakdown of the most suitable fonts for different purposes is incredibly helpful. I appreciate the emphasis on compatibility across devices and the importance of maintaining a professional and user-friendly appearance. Your recommendations, along with examples, provide a clear understanding of how to make effective font choices. Thanks for sharing this valuable resource, it’s a must-read for anyone aiming to improve their online content’s visual appeal and impact!

  80. RitzyAI said:

    It is always very difficult to choose a font that suit your website.

  81. timothyferriss said:

    The choice of fonts for web design should consider the specific project, Ado Watermelon audience, and design goals

  82. CAvpshost said:

    Discover unbeatable value with CaVPS Host’s cheap Windows VPS Europesolutions. Our hosting services are tailored for those seeking top-tier performance at budget-friendly prices. With data centres strategically located in Europe, you can expect low latency and lightning-fast speeds. Enjoy the power of a dedicated Windows environment without the hefty price tag. Our VPS plans offer flexibility, security, and reliable uptime, all at a fraction of the cost. Elevate your online presence with our affordable Windows VPS hosting and experience the CaVPS Host advantage today!

  83. BabyBoxShop said:

    Celebrate the upcoming arrival of a precious little one with our range of unisex baby shower gifts. These thoughtful presents are perfect for baby showers where the gender of the baby is not revealed or for families who prefer gender-neutral options. Show your excitement and love with a gift that will make the baby shower even more special.

  84. We Sell Dead Lots.. said:

    Discover a treasure trove of stock lots in UAE with We Sell Dead Lots. Our platform connects buyers and sellers, offering a wide range of surplus items for various industries. With our commitment to quality and fair pricing, we’ve become the go-to choice for those looking to make the most of their surplus materials.

  85. Tiptop-Einrichtung said:

    A barberstuhl is a specialized chair used in barbershops. It is designed to provide comfort to male clients and facilitate optimal working posture for the barber.hese chairs often have a classic design and can be antique or retro-styled.

  86. iHost VPS said:

    This phrase suggests a virtual private server (VPS) hosting service that uses the Linux operating system and is available at an affordable or cost-effective price point. VPS Cheap Linux hosting provides a balance between shared hosting and dedicated server hosting, offering dedicated resources within a virtualized environment.

  87. CAvpshost said:

    CaVPS Host offers budget-friendly Windows VPS solutions with seamless remote desktop access. Experience high-performance computing without breaking the bank. Our services ensure a cost-effective yet Cheap Windows VPS Remote Desktopenvironment for your applications and data.

  88. Baby Box said:

    Our baby gift baskets are the epitome of joy and convenience, packed with a delightful mix of essential items and adorable keepsakes. Each basket is carefully arranged to cater to the needs of the little one, providing comfort and happiness. Whether you’re looking for a gender-specific or unisex option, our baby gift baskets make the perfect present for baby showers, birthdays, or any special occasion.

  89. Dentists Near Me said:

    Choosing the best fonts for the web is crucial for readability and user experience. Just as font selection matters in design, so does selecting a dentist. Research, read reviews, and consider expertise when learning How to Pick a Good Dentist. Both decisions impact the user’s perception and satisfaction, whether navigating a website or maintaining oral health.

  90. Lynne said:

    Choosing the right fonts for website design is essential for ensuring both readability and aesthetic appeal. Popular choices include Roboto, a modern and clear sans-serif font widely used for its professional yet friendly appearance; Open Sans, renowned for its legibility and clean design, making it suitable for both headings and body text; Lato, another sans-serif font that strikes a balance between seriousness and warmth, ideal for a variety of web content; Montserrat, inspired by urban typography, offers a stylish and contemporary feel; and Arial, a classic sans-serif option known for its wide compatibility and readability across different devices and browsers. These fonts are not only visually appealing but also enhance the user experience by providing clear, readable text, which is crucial for effective web communication.

  91. Wilson said:

    Choosing the best fonts for the website involves considering factors like readability, aesthetic appeal, and compatibility across different devices and browsers. Sans-serif fonts like Arial, Helvetica, and Roboto are popular choices for body text due to their clean and modern appearance, while serif fonts such as Georgia and Times New Roman lend a more traditional and elegant feel. Google Fonts offers a vast selection of free and easy-to-implement typefaces suitable for various design needs, ensuring accessibility and versatility. Additionally, prioritizing web-safe fonts ensures consistent rendering across platforms, enhancing user experience and accessibility. Ultimately, the best fonts for the web strike a balance between functionality and visual impact, aligning with the website’s tone and purpose while ensuring optimal readability across devices and screen sizes.

Leave a Reply