Why Finding the Right Font Mix Matters
Choosing font styles impacts readability and tone. The right blend of practical and ornamental fonts creates harmony. But favoring visual flair over clarity diminishes the reading experience.
Font Categories
Fonts fall into two main categories:
- Legible fonts like serifs (Minion) and sans serifs (Helvetica)
- Display/script fonts like cursive (Snell) and decorative styles.
Best Uses for Each Font Type
Legible fonts are ideal for body text since their clear letterforms aid reading flow. Display fonts play a supporting role in headlines for stylish impact.
Finding the Perfect Font Combination
When combining fonts:
- Use legible fonts for body text
- Reserve display fonts for headlines and titles
- Pick complementary fonts (serif + sans serif)
- Avoid overly decorative fonts for long copy
Other Key Typography Factors
Beyond font selection, leading, kerning, contrast and hierarchy also contribute to polish and flow.
Perform Rigorous Testing
Test fonts extensively at small and full sizes on multiple devices. Verify legibility for body copy isn't compromised when stylish fonts are mixed in.
Success Means Achieving Overall Typographic Harmony
Carefully balancing legibility and elegance creates a cohesive, polished book typography scheme. If these editorial design principles are applied correctly, they will make reading easier without sacrificing style.