You can create different fonts from four basic typefaces—sans serif, serif, decorative, and script font. When using them in design, you probably need to pair one or two to achieve a perfect combination. However, pairing different fonts in one project can be tricky if you haven’t learned the proper techniques.
Before starting with font pairing, remember that selecting font—regardless of how many types you choose—is a crucial element in a design. Therefore, you must understand the basic principles of font pairing, know the best time to use it, and how to do it effectively. Ultimately, you can also get inspired with some recommended fonts to mix and match your design.
To understand the ultimate guide to font pairing, you must first comprehend the four main fonts and their characteristics, which include serif, sans serif, decorative, and script fonts. Traditional thick and thin strokes characterize serif fonts, while sans serif typeface is designed without small strokes. Moreover, decorative fonts are best known for their cursive aesthetic, and script fonts feature the natural style of handwriting typeface.
By understanding the characteristics of each font, you will find it easier to combine different variations of those typefaces. For instance, to create a contrast, you can combine serif fonts with its opposite, sans serif. On the other hand, decorative and script fonts will serve as a great complementary typeface or supporting text.
See also: How to Combine Regular and Italic Family Serif Font Styles
After learning some basic principles about font pairing, you might wonder when is the best time to use this typography technique.
In principle, font pairings are used when you are aiming to increase readability while creating contrast and harmony in a design. Therefore, to answer the question more accurately, here are some common scenarios when pairing different fonts, which is considered a great decision. Try to check on yourself: You need to apply font pairing when …
To effectively use font pairing in your design, you must adhere to several principles. First, it is important to create a visual hierarchy that clearly differentiates several elements in a design. For example, you can use different fonts for headings, body texts, or titles and quotes.
To make it more effective, you need to carefully select two or more different fonts that can complement each other. However, please note that exaggeration in font selection is a big no. The combination of two or three fonts is considered sufficient, but four or more fonts might turn into a chaotic crowd if you don’t use them with thorough consideration.
Last but not least, ensure the readability level of your design when combining two or more fonts. Make sure that the font combination is legible on different sizes and platforms.
See also: Modern Duo Font Styles – The Visually Best Pairings Ever?
The right font pairings can create maximum impact for your design. For this reason, you need to find two (or more) different styles and typefaces that can complement each other in one design. To help you get started and inspired, here are some recommended fonts to mix and match for various design concepts.
The combination of groovy headers and neat body text will instantly grab the attention of your target audience, especially when you use it on event flyers. The groovy typeface as a header will attract the audience at a glance, while the clean and neat body text effectively delivers detailed information. For starters, you can try to combine serif or sans serif fonts such as Remains Stepping and Brittany Example.
A serif or sans serif typeface is a chic header for different occasions, including social media ads. You can combine this font style with a sharp font for body text to convey the specific messages on the ads. One effective combination you should try is Rumelaz Gekinsa and Genova.
If your goal is to communicate messages for corporate needs, using a typeface with bold and modern characteristics is the best decision. Such a combination effectively creates a professional look while making the messages stand out. Try Winky Milky and New Style to achieve this goal.
Two sharp fonts are a good combination for brand logos, so you can deliver the brand’s messages without using many words. This type of font is also effective when you work with a display font or need to design a logo in a small dimension. Some recommended combinations you can count on are Backbone Melavita and Summer Sale.
Use two different elegant fonts to achieve a sense of classy and sophisticated in your invitation design. They complement each other, and the fonts will also create a refined and timeless impression in your design. For formal invitations, you can combine the unique font Wilkysta with the elegant one Angella.
Now that you have reached the end of the article, you already learned some basic information regarding font pairing. Therefore, you will know what to do properly and effectively if you want to combine sans serif and decorative fonts or mix script with serif fonts.
