Visual Basics
Typography in UI
Typography in UI design is more than choosing a pretty font—it’s about clarity, hierarchy, and tone. Since most interfaces are 80–90% text, typography directly impacts usability and how users perceive your product. Good typography makes content effortless to read; poor typography forces users to work harder than they should.
At its core, typography guides readability and hierarchy. A bold headline introduces content, body text provides detail, and labels or captions support interaction. The right combination of sizes, weights, and spacing helps users instantly distinguish what’s most important without overthinking.
Typography also defines personality and brand voice. Sans-serif fonts like Helvetica or Inter (clean, modern) feel different from serif fonts like Georgia (classic, formal). Choosing typography that aligns with your product’s identity reinforces brand trust. Imagine a playful kids’ app using a corporate-looking font—it would feel wrong.
Practical tips:
Limit your font family count: 1–2 fonts are usually enough; more creates inconsistency.
Use consistent scales: Stick to a typographic scale (e.g., 12, 16, 24, 32px) to maintain rhythm.
Mind line height: For body text, 1.4–1.6 line-height increases legibility.
Check accessibility: Font size should never be too small—16px is the safe minimum for body text.
Use weight for emphasis, not color alone: Bold text can clarify importance even without color.
Common mistakes include using decorative fonts for body text, insufficient contrast between text and background, or over-relying on all caps, which reduces readability. Typography should serve the message, not distract from it.
Ultimately, typography in UI is about invisible design. When done right, users don’t notice it—they simply understand the content and feel guided naturally. Done poorly, it creates friction at every step. Think of typography as the “voice” of your interface: quiet enough not to overwhelm, but strong enough to lead the way.