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Fonts Knowledge

Welcome to our library of original guides to the world of typography, which the Google Fonts team is producing in collaboration with typographic experts from around the world. Google Fonts Knowledge enables designers and developers of all skill sets to choose and use type with purpose.

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Using variable fonts on the web

Variable fonts are now a reality for use in mainstream typography, especially on the web. While they are often associated with cutting edge experimentation, they also offer many practical benefits. In these articles, we explore ways to use the technology for improvements in both the design and technical implementation of almost any project.

History of Latin type

The rich history of type design and the technical evolution of typesetting are woven into our everyday practice of typography, from how we select fonts to how we use spacing. And while the tools we have today are more capable than ever, designing is still about problem solving. Looking to the challenges and solutions from the past helps give us a deeper understanding of how type works.

Type in China, Japan, and Korea

CJK is an acronym for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean scripts. These articles cover the characteristics and how to set type in each. Latin classifications (serif, humanist, geometric, etc.) do not apply directly: In Japan, “Mincho” is similar to serif, while in Korea, it’s “Myeongjo;” “Gothic” is used for sans serif in both Japanese and Korean. In China, serif-like designs are “Song Ti (宋体),” or sometimes “Mingchao Ti” or “Ming Ti (明朝体 or 明体),” to go together with the Japanese and Korean names. The sans are called “Hei Ti (黑体).” All CJK fonts also have a miscellaneous display classification: In Japan and Korea, it’s “design fonts” and in China, “decorative” fonts.

Readability & accessibility

Making our text readable should be our primary goal when setting and manipulating type. Readability—along with the closely related concepts of legibility and accessibility—is at the core of typography, and yet it’s rarely discussed thoroughly in typographic contexts. In these articles, we examine the qualities of type and typography that make reading easier.

Designing Hangeul

In designing Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, King Sejong the Great of Korea (1397–1450) broke from thousands of years of tradition by purposefully creating an alphabet that was easy to learn, easy to read, and easy to write—and he defied the strict societal norms of his day by using his creation to help common citizens become literate.

The Canadian Syllabics

The Canadian Syllabics (often referred to simply as the “Syllabics”) is a writing system used by many different Indigenous language communities throughout Canada and parts of the United States. The Syllabics are unique in how they represent written language, and many communities have local requirements and preferences in how their Syllabics should appear and function as text. This module outlines the general principles used by all, as well as specific recommendations that address the requirements and preferences of specific language communities.

Introducing type

We all use type every day, from word processors and social media graphic apps to professional desktop design software and hand-coded websites. Good typography is within everyone’s reach, and it starts with the fundamentals. This module acts as an accessible primer for anyone to build confidence and skills, and is also a solid foundation for experienced designers looking to deepen their understanding of the basics.

Choosing type

When you have some text, how can you choose a typeface? Many people—professional designers included—go through an app’s font menu until we find one we like. But the aim of this Google Fonts Knowledge module is to show that there are many considerations that can improve our type choices. By setting some useful constraints to aid our type selection, we can also develop a critical eye for analyzing type along the way.

Using type in AR & VR

Augmented reality and virtual reality offer new and exciting experiences, and—for the typographer—a whole new set of challenges. This section explores the current limitations of setting type in AR/VR environments, the differences from using type elsewhere, and the best typesetting practices for this young and powerful medium.

Fonts Knowledge - Google Fonts