Use Appropriate Fonts
Applies to the following areas:
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Overview
The choice of font in an accessible document is crucial for readability. Choose standard, widely used fonts as they are clear and legible. While sans-serif fonts like Arial, Verdana, or Calibri are often recommended, some serif fonts like Times New Roman or Palatino can also work well if they are not too small.
Acceptable Font Types
- Verdana (sans serif)
- Calibri (sans serif)
- Aptos (sans serif)
- Tahoma (sans serif)
- Arial (sans serif)
- Lucida Sans (sans serif—Windows)/Lucida Grande (sans serif—Mac)
- Book Antiqua (serif)
- Helvetica (sans serif)
- Sofia Pro (sans serif)
- Pluto Sans Heavy (sans serif)
- Andika (sans serif)—great for print disabilities; free download available
- Century Gothic (sans serif)
- Trebuchet MS (sans serif)
- Times New Roman (serif)
- Garamond (serif)
- Bookman Old Style (serif)
Accessibility experts often recommend sans-serif fonts because they do not have the little flourishes at the ends of letters, called serifs, that can make text more challenging to read for those with dyslexia. However, long paragraphs set in sans-serif can also be challenging to read.
Understanding Different Font Styles and Their Uses
Serif Fonts
Serif fonts are characterized by small lines or strokes attached to the ends of letters. These fonts are often viewed as more formal and traditional, commonly used in print publications like newspapers and books.
Common Examples: Times New Roman, Georgia, Baskerville.
Sans-Serif Fonts
Sans-serif fonts do not have the small lines at the ends of letters, giving them a clean, modern look. They are widely used in digital media, including websites, online magazines, and apps, because they are easy to read on screens.
Common Examples: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana.
Script Fonts
Script fonts mimic handwritten or calligraphic text, often featuring elegant, flowing letterforms. These fonts are usually reserved for formal documents, invitations, and special occasions where a sophisticated touch is desired.
Common Examples: Brush Script, Pacifico, Lucida Handwriting.
Display Fonts
Display fonts are designed to stand out and are often used for attention-grabbing text, such as headings, logos, and posters. They are typically more decorative and visually impactful, enhancing readability when used in larger sizes.
Common Examples: Impact, Lobster, Playbill.
Each font type serves a unique purpose and is selected based on the tone, medium, and readability requirements of the text.
Tips
- A font size between 12 points and 16 points for body text.
- For section and document titles, 16 points or larger.
- Titles should always be larger than the body text to communicate visually the content hierarchy.
WCAG 2.1 Success Criteria
The issues described on this page map to the following success criteria in the W3C’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1:
- 1.4.3 Contrast Minimum Info (Level AA)
- 1.4.4 Resize Text (Level AA)
- 1.4.5 Images of Text (Level AA)