While it may seem inconsequential, selecting a font is a crucial decision for anyone starting a blog or website. You should choose a font that not only reflects your brand’s style, but is also web-safe and friendly.
A web-safe font is one that will look the same to every search engine and visitor, regardless of the device or browser they’re using. Web-safe fonts can be understood in HTML, or hypertext markup language, which is the basic coding language that every website is built on. Don’t worry — you don’t need to know any code to choose good HTML fonts. You only need to know what your options are.
To help you narrow down the choices, here is a list of the five most attractive web-safe HTML fonts.
These are all part of the Google Fonts family — some of them are already included in every WordPress.com website, while others can be uploaded if you have the WordPress.com plugin-enabled plan.
1. Helvetica
Possibly the most recognizable of fonts, Helvetica has withstood the test of time. Developed in 1957, this versatile sans-serif font (one without added flourishes along the edges of its letters) is arguably the most popular font in the world. Until 2015, Helvetica was the system typeface for iOS.
2. Roboto
If you have an Android device, you might recognize Roboto. This sans-serif font was developed for the Google mobile operating system and is both modern and simple. Because it has six weights — each with an italic variant — you have plenty of options with this one.
3. Source Sans Pro
This is the first open-source font developed by Adobe Systems. Like Roboto, Source Sans Pro was designed specifically for a multi-device world. Not only is it web-safe, it’s also sure to render correctly even if a user has custom browser font settings.
4. Open Sans
This font was commissioned by Google and is currently the default typeface for Mozilla software. Like Roboto, Open Sans is considered a “humanist font,” as it was developed using oval shapes and stroke variations that give it a more human, familiar feel.
5. Josefin Slab
While serif fonts are more popular for use in printed materials, Josefin Slab is an attractive, web-compatible option for those who prefer serifs. Thanks to its thick, block-like serifs, Josefin Slab is an easy-to-read choice for anyone who wants a more classic appearance.
Unless you have experience in typography, choosing HTML fonts for your website can feel a little overwhelming — especially with so many options available. But by choosing one of the five listed above, you can rest assured that your website will be easily read by search engines and visitors alike.
For more information on changing your website font, check out WordPress.com’s FAQ page on custom fonts.
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