Itcan beachallenge tofind the best headline font. Aright expressive typeface will convey values, ideas, and the overall atmosphere ofthe entire project. The headline font isthe cover your project will bejudgedby. That’s why itmust make the necessary impression immediately, orelse you are unlikely toget asecond chance toattract users’ attention inour information-dense world.
What fonts are the most effective for headlines and which criteria toconsider? This was the focus ofthe following article, where weprovided the list of20+best options. Read the article till the end to get a promo code!
What fonts are used inheadings?
All fonts, according totheir purpose, are subdivided into text and headline (display). Text fonts serve for typing running text, sothey must beeasy and convenient toread onany device. These typefaces look simple, neutral, and uncluttered. Maximum comfort for perception isthe key factor inchoosing afont for reading. The usual point size for text fonts isfrom 6to14-16.
Display fonts, inturn, are utilized for texts set inlarge point sizes, headlines, and highlights intexts — their usage istargeted atcapturing attention. These are expressive typefaces with avibrant character. Their graphic ismore complex and often full ofeye-catching details. Unlike text fonts, typical point sizes for display typefaces range from 14andup.
Among expressive typefaces, title fonts can bedistinguished. They are used for title pages, covers, and headings. The character set ofthese fonts isoften either reduced orconsists ofonly uppercase letters. Typical sizes for title fonts range from 16pointsup.
Interestingly, the requirements for text fonts are much more straightforward than for expressive ones. Moreover, depending onthe layout, atext font can serve todesign aheadline. Typing running text inany display font, however, isn’t anoption. Ifafont was initially designed for headings, it’s unlikely toreplace atext one.
Itturns out that almost any typeface can beexpressive. How doyou choose asuitable option, then? Let’s find out.
How tochoose agreat font for heading: Our recommendations
Selecting the best title font isasubjective process that isregulated bythe goals and objectives you set. Always choose the font with your specific project inmind, not just the one you like. Different projects require different fonts—there aren’t any standardized rules. Luckily, there are several criteria worth considering.
Aheadline font should:
- Suit your project’s style and convey the corresponding emotions and values;
- Bedifferent from your primary font toattract attention. The intensity ofthis difference depends onyour goals and objectives;
- Appear correctly onall devices. Agreat headline font istechnically well-crafted. Consider this criterion more carefully ifyou choose afree font.
How topair aheadline font with atext one?
Ifyou already have aprimary font and are looking for anexpressive one topair withit, orifyou are choosing acomplete font pair, wesuggest following the recommendations below.
- Choose typefaces that would match the aesthetics and style ofyour project;
- Determine each font’s role: one will beprimary, and another will beused toplace accents. First, find a«workhorse» and then anexpressive pair forit;
- Follow the principle ofmaximum contrast. The paired fonts should have the same idea but contrasting visuals.
Tolearn more about the principles ofmixing and pairing typefaces, you can read our article “UniversiTTy: Lesson 5. Choosing and Mixing Typefaces: Theory and Practice”.
The process ofpairing fonts can becompared tochoosing anoutfit. Suppose you are getting ready for anevent and put onsimple jeans asyour outfit’s base. Inyour font wardrobe, abasic sans serif like TTNorms® Pro will beyour jeans. Depending onhow you styleit, you can elevate this neutral typeface toamore formal level ormake itlook more relaxed.
Ifthe event’s dress code isformal and even alittle strict, you can pair your jeans with ablazer—and the overall mood ofthe outfit will shift tomore traditional. This jacket inthe font world isthe TTLivret Display serif. The elegance ofthis font contrasts with the simplicity ofTTNorms® Pro. However, the two typefaces look great together.
How touse the same typeface for texts and headings?
When resources are limited, you can use one typeface indifferent point sizes and weights for the main text and headings. Inthis case, you need agood text font that iscomfortable toread insmall point sizes and, atthe same time, looks unusual and creates the necessary amount ofcontrast when you add weight and increase point size.
TTNeoris isagreat example ofsuch atypeface. This modern basic Neo-Grotesque looks good inbig text blocks. Its bold font styles also perform nicely the role ofaheadline font. Besides, TTNeoris boasts quite captivating shapes that come alive inlarger point sizes.
Best fonts for headlines
Here, wemade alist ofheadline fonts crafted byTypeType and other studios. Inthis list, you will find various expressive fonts that can beused for newspaper, magazine, and online media headings, inwebsite header design, and inmany other projects.
TTEspina
TTEspina isacharming and eye-catching display serif. This typeface ismarked byhigh contrast, expressive serifs, and distinctive diamond-shaped bowls that make the font particularly captivating. This beautiful typeface will beagreat match for projects inthe domains ofart, beauty, ordecorative design. Any heading with TTEspina will turn out slightly mysterious and romantic.
TTRicks
Stylish, bold, and modern TTRicks isavibrant display serif. This typeface boasts acool character, narrow forms, high contrast, and attention-grabbing sharp serifs. TTRicks will harmonize with the environment where you want toemphasize boldness and add atouch ofrebellion.
TTMoons
TTMoons isanelegant Modern serif. It’s marked byhigh contrast, narrow proportions, and expressive but relatively calm character. This typeface isperfect for magazine layouts, book title pages, and newspaper layouts. Aheading ortitle inTTMoons will catch attention without being too fancy.
TTGeekette
TTGeekette isafriendly variable serif with fluid forms. Itwas created aspart ofanexperimental project, soit’s sounique. Ifyou are looking for astylish, unusual, and distinctive display font, TTGeekette isthe best option! This typeface isaperfect choice for printing and web design.
TTAlientz
Analien family TTAlientz includes asuper-expressive serif and asimpler sans serif that can beused asapair. TTAlientz Serif isadynamic, stretchy, and spiky font with anenigmatic character. It’s anexcellent match for projects that blend elements ofrational and irrational. This may bethe domains ofart, selective perfume, oresotericism. The typeface’s personality isalso quite cool and bold, soboth creative sides ofTTAlientz can beexperimented with.
TTPhobos
Adisplay serif TTPhobos ismarked byasoft and gentle nature. This typeface features fluid forms, medium contrast between bold and thin strokes, asymmetrical serifs, and counterclockwise rotation ofinner ovals. TTPhobos isanexcellent choice for various projects like home goods orconfectionery websites.
TTMarxiana Elzevier
TTMarxiana Elzevir was created aspart ofthe reconstruction project ofafont set used for the magazine called «Niva,» published inSaint-Petersburg during the late 19th toearly 20th century. This title orheadline font remains modern and versatile despite its historical roots. TTMarxiana Elzevir isaparticularly good choice for newspaper and magazine layouts, book design, and literature projects.
TTRicordi Allegria
TTRicordi Allegria draws inspiration from the remains ofplaques and inscriptions found within the Basilica diSanta Croce, Florence. This typeface isahigh-contrast sans with hyperbolically dynamic proportions, high contrast, and wedge-shaped stroke ends. Besides, itdoesn’t feature traditional serifs. TTRicordi Allegria will emphasize your project’s elegance and exquisiteness.
TTRicordi Greto
TTRicordi Greto isthe first sans serif inour selection. However, some ofthe Antiqua qualities and hints ofserfs remain inthis typeface. TTRicordi Greto isalso inspired byafloor plaque dating to1423, found within the Basilica diSanta Croce, Florence. Ablend ofhistorical features and contemporary visual solutions makes this typeface sodistinctive. TTRicordi Greto isaperfect font for magazine covers, poster headings, branding, and web design.
TTRicordi Marmo
One more serif from the TTRicordi collection, also inspired bythe remains ofinscriptions inBasilica diSanta Croce, Florence. This typeface boasts modernity and afree spirit—the features that make itneutral and unusual atthe same time. Due toits unique features, TTRicordi Marmo israther versatile and will work great inboth formal and informal projects.
Inaddition tothe list ofTypeType typefaces, here are some free and paid fonts for headings from other studios. This list features captivating and unusual fonts aswell asneutral options.
- Futura byLinotype
- Nexa Rust byFontfabric
- Bree Serif byType Together
- Proxima Nova byMark Simonson Studio
- Cooper Black byAdobe Originals
- Museo byexljbris
- Bodoni byParatype
- Gilroy byRadomir Tinkov
- Helvetica byLinotype
- ITC Avant Garde Gothic byITC
Go to catalog Thanks for your complete read-through!
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Enter it during checkout and get a 30% discount on any TypeType font.
Conclusion
Choosing afont for headings isalways apersonal process that depends entirely onyour project’s context. Inthis article, wecovered the main criteria ofheadline font selection and suggested some specific display typefaces. However, don’t beafraid tobreak the rules and experiment. Analyze other designers’ projects and avoid getting fixated onjust one way ofmixing typefaces, even ifitseems the best option for you. Only through this will you discover your unique style and learn tounderstand fonts!
