How to choose a font for your website:
We recommend using Google fonts as these are readily accessible and free to use. When selecting a font, avoid decorative fonts as these can be difficult to read. The font you choose should be legible and accessible. We also recommend having a maximum of two fonts, one for headings and one for the body text on your website. There is an exception as you could include a Microsoft font for emails and company documentation as Microsoft has specific fonts that it supports, so it will not provide support for Google fonts.
What is font licensing?
Fonts have been designed by someone, similar to an image or a painting. Obtaining a font license allows you to legally use a particular font for a specific purpose. If your business uses a font without a licence, then the owner of the font can make a claim that their font is being used unlawfully. When selecting a font, it’s important to understand what type of licence you need depending on what you are using the font for.
How do I know if I need a font licence?
When using any font, a licence is required. In some cases, fonts can be free because they are covered by an open source licence such as the SIL Open Font Licence. Google fonts use this meaning that the fonts can be redistributed following the conditions of the licence. When using any font, make sure you review the terms so you’re following the conditions set out in the licence. If the font is not specified as being under an open font licence, then you need a licence to use it.
What are the most popular types of font licence?
SIL open font licence:
This is the font licence that Google uses for its fonts and allows a user to access the font for any purpose.
Web font licence:
This permits the use of a font on a website. These licences are usually supported by all browsers. These licences can have usage limits, but these will be specified in the licence.
Desktop and print licence:
This is a font licence that allows you to install fonts to a computer for use for print and images.
How do obtain a font licence?
If you want to use a font that is not covered by an open font licence, obtaining a licence can be tricky. You need to identify the owner of the font which is usually an organisation and they will have a process to request a licence for the font that you would like to use. Companies like Adobe provide font licences with their software. There are also companies such as TypeType who can provide licences for different fonts. Font licences can vary in price depending on the length of the licence and what you would like to use the font for.
How can Hydra help with font licensing?
Hydra has an experienced design team that regularly uses a range of different fonts and have a strong understanding of font licences and how they work. Our team can advise on any font licences you need for your website, making the process easier and providing peace of mind for your business.
If you would like to find out more about how we can help you choose fonts and obtain font licences for your website, please get in touch with our expert team today.
