Let’s face it: 80% of websites are just text. Whether you’re coding a landing page or tweaking a blog layout, nailing typography can turn a wall of words into a smooth, easy-to-follow experience, and the best part? You don’t need to be a pro to make your text visually appealing. Let’s break it down.

The Four Variables

Forget complicated design theories, great text hierarchy boils down to four simple adjustments:

1. Font size: Think of this as your volume knob. Bigger text shouts “Look here!” while smaller text whispers, “Read me later.”
2. Font weight: Thin fonts fade into the background; bold ones shout from the rooftops. Most fonts offer weights from 100 (barely there) to 900 (heavyweight champ).
3. Line height: Your text’s breathing room – too tight feels suffocating, while too loose makes it harder to follow.
4. Letter spacing: Adjust space between characters to improve clarity. Tight spacing unites bold headlines; loose spacing lets small text breathe.

Pro tip: 16px is the baseline for comfortable reading.

These four variables work best when balanced. Follow this simple rule: large, bold text pairs with tighter letter spacing and snug line spacing, while smaller text benefits from relaxed letter spacing and increased line height. This contrast creates clear visual hierarchy without sacrificing readability, guiding readers through your content effortlessly.

Font types

Every font has a personality, and choosing the right one can reflect a brand’s unique persona.

• Serif fonts bring timeless elegance, making them perfect for traditional brands, articles, or blogs.
• Sans-serif fonts are clean and modern, ideal for buttons and paragraphs. They’ve become the go-to choice for most websites.
• Monospace fonts aren’t just for code editors—they’re great for adding a subtle retro or tech-inspired vibe when used sparingly.

For most websites, using a single sans-serif typeface like Inter, Raleway, or Source Sans Pro is enough. Tools like Typescale can help in determining how to adjust type for headings and body text.

Font Pairing

For a more delightful experience, font pairing can be used—typically combining two font styles, such as a serif for titles and a sans-serif for body text. This enhances the visual appeal of a website, but it’s important to choose fonts carefully to ensure they complement each other and maintain readability.