Introduction

Typography is more than just choosing a pretty font—it’s a key element of print design that can make or break your materials. From business cards to brochures, the right typography ensures readability, style, and a professional look.

1. Choose the Right Font

• Use fonts that reflect the tone of your brand.

• Avoid using more than 2–3 fonts in one design.

• Serif fonts are ideal for printed body text, while sans-serif fonts work well for headings.

Example: A brochure for a law firm should use a clean serif font for professionalism, while a modern startup can go for bold sans-serif headings.

2. Focus on Font Pairing

• Pair fonts that complement each other—e.g., a bold headline with a simple body font.

• Use contrast in weight, style, or size to make the hierarchy clear.

• Tools like Google Fonts and Adobe Fonts can help find harmonious combinations.

3. Maintain Proper Hierarchy

• Headings, subheadings, and body text should have clear size differences.

• Use bold or italic styles sparingly to highlight important content.

• Proper hierarchy guides the reader’s eye through your design smoothly.

4. Pay Attention to Line Spacing (Leading)

• Avoid cramped text—ensure there’s enough spacing between lines.

• Proper leading improves readability and makes text feel open and inviting.

• In print, 120–145% of your font size is usually ideal.

5. Use White Space Wisely

• Don’t overcrowd your text—white space emphasizes important content.

• Margins and padding improve balance and focus in your design.

• Minimalist typography often has the strongest visual impact.

6. Mind Your Colors

• Ensure high contrast between text and background for readability.

• Stick to your brand palette but avoid low-contrast combinations.

• In print, CMYK color mode is essential for accurate color reproduction.

7. Test Before Printing

• Print a sample to check font size, spacing, and readability.

• Some fonts may look good on screen but appear too small or tight in print.

• Adjust before final production to avoid costly mistakes.

Conclusion

Typography is a powerful tool in print design. By carefully choosing fonts, pairing them wisely, and maintaining hierarchy and spacing, you can make your print materials visually stunning and highly effective. Remember: good typography is readability plus style—never sacrifice one for the other.