Understanding Variable Fonts: The Future of Typography
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Variable Fonts
Variable fonts represent an innovative approach to typography, fundamentally changing how designers interact with font styles. This technology, although introduced in 2016, has gained traction recently, notably highlighted by Figma’s announcement at the Config 2022 conference.
In the past two weeks, I dedicated time to explore this technology, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned.
What Are Variable Fonts?
Variable fonts are a unique typographic technology that allows multiple variations within a single font file. Traditionally, designers had to download separate files for each weight—like Light, Regular, and Bold. However, variable fonts consolidate these variations into one file, offering greater flexibility in design.
How Variable Fonts Function
Variable fonts utilize five primary axes that dictate their variations:
- Weight Axis: This axis defines the font's weight, providing a range from 1 to 999, vastly expanding options compared to the traditional nine weights.
- Width Axis: Designers can adjust the letter widths to suit their needs.
- Slant Axis: This controls the slant of the letters.
- Italic Axis: This determines whether the font is in Italic style.
- Optical Size Axis: This axis helps manage optical distortion for different text sizes, enhancing legibility in various contexts.
Additionally, some fonts feature custom axes, like the Recursive font, which includes a casual axis for a more relaxed visual style.
Benefits of Using Variable Fonts
- Single Font File: All variations are contained in one file, simplifying file management.
- Faster Loading: Websites and applications benefit from quicker load times due to the reduced number of files.
- Enhanced Control: Designers gain more precise control over typography, enhancing both aesthetics and accessibility.
Are Variable Fonts the Future?
Given their numerous advantages, variable fonts are increasingly integrated into design tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma. I believe this trend will continue, as more designers recognize the value of this technology.
Can You Still Use Traditional Font Styles?
Yes, traditional styles such as Regular and Bold remain available, ensuring ease of use for designers who prefer conventional options.
Current Availability of Variable Fonts
A wide array of variable fonts can be found on platforms like Google Fonts, including popular choices like Open Sans, Roboto Flex, Montserrat, and Raleway.
Browser Support for Variable Fonts
Most modern browsers, including Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Opera, support variable fonts. However, it's wise for developers to include static font alternatives for compatibility.
Experimenting with Variable Fonts
To get a feel for variable fonts, you can explore several websites:
- Variable Fonts
- Google Fonts
- Font Playground
Where Variable Fonts Are Most Useful
Variable fonts are particularly beneficial for certain design roles:
- UI Designers: They can fine-tune the visual aspects of interfaces, especially in adapting styles for different themes.
- Product and UX Designers: While not as critical for these roles due to established design systems, they can still utilize variable fonts for specific projects.
- Graphic and Marketing Designers: These professionals will likely appreciate the extensive options for creative typography.
In summary, variable fonts offer significant advantages for designers focused on visual elements, enhancing both their creativity and effectiveness.
How to Use Variable Fonts in Figma
- Select a Variable Font: Choose a variable font from the Figma font list, such as Inter or Open Sans. To discover more options, visit Google Fonts and filter for variable fonts.
- Open the Variable Fonts Panel: Click on the three dots near the alignment buttons and select the variable fonts option to access all available adjustments.
Pro Tips:
- Any chosen font weight will automatically be added to the weight list.
- Tick marks indicate standard font weights, assisting in selecting between styles.
Examples of Unique Variable Fonts
Some fonts use their variants for creative expression rather than traditional readability:
- Line Font by Dmitry IV: This font features two axes for width and weight, resembling a wave.
- Wave Font by Dmitry IV: This design mimics sound waves, adjustable through three axes.
- Adobe Blank VF & Friends: This block-like font allows control over weight and height.
Resources for Further Learning
I found the following resources invaluable in understanding variable fonts:
- Office Hours: Variable Fonts in Figma
- What are Variable Fonts? by Typography.Guru
- The Performance Benefits of Variable Fonts by Mandy Michael
- Get Started with Variable Fonts by Richard Rutter
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope it has provided you with a clearer understanding of variable fonts and their applications. Feel free to share this with your peers, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!
The first video titled "Variable Fonts Explained" dives into the concept and advantages of variable fonts, providing a comprehensive overview for designers.
The second video, "How to Get Started with Variable Fonts," offers practical guidance for implementing variable fonts in your design projects.