A typography system is a defined set of typefaces, size relationships, weights and spacing rules that governs how text is presented across all brand communications. It brings structure, hierarchy and consistency to the way your brand looks in words.
Most brands use one to three typefaces. A common approach is a primary typeface for headlines, a secondary typeface for body copy and, where needed, an accent typeface for specific applications. More than three typefaces usually undermines visual coherence.
Yes. Most professional typefaces require a licence for commercial use, and different licences are required for print, web, app and broadcast applications. Font licensing is a legal requirement and is reviewed as part of any typography project.
Web fonts are fonts delivered via the internet to render correctly in browsers. If a brand’s chosen typeface isn’t available as a web font, a close substitute must be specified for digital use or a self-hosted version configured. This is an important technical consideration when selecting brand typefaces.
Free fonts from sources like Google Fonts are legitimate, properly licensed and suitable for many applications. They may lack the range of weights and styles that a premium typeface offers, but for many businesses they’re entirely fit for purpose.
Typographic hierarchy is the visual ordering of content — using size, weight, colour and spacing to make it clear what is most important and guide the reader’s eye through a piece of communication in the intended order.
The same typefaces can often be used in both, but the sizes, weights and spacing that work in print don’t always translate directly to screen. Good typography guidelines address both contexts specifically.
Discontinued or poorly supported typefaces are a common problem, particularly for older brands. A typography project can identify a suitable replacement and manage the transition across brand applications.
Significantly. Typeface choice communicates personality — a serif suggests heritage and authority, a geometric sans-serif feels modern and precise, a humanist typeface feels approachable. The right typeface reinforces your brand positioning without a word being read.
Yes. A comprehensive typography system includes guidance on how the typefaces and hierarchy are applied in all key formats — including presentations, documents, social graphics and web pages, not just print collateral.