Fonts are just fonts.
Sure, they look nice, but there’s nothing all that special or important about them, right?
Think again.
There is far more behind fonts than a simple matter of typography.
They have the power to make content fun or serious, playful or straight-laced; they give hints as to what the reader can expect next, like a helpful guidebook, a friendly voice, or a clearly marked path.
But they can also do the opposite.
For users with visual impairments, dyslexia, or cognitive challenges, the wrong typeface can turn simple letters and numbers into impenetrable barriers.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at why fonts matter, how to choose the most accessible fonts, and how to implement them effectively in your digital content.
Choosing the right font isn’t just a matter of aesthetics; it’s also about being inclusive.
Fonts can influence how easily content is perceived, understood, and navigated – and when chosen thoughtfully, typography supports accessibility for people with diverse needs.
Typography affects legibility, comprehension, and fatigue. So when you choose an inaccessible font, you can create significant barriers to understanding – even when the content itself is well written and accessible.
Here’s why it matters:
💡 But remember, accessibility isn’t just about contrast ratios. Learn how to design for everyone with iubenda’s Accessibility Solution.
So what actually makes a font accessible?
While aesthetic preferences vary, certain characteristics consistently enhance the readability for all users. These traits reduce cognitive strain and help prevent misreading:
There’s an ongoing debate in the design world about serif vs. sans-serif fonts. But when it comes to accessibility, one type generally comes out on top.
Sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica are generally easier to read on screens.
Serif fonts can work in print or headings, but may reduce legibility for users with dyslexia or low vision.
Sans-serif is the best choice for body text. You can still use serif, but sparingly – and make sure you test thoroughly.
Certain fonts are widely recognized for their clarity and readability. They’re frequently used in inclusive design because they work well across devices and are familiar to users.
A good tip is to test font rendering across devices, as some system fonts vary in performance.
For users with dyslexia and other cognitive conditions, specially designed fonts can make a big difference. They can improve comprehension and reduce frustration, vastly improving their experience with your site.
These typefaces use unique visual cues to make each letter more distinct.
These fonts use visual strategies like heavier bottoms, wider spacing, and unique shapes to reduce people’s cognitive load and make everything much easier to understand.
Typography is also about how you present your typefaces – with key aspects like size, spacing, and formatting all influencing readability.
Here’s how to get it right:
It’s also a good idea to use relative units (em/rem) for flexibility and avoid fixed pixel sizes on responsive layouts.
Let’s be honest, some fonts just look great. Whether that’s in a brand deck, on a presentation, or across your site.
But the issue is that these can also seriously hinder readability online.
When accessibility is the goal, steer clear of these common culprits:
Not sure if your font choices are up to scratch?
Here’s how to assess them in a practical, user-focused way:
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) include several checkpoints that relate directly to typography.
These help you make sure your content remains clear and readable in diverse contexts.
You can take a look at the WCAG guidelines and the specific clauses above by visiting their website here.
Discover how iubenda simplifies accessibility right here.
Even though it may not be the first thing to spring to mind, typography really does shape the reading experience.
By making smart, accessible choices – from font selection to spacing and formatting – you can create content that works for more people, more of the time.
And when your content and site are more accessible, this doesn’t just benefit those with additional needs – it creates a more rounded, streamlined experience for everyone who visits your site.
An accessible font is designed to improve readability through clear letterforms, ample spacing, and high legibility across digital and print formats.
Generally speaking, yes. Sans-serif fonts are easier to read on screens due to their clean, simple shapes.
Fonts like OpenDyslexic, Lexend, and Atkinson Hyperlegible are specifically designed to support dyslexic readers.
At least 16px for body text is recommended to meet accessibility guidelines.
Use tools like WAVE or axe DevTools and perform user testing with people who have diverse needs.
Some say yes due to its uneven shapes, but it’s also polarizing and often considered unprofessional.
Avoid cursive, decorative, and condensed fonts that reduce legibility.
Absolutely. Clear, consistent fonts reduce cognitive strain and make reading easier.
Most web-safe fonts do. Be sure to test font rendering across different platforms.
iubenda’s Accessibility Solution can help you fix the most common accessibility issues in just minutes.