Mobile Typography
Introduction
Typography in mobile app development is crucial for enhancing user experience. It involves the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and visually appealing on mobile devices. This lesson covers key concepts, best practices, and code examples to help you implement effective typography in your mobile applications.
Key Concepts
1. Font Size and Scale
Font size should be legible on various screen sizes. A common practice is to use a base font size of 16px for body text.
2. Line Spacing
Line spacing (leading) should enhance readability. A common recommendation is 1.5 times the font size.
3. Contrast
Ensure text contrasts well with the background. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text is recommended for accessibility.
4. Font Families
Choose font families that are easy to read. San-serif fonts are often preferred for mobile due to their clean appearance.
Best Practices
- Use a maximum of two to three font types in your app.
- Maintain a consistent typographic hierarchy (headings, subheadings, body text).
- Utilize responsive typography techniques for varying screen sizes.
- Test your typography on multiple devices to ensure legibility and aesthetics.
Code Examples
CSS Typography Example
body {
font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif;
font-size: 16px;
line-height: 1.5;
color: #333;
}
h1, h2, h3 {
font-family: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
color: #007bff;
}
p {
margin-bottom: 1em;
}
Responsive Font Size Example
@media (max-width: 600px) {
body {
font-size: 14px;
}
}
FAQ
What is the best font size for mobile applications?
The recommended base font size is 16px, which is generally legible on most mobile devices.
How can I ensure my typography is accessible?
Maintain a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text, use legible font sizes, and avoid overly decorative fonts.
Should I use web fonts or system fonts?
Using system fonts can improve performance while web fonts offer more design flexibility. Choose based on your app's needs.