Preferred Fonts
Font usage in Pressbooks is dictated by the default theme choice. In the ODS, we typically use the Malala Theme for business-related subjects and the Jacobs Theme for most other projects.
- The default font for the Jacobs Theme is Montserrat.
- The default font for the Malala Theme: Headings are set in Raleway, and the body type is set in Encode Sans (for the webbook and ebook exports) or EB Garamond (for PDF exports).
Of course, a different theme may sometimes be used for a special project, or we may apply custom coding to alter the text font. For accessibility, we try to remain consistent with using fonts throughout a project, including custom code to match the book’s text in a table when using the latex plugin. Refer to our team members for help if you create a table using latex to ensure appropriate font.
Font Use When Creating Graphics
Typically, when it is a Fanshawe branded project, we use the Gotham Font set (and its variations, such as Gotham Medium, Gotham Bold, etc.) for images with text-based content. Note: Gotham is a proprietary paid font, so any equivalent will also do, where appropriate. Ask a member of the ODS team if you do not have access to the Gotham Font pack.
For All Other Graphic Work
We always consider accessibility and readability for graphics that are going into a Pressbook, so using San Serif fonts is best. Good accessible font types have a certain level of legibility, including good height, width, and thickness (UNC Greensborough 2024); typically, Arial, Arimo, Calabri, or Montserrat variations will work, especially if the graphic contains informational text, such as graphs, charts, or process flows.
Fonts on the “Highly Recommended” list below are among the highest-rated regarding readability, legibility, and availability.
Fonts on the “Other Acceptable Accessible Fonts” list below are accessible and acceptable but may be slightly less readable, legible, and/or available for some users.
Accessible Font Suggestions
Below is a list of highly recommended fonts for accessibility:
- Verdana (sans serif)—used by many accessibility sites
- Tahoma (sans serif)
- Arial (sans serif)
- Georgia (serif)—UNCG brand body font
- Palatino (serif)—UNCG brand body font
- Lucida Sans (sans serif—Windows)/Lucida Grande (sans serif—Mac)
- Book Antiqua (serif)
- Helvetica (sans serif)
Other Acceptable Fonts:
- Andika (sans serif)—great for print disabilities; free download available
- Calibri (sans serif)
- Century Gothic (sans serif)
- Trebuchet MS (sans serif)
- Times New Roman
- Garamond (sans serif)
- Bookman Old Style (serif)
Of course, use your best judgment if the graphic is a decorative item, a company logo, or part of a specialized project. Simply put, it has to be readable and pleasant to the eye.
“Making design elements accessible” from Accessibility Resources at UNCG. UNC Greensboro. Copyright ©2024 UNC Greensboro. All rights reserved.
