How to Choose Fonts for Headlines

Your headlines must draw readers to your text, so they should be attractive as well as compelling. An appropriate font can pull someone's eyes to your content.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a font that is legible for all readers. Since headline type is larger than text and contains only a few words, a san serif type such as Helvetica or Arial will do the job. Serif fonts like Times New Roman, Century Schoolbook or Book Antiqua work well for text.

2. Make the standard Times New Roman font mandatory for your headlines when you first publish articles or produce a website. By using a standard font, you won't waste time contemplating font choices. Times New Roman gives a more traditional look to your publication. You can get fancier as you gain experience.

3. Grab the readers' attention with your headline by using the style function. Underline your headline, put it in boldface or add italics for more emphasis.

4. Use a fancy font or more radical one when it is appropriate - for an advertisement, a blog or a stylish piece of writing geared torward a more radical demographic, such as an independent movie review.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to download a font that is non-traditional, let someone read the final product to make sure it is legible.
• For headlines, avoid script fonts or those with cutsie characters in the letters. Both are more difficult to read than standard headline fonts.