Typography is the backbone of interface design. It's not just about choosing a typeface — it's about building a system of relationships between sizes, weights, and spacing that create a clear visual hierarchy.

Understanding Scale Ratios

A well-chosen type scale creates natural visual steps. The major third (1.250) and perfect fourth (1.333) are popular choices for their balance between distinction and harmony. Each step should feel intentionally different, yet part of a cohesive whole.

"Good typography is invisible. Great typography is unforgettable."

Weight as Visual Emphasis

Font weight isn't just bold or regular — it's a spectrum of emphasis. Use weight shifts to create focal points without disrupting the reading flow. A semi-bold subheading paired with regular body text creates just enough contrast.

Practical Guidelines

Limit your scale to 6–8 distinct sizes. Assign each a clear semantic role: display, heading, subheading, body, caption, and overline. This constraint breeds creativity and consistency across your entire product.

Line height matters as much as font size. Headings benefit from tighter leading (1.1–1.2), while body copy needs room to breathe (1.5–1.7). The relationship between these values is what creates readable, elegant layouts.