Fonts are not just about design—they affect how people read, understand, and interact with your content. Choosing accessible fonts makes a website easier to use for people with disabilities and creates a better experience for all visitors. When your text is readable, users stay longer, engage more, and your site becomes more professional.
Why Accessible Fonts Are Important for Websites
Accessible fonts benefit both readers and website owners. They help:
- People with low vision read comfortably.
- Screen reader users access text easily.
- People with reading difficulties or learning disabilities focus better.
For site owners, accessible fonts improve usability, search engine optimization (SEO), and user satisfaction.
Simple Font Accessibility Guidelines for Web Designers
Here are some easy-to-follow font accessibility guidelines:
Use Real Text Instead of Images for Accessibility
Always write text directly on the site. Text in images cannot be resized, read by screen readers, or translated by assistive tools.
Choose Readable and Accessible Fonts for Better UX
Stick with easy-to-read fonts such as Arial, Verdana, or Calibri. Avoid decorative or overly stylish fonts, as they can make reading difficult.
Keep Font Styles Limited for Accessibility and Clarity
Using more than two or three fonts makes a site look cluttered. A simple and consistent font style improves readability and keeps your design professional.
Ensure Text and Background Contrast for Readability
Your text should clearly stand out from the background.
- Good example: Black text on a white background.
- Bad example: Dark red text on a black background.
Use Accessible Font Sizes for Better Readability
Small text strains the eyes. Body text should be at least 16px for most readers.
Avoid Using Bold or Italic for Meaning in Accessibility
Screen readers often do not announce bold or italic text. If something is important, highlight it with:
- Clear headings.
- Short labels like “Note” or “Important.”
- Extra explanation instead of only styling.
Don’t Depend on Font Style or Color Alone for Meaning
If you want to show importance or an error, use clear words or symbols, not just color or italics. Example: Instead of writing only in red, say: “Error: Please fill in this field.”
Avoid Flashing or Scrolling Text for Accessibility
Blinking or scrolling text is distracting and can cause accessibility barriers for people with cognitive or visual challenges.
Best and Most Readable Fonts for Accessibility
Recommended accessible fonts include:
- Arial
- Verdana
- Tahoma
- Helvetica
- Calibri
Serif vs. Sans-Serif Fonts: Which Is More Accessible?
- Sans-serif fonts (like Arial and Verdana) are easier to read on screens.
- Serif fonts (like Georgia or Times New Roman) work better in printed materials.
Accessibility Tips for Common Fonts
- Verdana: Very clear and readable, but it uses more space.
- Tahoma: Compact and easy to read, but may feel tight in long texts.
- Georgia: A serif font that is softer and easier to read than Times New Roman.
Avoid All Caps for Better Screen Reader Accessibility
Screen readers may misread ALL CAPS. For example, “CONTACT US” could be read as “Contact U.S.” Instead, write text normally and use headings or labels for emphasis.
How Contrast Affects Font Readability and Accessibility
Contrast is how much text stands out against the background.
Good contrast examples:
- Black text on white or yellow background.
- Yellow text on black background.
Poor contrast examples:
- Maroon text on black background.
- Light gray text on a white background.
High contrast makes reading easier for people with low vision and benefits everyone in bright or dim lighting.
Latest 2025 Accessibility Font Guidelines for Websites
- Responsive font sizing: Use relative units like em or rem instead of fixed pixels so text scales across different devices.
- Line spacing: Keep line height between 1.5 to 2 for easier reading, especially for dyslexic users.
- Avoid justified text: Left-align paragraphs to prevent uneven spacing that can confuse readers.
- Letter spacing: Use at least 0.12em spacing between characters and 0.16em between words for people with dyslexia.
- Dark mode compatibility: Make sure your text remains readable when users switch to dark mode.
- User preference settings: Allow font customization (size, spacing, and type) so people can adapt text to their own needs.
Let Users Customize Font Settings for Accessibility
Allow users to adjust font size and color settings. This is especially helpful for people with low vision, dyslexia, or other reading difficulties. Giving control shows respect for user needs and keeps them engaged.
Final Accessibility Tips for Fonts and Readability
- Use simple and clear fonts like Arial or Verdana.
- Keep text large enough to read comfortably (at least 16px).
- Maintain strong color contrast between text and background.
- Avoid decorative fonts, flashing text, and too much capitalization.
- Do not depend on bold or italic for importance.
- Give users options to change fonts and colors for better accessibility.
By following these accessibility best practices, you create content that is easy to read, inclusive, and user-friendly. Accessible fonts not only support people with disabilities but also help website owners improve engagement, SEO, and overall site performance.