Typography is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of mobile app design. The way text is presented affects how users engage with an app, whether they find it easy to navigate, and even how they perceive the brand. In this guide, we’ll break down why typography matters, how to choose the right fonts, and practical tips to improve readability, hierarchy, and user experience.

Why Typography Matters in Mobile Apps

Think about how much text you interact with in apps—menus, buttons, notifications, articles, chat screens. Since text is the primary way users interact with apps, getting typography right is essential for creating an intuitive and user-friendly experience.

Typography isn’t just about picking a nice font; it affects:

• Readability – Can users scan and understand the text easily?
• User Experience (UX) – Does the text guide users smoothly through the app?
• Brand Identity – Does the font align with the brand’s style and personality?
• Accessibility – Can all users, including those with visual impairments, interact with the text?

With these points in mind, let’s dive into how to make typography work in mobile design.

Choosing the Right Typography for Mobile Apps

1. Font Selection: Serif or Sans Serif?

When choosing a font, clarity and readability should come first. Most mobile apps use sans-serif fonts like San Francisco (Apple) or Roboto (Google) because they are clean and easy to read on screens. However, serif fonts can work well for certain brands looking for a more traditional or elegant feel.

2. Font Size: How Small is Too Small?

One of the biggest challenges in mobile design is making sure text is readable on different screen sizes. A minimum font size of 12px (or 11pt on iOS) is recommended for body text, but larger sizes (14–16px) improve readability, especially for content-heavy apps.

For hierarchy:

• Headings: Larger (18–24px) and bolder for emphasis.
• Subheadings: Medium-sized (16–18px) to create structure.
• Body Text: Standard (14–16px) for easy reading.

3. Hierarchy and Balance

Good typography guides users naturally through an app by making important information stand out. Use bold or larger fonts for headlines, and ensure spacing between elements makes the layout easy to scan.

For example:

• News apps emphasize text, making headlines more prominent.
• Social media apps prioritize images, keeping text subtle.

4. Spacing and Line Length

Proper spacing helps improve readability and reduces eye strain. Aim for:

• Line height: 1.4–1.6x the font size for comfortable reading.
• Line length: 50–75 characters per line for better scanning.
• Whitespace: Adequate spacing between text elements to avoid clutter.

5. Color Contrast for Readability

High-contrast text ensures readability in different lighting conditions. A safe approach is:

• Dark text on a light background (best for readability).
• Light text on a dark background (works well for night modes but requires higher contrast).
• Avoid pure black on pure white, as it can cause eye strain.

6. Scalability Across Devices

Apps must be responsive across different screen sizes. Instead of using fixed font sizes, design with relative units (em, rem, or percentages) so typography scales naturally on various devices.

Accessibility: Designing for Everyone

An often overlooked aspect of typography is accessibility. Many users have visual impairments, so it’s important to:

• Use system fonts that integrate with built-in accessibility features.
• Ensure sufficient color contrast for colorblind users.
• Allow text resizing so users can adjust font size in settings.
• Provide alternative text for non-text elements, like images and icons.

By following these principles, your app will be more inclusive and user-friendly.

Typography’s Role in Branding and Consistency

Typography is an essential part of a brand’s identity. Consistency in font choice, size, and style across all app screens helps create a cohesive and professional look.

For example:

• A tech startup might use a modern sans-serif font like Inter or Montserrat.
• A luxury brand may opt for a refined serif font like Playfair Display.
• A fun, creative app might use rounded, playful typefaces.

Whatever font you choose, ensure it aligns with the brand’s personality.

Final Thoughts: Why Typography Deserves More Attention

Typography is more than just picking a font—it shapes the entire app experience. By using clear, readable, and well-structured text, you make it easier for users to navigate, interact, and enjoy your app.

Need Expert Help with App Design?

At Code With Design, we specialize in creating intuitive and visually stunning mobile apps with typography that enhances user experience. Our team ensures that your app’s text is not only beautiful but also functional, accessible, and aligned with your brand identity.

Ready to elevate your app design? contact us