Combining typefaces

Combining typefaces is a vital aspect of your projects but it's a tool that is hard to master.

Generally, it is said that you should use no more than two fonts in your design. It is a good rule; but let me explain it—or better—enlarge it.

While working with text for an informational text block, similar to the one you are reading now, stick to it. You will express enough contrast and interest while staying balanced and the reader will not get distracted. They will follow the flow and understand the hierarchy of what they are reading.

However, as a designer, while typesetting you're not always working on a pure text block: you could be working with words on a packaging or on the web.

However, if you know enough about typography and your eyes are well trained (usually after years of visual research and of designing with attention) you can break the rules. You get energy only when mixing contrasting fonts, so why not add a third one to bring in a better balance between the two?

As a rule, you can combine fonts when: