You're struggling to make your presentations look professional. What typography tools should you use?

1 Font selection

When it comes to typography, the first step is to pick a font that matches your content and tone. You can opt for the default fonts in your presentation software or explore other options online such as Google Fonts, Font Squirrel, or DaFont. When deciding on a font, you should consider legibility, style, and contrast. The font should be easy to read from a distance and on different devices, and it should reflect your brand identity, your topic, and your audience. Additionally, the font should be distinct from the background and other elements on your slide; use colors, sizes, and weights that create enough contrast and hierarchy.

2 Font pairing

Combining two or more fonts together can add variety and interest to your presentation, as well as emphasize different points or sections. However, font pairing can be tricky; some fonts may clash or compete with each other. To help you pair fonts, use fonts from the same family, as many fonts come with different variants that can create contrast and harmony within the same font family. Additionally, use fonts with similar proportions, as this will create a balanced and consistent look. You can use tools like FontPair or TypeWolf for this purpose. Lastly, use fonts with complementary moods to create a dynamic and expressive look. Avoid fonts that are too different or conflicting; FontJoy and Canva are useful tools to find fonts with complementary moods.

3 Font formatting

Finishing off your typography entails adjusting the settings and details of your fonts to optimize their appearance and readability. You can use the formatting tools in presentation software or online tools like Typetester or FontStruct to customize your fonts. For example, you can adjust the size of your font to ensure it is large enough for your audience to see clearly, but not too large that it overwhelms your slide. A general rule of thumb is to use at least 24 points for body text and 36 points for headings. Additionally, you can play around with the kerning, tracking, and leading options to adjust the spacing and alignment of your text, as well as use the bold, italic, underline, or strike-through options to highlight or modify your text. Finally, you can use color, shadow, or outline options to create contrast or effects. All in all, typography is a powerful tool that can improve the professionalism and appeal of your presentations. By using the font selection, pairing, and formatting tools mentioned here, you can create slides that effectively communicate your message and connect with your audience.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?