On my endless search for great free goodies and design resources, I always like to keep an eye on the world of typography. Luckily for us designers there are tons of typographers offering beautiful typefaces to download for free. As always, check the license on the typeface download. All the fonts featured here are available for personal use (such as on your own website), and many are open for commercial use, too.
Giro by Marcelo Magalhaes is available as “Normal” and “Light.” The font is modern and light.
League Gothic is a revival of an old classic, Alternate Gothic No.1, which was originally designed by Morris Fuller Benton for the American Type Founders Company (ATF) in 1903.
Quicksand is the first typeface made available for free by Alienbreed. Download it here.
Edelsans by Jacob Runge is an elegant and modern sans serif available in several weights.
Evolution by Paul W is a round and curvy true type font.
Vegur (site is in Japanese but the download button is in the bottom right corner under main image) available in Extra Light, Regular and Bold.
MISO is a gorgeous sans serif font. Download and read more here. The designer Mårten Nettelbladt describes it tongue in cheek as “a heavy duty typeface for the construction industry.”
Kilogram from Kalle Graphics is a strong stylized sans serif. It has a somewhat old fashioned feel but is quite distinctive and would make an eye catching heading.
Nevis is another strong “friendly but bold” font from Ten By Twenty. As recommended by the designers, this typeface looks really good in all caps. I love the retro feel of this sans serif typeface.
Code from Font Fabric is a beautiful, clean typeface suitable for all types of web and graphic design work.
Do you know of any great, free sans serif fonts you can add to this list? Share them with us!
Frequently Asked Questions about Sans Serif Fonts
What are the best free sans serif fonts available?
There are numerous free sans serif fonts available that are highly rated by designers. Some of the top ones include Open Sans, Roboto, Lato, Montserrat, and Source Sans Pro. These fonts are known for their clean lines and excellent readability, making them ideal for both print and digital designs.
How can I download and install these free fonts?
Most free font websites provide a download button for each font. Once downloaded, you can install the font by opening the file and clicking on the ‘install’ button. Some operating systems may require you to manually add the font file to your fonts folder.
Can I use these free fonts for commercial projects?
Many free fonts are available for both personal and commercial use. However, it’s important to check the license of each font before using it in commercial projects. Some fonts may require a donation or a purchase for commercial use.
What is the difference between a serif and a sans serif font?
The main difference between these two types of fonts is that serif fonts have small lines or strokes attached to the ends of larger strokes in a letter or symbol, while sans serif fonts do not.
Why should I use sans serif fonts?
Sans serif fonts are known for their clean and modern look. They are easy to read on screens, making them a popular choice for web design. They also work well in bold or large text.
How can I pair sans serif fonts?
Pairing fonts is an art and can greatly enhance your design. A common practice is to pair a sans serif font with a serif font to create contrast. However, two different sans serif fonts can also make a great pair if they complement each other well.
Can I use multiple sans serif fonts in one design?
Yes, you can use multiple sans serif fonts in one design. However, it’s important to maintain balance and harmony. Too many different fonts can make your design look cluttered and confusing.
What are web safe sans serif fonts?
Web safe fonts are fonts that are pre-installed on many devices. This means that when you use these fonts, most people will see your content as you intended. Some web safe sans serif fonts include Arial, Verdana, and Helvetica.
How can I preview a sans serif font before downloading it?
Most free font websites allow you to preview a font before downloading it. You can enter your own text and see how it looks in the chosen font.
Are there any trending sans serif fonts?
Font trends change over time, but some sans serif fonts like Futura, Helvetica, and Proxima Nova have remained popular over the years. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on design trends to stay updated.
Jennifer FarleyJennifer Farley is a designer, illustrator and design instructor based in Ireland. She writes about design and illustration on her blog at Laughing Lion Design.
