Saying it clearly: what is the best font for signage?

In today’s fast-paced world, effective signage plays a crucial role in capturing attention and conveying information quickly.

Font appeal

In this blog, we reveal the top five attention-grabbing fonts, along with tips on point size, colour, and design to help your business stand out from the crowd.

• Impact:

Impact is a bold and assertive font that demands attention. With its thick and heavy strokes, it effectively grabs viewers’ eyes from a distance. Impact is widely recognized and commonly used for outdoor signage, as it can be read easily even from a distance. It works exceptionally well when used sparingly, such as for headlines or important information that needs to stand out. When using Impact, opt for larger reference point sizes, preferably between 60-100 points, to maintain legibility. For maximum impact, pair Impact with contrasting colours, such as black on a bright background.

• Helvetica:

Helvetica is a timeless font that exudes professionalism and simplicity. Its clean and straightforward design makes it versatile for various types of signage. The simplicity of Helvetica makes it easy to read, especially for longer texts or detailed information. Use reference point sizes between 40-80 points, depending on the viewing distance and available space. For colour, opt for high contrast between the font and background to ensure legibility.

• Bangers:

If you’re aiming for a fun and attention-grabbing vibe, Bangers is the font for you. It features bold and exaggerated letterforms that create a playful and energetic impression. Bangers works exceptionally well for signage related to children’s events, entertainment venues, or any environment where a lively atmosphere is desired. Use larger reference point sizes ranging from 60-100 points to enhance visibility. To complement Bangers’ vibrancy, experiment with bright and bold colour combinations to make your signage truly pop.

• Bebas Neue:

Bebas Neue is a modern and trendy font known for its strong, geometric shapes and tall letterforms. It commands attention and works particularly well for urban-themed signage, street art, or establishments aiming for a contemporary aesthetic. Bebas Neue stands out when used in larger sizes, preferably ranging from 80-120 points, to maintain legibility. Pair it with contrasting colours, such as white on a dark background, to create a visually striking impact.

• Brush Script:

For a more artistic and expressive touch, Brush Script offers a hand-drawn feel that adds warmth and personality to your signage. Its flowing and organic strokes give a sense of creativity and elegance. Brush Script is often used for boutique shops, cafes, or businesses aiming to evoke a personal and welcoming atmosphere. Reference point sizes between 40-80 points work well for maintaining legibility, and using colours that complement your brand’s palette can help create a cohesive design.

When it comes to creating impactful signage, font selection plays a vital role. Our top five attention-grabbing fonts —Impact, Helvetica, Bangers, Bebas Neue, and Brush Script—each offer a distinct style to suit different branding purposes.

Remember to choose reference point sizes that ensure legibility from the intended viewing distance.

Additionally, carefully consider colour combinations and design elements that enhance the font’s impact and align with your overall marketing strategy. By combining these factors effectively, you can create signage that captivates attention and leaves a lasting impression on your target audience.

If you’re as interested as we are in the psychology of typefaces, read on for our deep dive into their fascinating history.

Fonts have a rich story dating back to the invention of writing systems:

• Gutenberg Printing Press:

  The most significant printing milestone was the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century. Gutenberg’s invention revolutionised the production of books and made mass printing possible. He introduced movable type, where individual characters could be rearranged and reused, allowing for the efficient creation of multiple copies. Gutenberg’s typeset used a blackletter font, like Gothic calligraphy, which was prevalent during that time.

• Old Style and Transitional Fonts:

  In the 16th century, typefaces evolved to incorporate more humanistic elements. The Old Style fonts emerged, inspired by the handwriting of Italian scribes. These fonts featured moderate contrast between thick and thin strokes and had diagonal stress. They aimed to emulate the proportions and forms found in classical Roman inscriptions.

• Transitional type:

  In the 18th century, the Transitional fonts appeared, marking a transition from the Old Style to the more refined and structured fonts of the Modern era. Transitional fonts, such as Baskerville and Times New Roman, had sharper serifs, increased contrast, and a more vertical stress.

• Modern Fonts:

  The 19th century witnessed the rise of Modern fonts, characterised by high contrast between thick and thin strokes, vertical stress, and fine hairline serifs. Typeface designers like Bodoni and Didot pushed the limits of letterforms, creating elegant and dramatic fonts that emphasised geometric precision.

• Sans-Serif and Display Fonts:

  In the early 19th century, sans-serif fonts started gaining popularity. Sans-serif typefaces, such as Helvetica and Arial, do not have the small decorative strokes at the ends of letters (serifs). They became associated with modernity, clarity, and simplicity, finding extensive use in advertising, signage, and digital media.

Display fonts emerged in the 1950s to fulfil the need for attention-grabbing and decorative typefaces for headlines, logos, and posters. These fonts pushed creative boundaries, incorporating various styles, such as Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and even experimental and abstract designs.

With the advent of digital technology, fonts and typefaces have become even more diverse. The development of computer software and digital typography allowed for the creation and distribution of an extensive range of new fonts. Today, designers have access to thousands of typefaces, catering to various styles, moods, and purposes.

The rise of web design and mobile interfaces brought about the need for fonts optimised for screen readability. Fonts like Verdana and Georgia were specifically designed for digital environments, ensuring legibility on different devices.

Fonts have evolved significantly throughout history, influenced by cultural, technological, and aesthetic trends. From Gutenberg’s printing press to today’s vast digital landscape, typefaces have played a crucial role in communication and design. The diverse range of fonts now available allows designers and marketers to choose the perfect typeface to create impactful and visually appealing content for their audiences.

So, next time you’re planning a new poster why not research a little deeper and try a font that’s not been seen for years… or you could just stick with one of our top five for guaranteed results. Have fun!