A Step-by-Step Guide on Adding Custom Fonts to Your WordPress Site
Why make your blog boring using standard fonts? Let your blog talk about your vibrant personality and the topics you cover with a wide variety of custom fonts. Custom fonts are a nice feature that allows your blog to look preferable to others. They not only decorate the site but also help attract the user to your content. However, the choice of standard WordPress fonts is limited and depends on the theme you are using. The good news is that you can add them manually or with specialized plugins.
In this step-by-step guide, we will explore the benefits of using custom fonts, where to find them, and how to install them on your WordPress site.
Why Should I Use Custom Fonts?
Gone are the days when Times New Roman and Georgia were considered the only fonts for texts on websites. The font space has completely changed over the past few years with the advent of fonts such as Google Fonts and others. Today, there are hundreds of free fonts available on the internet, designed specifically for web design.
Typography plays a crucial role in improving reading comprehension. The design of fonts has a direct impact on readers, even if they do not consciously pay attention to it. Fonts can either make reading easier or force users to leave the page. While web browsers include a set of default fonts, using custom fonts can enhance the user experience and make your website stand out.
Google Fonts Alternatives
While Google Fonts is a popular choice for custom fonts, there are several other resources available for finding beautiful and unique fonts. TemplateMonster offers a wide range of fonts and font packs for personal use at an affordable price, along with a commercial license. MyFonts offers the largest selection of fonts in the world, although they are in the higher price segment. FontSpring sells fancy fonts for commercial use but also provides 1-2 free fonts in almost any font family for personal purposes. Cufonfonts is another extensive collection of fonts, with a flexible and convenient sorting system. Dafont offers 3,500 free fonts, categorized by style.
When choosing fonts, it is important not to go overboard. Stick to a maximum of two fonts on your website to maintain a consistent look and feel.
How to Add Custom Fonts to WordPress
There are a few ways to add custom fonts to your WordPress site:
Option 1 – Change WordPress Fonts with Plugins
If you don’t want to make global changes, you can install WordPress plugins that will change the fonts on your site. There are several custom font plugins available, such as Custom Font Uploader, Use Any Font, and WP Google Fonts. These plugins allow you to easily download and apply custom fonts to various elements of your blog or website.
Option 2 – Install WordPress Custom Fonts Manually
Alternatively, you can add custom fonts manually by using the @font-face directive. This method allows you to connect one or several fonts to your site. While it requires some knowledge of CSS, it gives you more control over the font connection. To install fonts manually, follow these steps:
Step 1: Create a “fonts” folder within your child theme.
Step 2: Upload the downloaded font files to your website.
Step 3: Import Fonts via the child theme stylesheet.
Step 4: When adding italics or bold fonts, write separate code for each style.
Step 5: Connect bold italics by adding specific code for that style.
Step 6: Make sure to indicate the correct location of the font files for each style.
Remember to create a child theme before making any edits to ensure easy updates in the future.
Wrapping Up Custom Fonts for WordPress
The design of your website plays a crucial role in attracting and engaging users. Fonts are an essential element of web design, and using custom fonts can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your site. Whether you choose to use plugins or install custom fonts manually, make sure to select fonts that complement your brand and maintain consistency throughout your website.
It is important not to overdo it with multiple fonts, as this can slow down your site’s speed. Stick to a maximum of two fonts to create a clean and professional look.
So, go ahead and make your WordPress site stand out with custom fonts. Experiment with different styles and see how they transform the overall aesthetic of your blog or website. Happy font hunting!
