10 Typography Tips for Digital Ad Design

Want to create digital ads that grab attention and drive results? It all starts with great typography. Here are 10 key tips to level up your ad design:

Set up clear text hierarchy
Choose complementary font combinations
Use white space effectively
Ensure text is easy to read
Pick the right font sizes
Match your brand style
Add breathing room around text
Design for small mobile screens
Check font licenses before using
Use helpful typography design tools

Quick Comparison of Font Sizes:

Element	Desktop	Mobile
Body text	16px+	18px+
Headlines	24-36px	24-36px
CTA buttons	16-20px	16-20px

Master these typography techniques to create digital ads that look great, engage your audience, and boost performance. The right fonts and text layout can make all the difference in getting your message across effectively.

1. Set Up Text Hierarchy

Want your digital ads to pack a punch? It's all about text hierarchy. Here's how to make your message crystal clear:

Size Matters

Bigger text = more attention. It's that simple. Try this:

Headline: Go big (24pt)
Subheadings: A bit smaller (18pt)
Body text: Keep it readable (14pt)

Play with Weight and Style

Mix it up:

Headlines: Make 'em bold
Subheadings: Italics can work wonders
Body text: Keep it light and easy on the eyes

Color and Contrast: Your Secret Weapons

Headline or CTA: Pop it with a bright color
Body text: Stick to neutral tones
ALWAYS check your contrast. No squinting allowed!

Location, Location, Location

Top third: Prime real estate for your headline
Align elements: Create a visual roadmap
Use white space: Give your text room to breathe

The "Z" Pattern: Your Layout BFF

Top left: Headline or eye-catching image
Diagonal: Supporting info
Bottom right: CTA (make it impossible to miss!)

Keep It Simple: 3 Levels Max

Headline: BIG and BOLD
Subheading: Medium size, maybe italics
Body/CTA: Smaller, but still easy to read

2. Choose Font Combinations

Picking the right fonts can make your digital ads pop. It's not just about looks - good fonts make your ad easy to read and show off your brand's personality. Here's how to nail your font choices:

Mix It Up

The key to great font pairs? Contrast. Try these:

Bold sans-serif headline + clean serif body text
Fancy header font + simple sans-serif content
Same font family, different weights (bold headers, regular body)

Real-World Font Pairs

Check out these combos top brands use:

Brand Type	Header Font	Body Font	Why It Works
Design Publication	League Spartan	Libre Baskerville	Modern + traditional, easy to read
Fashion Retail	Bebas Neue	Montserrat	Clean, fresh look
Tech Company	Roboto Condensed (Bold)	Roboto Condensed (Regular)	Same family, different weights
Lifestyle Magazine	Source Sans Pro	Source Serif Pro	Made to work together

Font Pairing Tips

Keep it simple: Stick to 2-3 fonts max. Too many fonts = messy ad.
Match your brand: Pick fonts that fit your brand's vibe. A fun script might work for a toy ad, but not for a law firm.
Easy on the eyes: Use a clean, readable font for your main text. Save the fancy fonts for headlines.
Check all screens: Your ad should look good on phones, tablets, AND computers. Always test on different devices.

Akshay Kothari, CPO of Notion, puts it well:

"Typography is the voice of your brand in the digital world. Choose fonts that speak to your audience and amplify your message."

Remember: Great font combos don't just look good - they help you get your message across clearly and effectively.

3. Use Space and Alignment

Space and alignment can make or break your digital ad. They're the difference between a messy, hard-to-read ad and one that's clean and easy to understand.

White Space: Not Just Empty Space

White space (or negative space) isn't wasted space. It's a tool to organize your content and make it easier to read. Here's how to use it:

Frame your content with margins
Set line spacing to 120-150% of font size
Group related info with proximity

Alignment: Guide the Eye

Good alignment creates order and leads the viewer through your ad:

Use a grid for a clean look
Left-align text for easy reading
Use centered text sparingly (headlines, CTAs)

Create Hierarchy with Spacing

Use spacing to show what's important:

Element	Spacing Tip
Headline	Biggest font, most space around it
Subheadline	Bit smaller, less space than headline
Body Copy	Smallest font, tightest spacing
CTA	Stand out with color and space

Don't Forget Margins

Margins matter in digital ads:

Keep stuff away from edges (10-20 pixels)
Space elements consistently inside the ad

Grids: Your Layout Friend

A grid can really help your layout:

1. Pick a grid (3x3 or 4x4 works for most ads)

2. Put important stuff at grid crosspoints

3. Line up text with grid lines

"Text with added vertical space is much easier to read."

This isn't just for text - it works for everything in your ad.

4. Make Text Easy to Read

Let's face it: if people can't read your ad, they won't engage with it. Here's how to make your text pop in digital ad design:

Contrast is King

Your text color needs to stand out from the background. It's not just about looks - it's about making sure everyone can read it.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) say:

Big text (18pt+) needs a contrast ratio of at least 3:1
Regular text needs a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1

Here's a quick cheat sheet:

Text Size	Minimum Contrast Ratio
Big (18pt+)	3:1
Regular (<18pt)	4.5:1

Color Combos That Work

Black on white is classic, but don't be scared to mix it up. Try these:

White on black (great for light-sensitive folks)
Blue on yellow (catches the eye)

Text Over Images

Putting text on images can be tricky. Here's how to nail it:

1. Use overlays

Add a semi-transparent color layer to make text pop.

2. Find quiet spots

Put text in less busy parts of the image.

3. Try a scrim

Add a gradient overlay to boost text visibility.

Strong.app does this well. They use a colored gradient overlay to make their headlines stand out against image backgrounds.

Size It Right

Don't make people squint. Smashing Magazine says:

"Use a font size of 16 pixels or more for comfortable reading from a distance of 28 inches from the screen."

Break It Up

Make your content easy to digest:

Use headers and subheaders
Keep paragraphs short (3-4 lines max)
Use bullet points for key info

Remember, it's all about getting your message across. Aurora Harley from Nielsen Norman Group puts it well:

"Because images play such an important role, often designers end up placing text over an image to leverage the attention-grabbing aspect of the photo while providing text-based content to communicate actual information. However, these endeavors commonly backfire, usually when the contrast between the text and the background is too low."

In other words: make sure your text stands out, no matter what's behind it.

5. Pick the Right Font Size

Font size can make or break your digital ads. It's not just about readability - it's about creating a visual hierarchy that guides viewers through your message. Here's how to nail font sizes across different ad formats:

With most Facebook users on mobile, small screens are key. Here's a quick guide:

Text Element	Size (px)
Headline	24-36
Body Text	18-24
CTA Button	16-20

Pro tip: Keep text within 20% of the ad image for better performance on Facebook.

Google Display Ads: Clear Across Devices

For Google Display Ads, try these sizes:

Text Element	Size (px)
Headline	20-30
Body Text	12-18
CTA	14-20

For banner ads, aim for these sizes:

Text Element	Size (px)
Headline	24-36
Body Text	14-18
CTA	16-22

Web Content: The 16px Rule

For landing pages or website content, 16px is the sweet spot for body text. As Smashing Magazine says:

"Use a font size of 16 pixels or more for comfortable reading from a distance of 28 inches from the screen."

Got lots of text? Try 18px for even better readability.

Big Displays: Size Up

For billboards or large displays, use this trick: 1 inch (72 pt.) tall letters for every 10 feet of viewing distance.

Distance (ft)	Min. Letter Height
10	1 inch (72 pt.)
20	2 inches (144 pt.)
50	5 inches (360 pt.)

Quick Font Sizing Tips

Test on real devices. Your desktop view might not match a smartphone screen.
Know your audience. Older viewers might need larger text.
Keep the hierarchy. Headline should be biggest, then subheadings, body text, and fine print.
Make it flexible. Text should resize to 200% without breaking your layout. It's an accessibility must.

6. Match Your Brand Style

Your brand's typography is like its signature. It should be easy to spot and the same everywhere. Here's how to make your fonts match your brand:

Pick Fonts That Feel Like Your Brand

Fonts can show different feelings. Choose ones that fit your brand's personality:

Font Style	Brand Feel	Who Does It Well
Serif	Old-school, trustworthy	Rolex uses Garamond (looks fancy)
Sans-serif	New and clean	Apple's San Francisco font (looks smooth)
Script	Fancy, personal	Coca-Cola's curly writing (feels warm)
Display	Big and bold	Volkswagen uses Futura (looks modern)

Set Up a Font System

Make a plan for your fonts:

1. Main Font: Use this for big headlines

2. Support Font: Use this for most of the text

3. Special Font: Use this for buttons or important stuff

Look Good Everywhere

Your fonts should work on phones, computers, and even big signs. Airbnb does this well. They made their own font called Cereal that looks great everywhere.

Write Down the Rules

Make a guide that says:

How big each font should be
How much space to leave
What colors to use
What to do (and not do)

Give this guide to everyone who makes stuff for your brand.

"Your font choice says a lot about your brand, even before anyone reads a word." - Quill Creative Studio

7. Add Breathing Room

White space isn't just empty space - it's a design powerhouse. Here's how to use it:

The Power of Negative Space

Negative space (or white space) is your secret weapon for organizing content and highlighting key elements. It frames your message, boosts readability, and adds a touch of class.

Check out how the big players use it:

Brand	White Space Usage	Effect
Apple	Lots of space around products	Clean and modern
Nike	Minimal text, bold images	Sleek and sophisticated

How to Add Breathing Room

1. Mind Your Margins

Don't crowd your content. Leave plenty of space on the sides of your ad.

2. Line Spacing Matters

For body copy, loosen up that line spacing. Start with at least 2 points above your text height.

3. Letter Spacing for Impact

Tweak your letter spacing:

Headlines: Slightly increase for balance
Body text: Try a 1.5% boost for condensed fonts
All-caps: Widen spacing to make it easier to read

4. Balance is Key

Mix it up with micro white space (small gaps between elements) and macro white space (larger empty areas). This creates a natural flow and pleasing look.

See It in Action

Here's how proper spacing can transform an ad:

Element	Before	After	Impact
Headline	Squished, touching edges	20px margin from edges	Pops out, easier to read
Body Text	100% line height	150% line height	Less overwhelming
CTA Button	Tight letter spacing	+5% letter spacing	More clickable

As design guru Luke Wroblewski says:

"White space is not empty space. It is as important as the content."

8. Design for Small Screens

With 60% of global web traffic coming from mobile devices, your digital ads must look great on smartphones and tablets. Here's how to nail typography for small screens:

Size Matters

On mobile, bigger is often better. Here's a quick guide:

Text Element	Size (px)
Body Text	16-18
Headlines	24-36
CTAs	16-20

But don't just take our word for it. Test your designs on real devices to make sure they're readable.

Optimize Line Spacing

Want your text to be easy on the eyes? Set your line height to about 1.6 times your font size. This extra space makes scanning text on small screens a breeze.

Clear Hierarchy

Small screens = limited space. Use font size, weight, and color to guide users through your content:

Headlines: Go big and bold
Subheadings: Medium size, semibold weight
Body text: Keep it regular
CTAs: Stand out with distinct colors and all caps

Mobile-Friendly Fonts

Not all fonts play nice on small screens. Sans-serif fonts often work best for body text. Try these mobile-friendly options:

Roboto
Open Sans
Lato

Mind Your Margins

Don't let your text hug the screen edges. Give it some breathing room:

Use at least 16px margin on the left and right
Bump it up for larger screens with responsive design

Responsive Typography

Want your text to look good on any device? Use relative units like em or rem instead of fixed pixel sizes. Here's a quick example:

body {
  font-size: 16px; /* Base size */
}

h1 {
  font-size: 2em; /* 2x the base size */
}

Test It Out

What looks perfect on your desktop might be a mess on a smartphone. Always check your designs on real mobile devices.

"The gold standard for choosing mobile font sizes is to ensure that the text is as readable as in a well-printed book when held at a reasonable distance." - Material Design Guidelines

9. Check Font Licenses

Think fonts are free for all? Think again. Using fonts in digital ads isn't as simple as grabbing what looks good. Here's the lowdown on font licensing:

Types of Font Licenses

Fonts come with different licenses for different uses:

License Type	What It's For	Cost
Desktop	Design work on your computer	$25-$225 per style
Webfont	Embedding on websites	$25-$750 (pageview-based)
Digital Ads	Banners, social media ads	Varies (impression-based)
App	Mobile applications	Based on app downloads

Real-World Font Costs

Font licensing can hit your wallet hard. Take Proxima Nova - it could set you back $799 for full rights. And that's just one font.

Netflix faced this head-on. They were shelling out millions yearly for the Gotham font. Their fix? They made their own: Netflix Sans. Smart move that saved them big bucks.

Font Licensing Best Practices

Read the EULA (End User License Agreement). It's not exciting, but it tells you what you can and can't do with the font.
Stick to trusted font sources like Adobe Typekit or Google Fonts. It's safer.
Think about your project. A personal blog? Free fonts might work. A big ad campaign? You'll likely need paid licenses.
Keep clients in the loop. If they want a specific font, they need to buy their own license.
Track your licenses. Know what you've bought and what it's for.

"If money's involved in a creative project, double-check the usage rights. Or use a font you KNOW is free for everything." - Sarah Price, Author

What If You Skip Licensing?

Using fonts without proper licenses? Bad idea. You could face:

Legal trouble from font creators
Fines that'll make your eyes water
A reputation hit you don't want

It's not worth the gamble. Always get the right licenses for your digital ad projects. It might cost more upfront, but it'll save you headaches (and maybe your career) down the line.

10. Find Design Tools

Creating great typography for digital ads doesn't have to be hard. With the right tools, you can make your designs pop and work faster. Let's look at some key design tools to help you nail typography in your digital ads.

Font Management and Discovery

Keeping your fonts organized is a big deal. Here are some top tools:

Tool	What It Does	Cost
FontAgent®	Organizes fonts, custom interface	One-time fee
Typograf	Compares fonts, manages sets	$35 once
Typeface (macOS)	Simple browsing, clean look	Free
Connect Fonts	Cloud-based, team sharing	Subscription
Wordmark	Shows all your fonts at once	Free or $2/month

FontAgent® is great for searching, turning on, and comparing fonts. It's perfect if you work with lots of fonts. One designer said, "FontAgent cut my font picking time in half!"

Typography Design and Editing

For making and tweaking typography, check these out:

Tool	Great For	Where It Works
Adobe Illustrator	Vector text	Desktop
Glyphs Mini	Making your own fonts	macOS
Fontself	Creating fonts in Adobe	Plugin
FontForge	Pro-level font editing	Any computer
Canva	Easy design	Web browser

Glyphs Mini costs $49.99 and is perfect for starting to make your own fonts. It's easy to use but still packs a punch for making pro-level fonts.

Web Typography Tools

When you're designing for websites, these tools are super helpful:

Google Fonts: Tons of free fonts that work great online
Fonts Ninja: Spot fonts on websites with this Chrome add-on
Type Scale: Figure out text sizes for digital stuff
Archetype: See how your typography looks in real-time

Google Fonts is a goldmine for digital ad designers. It's got over 1,400 font families that look good on any device.

Typography Games and Learning Tools

Get better at typography while having fun:

KERNTYPE: Practice spacing letters
SHAPETYPE: Make fonts through a game
Type War: Name that font!
I Shot The Serif: Pick out serif fonts

These games make learning fun and sharpen your eye for details. One designer shared, "After playing KERNTYPE a lot, I got way better at spacing letters in my digital ads."

Conclusion

Typography can make or break your digital ads. It's not just about pretty fonts - it's a powerful tool that impacts your advertising success. Here's what you need to remember:

Typography is all about hierarchy. Use size, weight, and color to guide viewers through your ad. Your headline should steal the show.

Font pairing is crucial. Pick fonts that work well together and match your brand. Stick to 2-3 fonts max to keep things clean.

Readability is a must. Make sure your text is easy to read on all devices. For body text, aim for at least 16px on desktop and 18px on mobile.

Don't fear white space. It frames your content and makes your ad easier to digest.

Keep your typography on-brand. Consistency across all your marketing materials is key.

Design with mobile in mind. With 60% of web traffic coming from smartphones, your ads need to look great on small screens.

Watch out for font licenses. Always check before using a font. It might cost more upfront, but it'll save you legal headaches later.

Use the right tools. Font management and typography design tools can streamline your workflow.

Thomas Phinney, former CEO of FontLab, puts it well:

"Typography is like fashion or furniture. With rare functional exceptions, the world doesn't need new clothing or furniture designs, but people want to look different or evoke a particular feeling or fit with a particular look, and there are trends and styles."

Good typography doesn't just look nice - it performs. It can stir emotions, reinforce your brand message, and shape how people see your product or service.

Here's a handy table for your next digital ad design:

Typography Element	Best Practice
Font Size (Desktop)	Body: 16px+, Headline: 24-36px
Font Size (Mobile)	Body: 18px+, Headline: 24-36px
Line Spacing	150% of text size
Character Count per Line	40-80 (65 ideal)
Font Pairing	2-3 complementary fonts max
Color Contrast (Regular Text)	4.5:1 minimum ratio

FAQs

What is the best font to use for ads?

There's no perfect font for every ad. But some fonts work really well:

Font	Style	Best For
Helvetica	Sans-serif	Clean, modern designs
Futura	Geometric sans-serif	Bold, forward-thinking brands
Gotham	Sans-serif	Versatile, contemporary look
Baskerville	Serif	Traditional, trustworthy feel

Helvetica is a top pick. It's clear and easy to read on any screen. Big brands like American Airlines and Jeep use it to look modern and professional.

What is the most eye-catching font for advertising?

You want fonts that grab attention AND are easy to read. Here are some good ones:

Font	Characteristics	Example Use
Copperplate	Bold, confident	Luxury brands
Mafins	Playful, unique	Youth-oriented products
VAG Rounded	Friendly, approachable	Tech companies

VAG Rounded is a hit with tech companies. Myspace and Adidas have used it in ads. It looks friendly and makes people want to engage.

What font is most attractive to customers?

Fonts that attract customers usually fit the brand and are easy to read. These fonts often do well:

Font	Appeal	Notable Users
Univers	Clean, versatile	eBay, FedEx
Futura	Modern, elegant	Louis Vuitton, Volkswagen
Calibri	Familiar, readable	Microsoft products

Univers is a favorite for its simple, clean look. It makes content pop. That's why big names like eBay and FedEx use it in their digital ads.