Choosing A Font For Your Site

When I design for a client, I am often asked to use a specific font.  The problem that comes with this simple request is the fact most business fonts are not web safe.

Now, I know you're asking what exactly is a 'web safe font'?  For those not in web design, it is the way your text is styled on your website.  You have to have the specific font used by a website on the computer you are browsing with.  This mean all text read by your browser uses THAT specific font.  The problem with this, is that not every computer has the same fonts installed. 

Trying to figure out what computers have what font would be a nightmare, if it weren't for these two resources that I depend on. 

The first is a list at ampsoft.net.  These contain the most common fonts used on PC's and Macs.  This is the most reliable list I have come across.

The second is a list contains newer fonts, such as the one I am using on this site – Century Gothic or Futura if you are on a mac.  You can find this resource at: dustinbrewer.com

If you're ever in doubt, make sure to check out those sites!  It will be a life saver in the end.

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