When variable fonts hit the design scene a few years ago there was a great deal of buzz and excitement. But there was also frustration, because it was a new tech that was fun to play with but not ready to use. Support for variable fonts still isn’t universal across all browsers, operating systems and software, but it’s getting there. So it’s well worth learning about them and considering whether they’re right for your projects (if not, see our list of free fonts).
In terms of design, the major benefit of variable fonts is their flexibility. We’re used to designing around fonts that come in discrete widths and weights, which can be limiting. If things don’t fit, or one weight looks too bold and the next option is too light, your only choice is to change your design. Variable fonts can solve these problems by making type as adjustable as everything else. Freed from these constraints, designers can be more creative than ever.
