The vonbelk Blog
Guides to fonts, typography, licensing, and using type on the web.
What Is the SIL Open Font License? A Plain-English Guide
The SIL Open Font License (OFL) is the most common free-font license. Here's what it lets you do, what it doesn't, and the rules that actually matter.
LicensingCan You Use Google Fonts Commercially? (Yes — Here's Why)
Every font in the Google Fonts library is free for commercial use. Here's the licensing reason, plus the one rule people miss.
GuidesHow to Install Fonts on Windows, macOS, and Linux
A quick, no-nonsense guide to installing TTF and OTF fonts on every major operating system.
TechnicalTTF vs OTF vs WOFF2: Which Font Format Should You Use?
The practical difference between TTF, OTF, and WOFF2 — and which one to use for desktop versus the web.
Web DevelopmentHow to Add Custom Fonts to a Website with @font-face
A copy-paste guide to self-hosting a web font with CSS @font-face, including the font-display tip that prevents invisible text.
GuidesFree Fonts vs Paid Fonts: When Each Makes Sense
Free fonts have closed most of the quality gap. Here's an honest look at when a paid typeface is still worth it.
InspirationThe Best Types of Free Fonts for Logos and Branding
What to look for in a free font for a logo — and the licensing rule that makes it safe to use commercially.
GuidesHow to Pair Fonts Like a Designer
Font pairing made simple: contrast, hierarchy, and the beginner-proof approach of using one family.
LicensingWhat Does "Free for Commercial Use" Actually Mean?
"Free for commercial use" is not the same as "free." Here's how to read a font license so you don't get caught out.
TechnicalVariable Fonts Explained: One File, Infinite Weights
Variable fonts pack an entire family into a single file. Here's how they work and why they're great for the web.
Web DevelopmentHow to Speed Up Your Website by Optimizing Web Fonts
Fonts are often the heaviest part of a page. Five practical steps to make them load fast without sacrificing design.
GuidesSerif vs Sans-Serif: Which to Use and When
The real differences between serif and sans-serif fonts, and a simple framework for choosing the right one.
InspirationWhat Makes a Great Monospace Font for Coding
Monospace fonts make code readable. Here's what to look for in a coding font and why developers care so much.
TechnicalHow to Subset Fonts to Shrink File Size
Font subsetting removes glyphs you don't need, often cutting file size by most. Here's how and when to do it.
LicensingFont Licensing: Desktop vs Webfont vs App Explained
One font can need three different licenses depending on how you use it. Here's the distinction that trips people up.
GuidesA Beginner's Guide to Typography Terms
Kerning, leading, x-height, weight — a quick glossary of the typography terms you'll actually run into.
GuidesHow to Choose Fonts for Accessibility and Readability
Accessible typography helps everyone read more comfortably. Practical, standards-based guidance on font choices.
InspirationChoosing Free Display Fonts for Posters and Headlines
Display fonts are built to grab attention at large sizes. How to pick one that's bold without being unreadable.
LicensingWhy Font Files Get Flagged for Copyright (and How to Stay Safe)
Fonts are protected by copyright, and many "free" downloads aren't legal to redistribute. How to stay on the right side.
Web DevelopmentHow to Self-Host Google Fonts for Privacy and Speed
Self-hosting Google Fonts avoids a third-party request and can load faster. Here's why and how to do it.