Have you ever left a web page because you didn’t care for the typography? I don’t just mean the type of font but the spacing, the contrast, the whitespace, the font size and other elements. After all, it’s not enjoyable to read font that is too small or happens to blend in with its background.

Fortunately, typography has evolved over the years and is more creative and expressive than ever before. Most browsers can support various typefaces, hover effects and decoration styles. Emojis and icons can also be used to emphasize text.

To ensure that you are making the most of your site’s topography, here are four trends to have on your radar.

1. Hero fonts are a main design element.

Hero images are generally positioned front and center. They are the star of the show, so to speak. As important as images are, hero fonts are overtaking rich media. The large font is easy to consume and lighter on mobile browsers.

Typography shares a brand’s personality, voice and tone, which is why it works as a primary design element. For example, Curlz is a whimsical serif typeface that is fun and carefree. You might find it on a website for kids’ products or photography. Droid Serif is a contemporary font that is comfortable to read. Its simplicity make it a great option for almost any industry.

2. Serif fonts are gaining traction – again.

Serifs have always been popular, but their continuously updated collection keeps them ahead of the trends. You can almost always find a serif font that is clean and comfortable for on-screen reading. Some of my favorites include Baskerville, Clarendon, Sabon and Garamond.

3. Decorative elements are used to reinforce ideas.

To reinforce main ideas or draw attention to specific information, designers have traditionally used underlining or highlighting effects. Today, there are dozens of design options to make text stand out. Here are a few examples:

  • Changes in typography

  • Colorful underlined blocks

  • Outlined fonts

  • Pictograms

  • Icons

  • Emojis

All of these decorative elements make content easier and more enjoyable to read. Try them yourself!

4. Typography is more expressive.

When typeface is being used in place of an image, it must be expressive. With brush lettering, 3D and cropped fonts, animations and other techniques used to make letters look “alive”, expression is possible. Designers are also moving away from classic grid layouts and working within flexible CSS grids that allow for more design options.

Trends in typography may change, but the importance of it will not. By choosing the right typeface for your design, you can attract reader attention, deliver a clear message and help your audience understand the main points of your text.