Figma Fonts: How To Change & Customize Text
Hey designers! Working with text is a huge part of design, and Figma makes it super easy to change and customize fonts. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about changing fonts in Figma, from the basics to more advanced tips and tricks. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, you'll find something useful here. Let's dive in!
Understanding the Basics of Fonts in Figma
Before we jump into changing fonts, let's cover the basics. Understanding how fonts work in Figma will make the entire process smoother.
What is a Font?
A font is a specific typeface design. Think of it as the style of your letters, numbers, and symbols. Different fonts convey different moods and are suitable for different purposes. For example, a clean, sans-serif font like Helvetica might be great for a modern website, while a more ornate serif font like Times New Roman might be better for a formal document.
Where to Find the Font Menu
The font menu in Figma is your go-to place for all font-related changes. You can find it in the Text section of the right-hand sidebar when you have a text layer selected. Here's a step-by-step:
- Select a Text Layer: Click on the text element you want to modify.
- Open the Text Panel: Look to the right side of your Figma window. You should see a panel with various options, including Text.
- Find the Font Dropdown: In the Text panel, you'll see a dropdown menu that displays the current font name. This is where you can change the font.
Default Fonts in Figma
Figma comes with a range of default fonts that you can use right away. These include popular choices like Roboto, Open Sans, and Lato. These fonts are versatile and work well for many different design projects. However, you're not limited to just the default options. Figma also allows you to use fonts from Google Fonts and even upload your own custom fonts.
When starting a new project, it's often a good idea to stick with the default fonts to keep things simple. As you become more comfortable with Figma, you can explore other font options to find the perfect fit for your design.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Fonts
Okay, guys, let's get to the main part: changing fonts! Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Selecting the Text Layer
First things first, you need to select the text layer you want to change. Simply click on the text box or the text itself. You’ll know it’s selected when you see a blue outline around it. Make sure you're using the 'Move' tool (usually activated by pressing 'V' on your keyboard) to select the text.
Accessing the Font Dropdown Menu
Once your text layer is selected, head over to the right sidebar. In the Text section, you’ll see the font dropdown menu. It usually displays the name of the current font being used. Click on this dropdown to open a list of available fonts.
Choosing a New Font
Now, the fun part! Scroll through the list of fonts and click on the one you want to use. Figma will instantly update the selected text layer with the new font. You can also use the search bar at the top of the dropdown to quickly find a specific font if you know its name. Figma allows you to preview the font in real-time, so you can see how it looks before you commit to the change. This makes it super easy to experiment with different fonts until you find the perfect one for your design.
Applying the Font Change
After selecting the new font, simply click anywhere outside the font dropdown to close it. The font change will be applied to your text layer. You can now adjust other text properties like size, weight, and color to further customize your text.
Using Google Fonts in Figma
One of the coolest things about Figma is its seamless integration with Google Fonts. This gives you access to a massive library of free, high-quality fonts right at your fingertips.
Accessing Google Fonts
To use Google Fonts, simply open the font dropdown menu as described earlier. At the top of the menu, you’ll see an option labeled "Google Fonts." Click on this to load the Google Fonts library.
Browsing and Selecting Google Fonts
Once the Google Fonts library is loaded, you can browse through the fonts or use the search bar to find a specific font. Figma displays a preview of each font, so you can see how it looks before you select it. When you find a font you like, simply click on it to apply it to your selected text layer. It's that easy!
Google Fonts are an excellent resource for finding unique and interesting fonts for your projects. With so many options available, you're sure to find the perfect font to match your design aesthetic. Plus, since they're free, you can experiment with different fonts without worrying about licensing fees.
Managing Google Fonts
Figma also allows you to manage your Google Fonts. You can filter fonts by category, popularity, and other criteria to narrow down your search. Additionally, you can create font styles to save your favorite font combinations for future use. This can save you a lot of time and effort when working on multiple projects.
Uploading Custom Fonts
Sometimes, you might want to use a font that's not available in Figma's default library or Google Fonts. In that case, you can upload your own custom fonts. Here's how:
Installing Fonts on Your System
Before you can use a custom font in Figma, you need to install it on your computer. This process varies depending on your operating system. On Windows, you can simply double-click the font file and click "Install." On macOS, you can open the font file in Font Book and click "Install Font."
Accessing Local Fonts in Figma
Once the font is installed on your system, restart Figma. The custom font should now appear in the font dropdown menu alongside the default and Google Fonts. If you don't see it right away, try closing and reopening Figma again. Sometimes, it takes a few tries for Figma to recognize newly installed fonts.
Troubleshooting Custom Fonts
If you're having trouble using a custom font in Figma, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure the font is properly installed on your system. Second, check that the font file is in a supported format (OTF or TTF). Finally, try clearing Figma's cache and restarting the application.
Advanced Font Customization
Changing the font is just the beginning. Figma offers a ton of advanced options for customizing your text.
Adjusting Font Size and Weight
In the Text section of the right sidebar, you'll find options for adjusting the font size and weight. The font size determines how large the text appears, while the font weight determines how bold or thin the text is. Experiment with different sizes and weights to create the perfect visual hierarchy in your design.
Line Height and Letter Spacing
Line height (also known as leading) is the vertical space between lines of text. Adjusting the line height can improve readability and create a more visually appealing layout. Letter spacing (also known as tracking) is the horizontal space between letters. Increasing the letter spacing can make text feel more open and airy, while decreasing it can make text feel more compact.
Text Alignment and Decoration
Figma also offers options for aligning text to the left, right, center, or justified. You can also add decorations like underlines, strikethroughs, and overlines to your text. These options can be useful for highlighting important information or creating visual interest.
Tips and Tricks for Working with Fonts in Figma
Here are some extra tips to make your font workflow even better:
- Use Font Styles: Create and save font styles to maintain consistency across your designs. This ensures that all your text elements have the same appearance, which can save you a lot of time and effort.
- Experiment with Font Combinations: Don't be afraid to try different font combinations. Pairing different fonts can create a unique and interesting visual effect. Just make sure the fonts complement each other and don't clash.
- Consider Readability: Always prioritize readability when choosing fonts. A beautiful font is useless if it's difficult to read. Choose fonts that are clear and easy to read at different sizes and weights.
- Use Font Plugins: Figma has a variety of font plugins that can help you find and manage fonts. These plugins can automate tasks like finding similar fonts, generating font previews, and organizing your font library.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Changing fonts in Figma is a breeze once you know the basics. With the ability to use default fonts, Google Fonts, and custom fonts, you have endless possibilities for creating stunning typography in your designs. Experiment with different fonts, explore the advanced customization options, and use the tips and tricks we've covered to take your typography skills to the next level. Happy designing, folks!