Webfonts and locally loaded fonts are two common ways to incorporate custom fonts into a website. Each method has its own benefits and considerations, so choosing the right approach depends on your specific needs and goals for your site.
Webfonts, also known as hosted fonts, are fonts that are hosted on external servers and loaded onto your website using CSS. These fonts are typically provided by third-party services like Google Fonts or Adobe Fonts, offering a wide selection of typefaces to choose from. One of the main advantages of using webfonts is that they are easy to implement and maintain. You can simply include a link to the font in your CSS file, and the font will be accessible to all visitors regardless of whether they have the font installed on their device.
On the other hand, locally loaded fonts involve uploading font files directly to your website's server and referencing them in your CSS. This method allows you to use custom fonts that may not be available through webfont services. By hosting the fonts locally, you have more control over how they are served to visitors and can ensure that the fonts will load quickly and consistently across different devices.
When deciding between webfonts and locally loaded fonts, consider factors such as page loading speed, licensing restrictions, and design requirements. Webfonts can impact page loading times since they require an additional server request to load the font file. If performance is a priority for your site, locally loading fonts might be a better option, as it reduces the number of external requests and can improve loading times.
Additionally, licensing restrictions vary between webfonts and locally loaded fonts. Some webfont services offer fonts for free with open-source licenses, while others may require a subscription or payment for commercial use. Locally loaded fonts give you more flexibility in terms of font licensing, as you can use any font file that you have the rights to distribute on your website.
From a design perspective, both webfonts and locally loaded fonts offer the ability to create unique and visually appealing typography on your website. Consider the style and branding of your site when choosing fonts, and test how different typefaces look in various contexts to ensure they are legible and enhance the user experience.
In conclusion, the choice between webfonts and locally loaded fonts depends on your specific requirements for font selection, performance, licensing, and design. Experiment with both methods to determine which option best suits your website's needs and aligns with your design goals. Whether you opt for the convenience of webfonts or the control of locally loaded fonts, custom typography can enhance the overall aesthetic and readability of your website.