Selecting the Perfect Typeface for Your Logo
- Kerri Cuthbert
- Apr 9
- 5 min read
Your logo is more than just a symbol—it’s a visual representation of your brand’s voice and personality. While colour and imagery are key, the typeface you choose can have just as much impact. The right font helps communicate your brand’s values, build recognition, and create a consistent visual identity.
In this post, we’ll guide you through how to choose the perfect typeface for your logo, covering key typography styles, branding considerations, and tips for long-term success.

Why Typeface Choice Matters
Typography is a powerful design element that can influence how people feel about your brand before they even read a single word. A well-chosen typeface can make your brand appear professional, trustworthy, bold, creative—or anything you want it to be.
Your typeface choice affects:
Brand perception – A formal serif font feels very different from a playful handwritten one.
Readability – If your logo text isn’t legible at a glance, it loses impact.
Recognition – A unique typeface helps your logo stand out and be remembered.
Consistency – Your logo font often carries over into your website, marketing, and packaging.
Choosing the right font isn’t just about style—it’s about sending the right message.
Understand Typeface Categories
Before choosing a typeface, it helps to understand the main categories and what they typically communicate:
Serif Fonts
These fonts have small decorative strokes (or ‘serifs’) at the ends of each letter.
Use when: You want to convey tradition, reliability, or professionalism.
Examples: Times New Roman, Garamond, Georgia
Popular with: Law firms, financial institutions, publishers
Sans-Serif Fonts
Sans-serif fonts are clean and modern, without the extra strokes.
Use when: You want to appear approachable, contemporary, and straightforward.
Examples: Helvetica, Arial, Open Sans
Popular with: Tech companies, startups, modern brands
Script Fonts
These mimic handwriting or calligraphy, often with flowing, elegant strokes.
Use when: You want to convey creativity, elegance, or a personal touch.
Examples: Pacifico, Lobster, Allura
Popular with: Beauty brands, boutique businesses, event companies
Display Fonts
Bold, decorative, or stylised fonts designed to grab attention.
Use when: You want your logo to make a strong visual statement.
Examples: Bebas Neue, Impact, Bangers
Popular with: Creative agencies, entertainment, lifestyle brands
Match Your Typeface to Your Brand Personality
Your logo’s font should align with your brand’s tone, values, and audience.
Ask yourself:
Is your brand formal or informal?
Is it fun, bold, innovative, or serious and dependable?
What feelings do you want people to associate with your business?
For example:
A luxury skincare brand might use an elegant serif or clean sans-serif.
A children’s party company might go for a playful, rounded display font.
A tech startup could benefit from a sleek, modern sans-serif.
The key is consistency. Your logo’s typeface should feel like a natural extension of your brand voice.
Prioritise Legibility and Versatility
A font may look great in large format, but your logo needs to perform across all mediums—from website headers and email signatures to social media profiles and packaging.
When choosing a typeface:
Test it at small sizes – Will it still be readable on a mobile screen?
Check the spacing – Make sure letters don’t crowd or look awkward.
Avoid overly trendy fonts – They can date quickly and lose appeal.
Stick to one or two fonts max – Multiple fonts can make your logo look cluttered.
Simple, clean typefaces are often more effective—and longer-lasting.
Explore Font Pairings for Your Logo
Sometimes, one typeface isn’t quite enough—especially if your logo includes a strapline, descriptor, or brand slogan. In these cases, pairing fonts thoughtfully can create contrast, hierarchy, and visual interest, without compromising clarity.
Tips for Effective Font Pairing:
Create contrast, not conflict
Choose typefaces that are different enough to stand apart from each other, but still feel cohesive. For example, a bold display font with a clean sans-serif strapline can work beautifully.
Stick to two
Avoid using more than two fonts in your logo. One primary and one secondary is usually all you need to keep things looking intentional and polished.
Pair by personality
Think about how the fonts work together to reflect your brand. A modern sans-serif with a soft script could suggest friendliness and elegance, while a serif paired with a minimalist font might convey tradition with a contemporary edge.
Consider font weight and size
Pair fonts with varying weights (e.g. bold and light) to create hierarchy without needing to switch font families. This can be especially effective if using two styles from the same typeface.
Popular Font Pairing Ideas:
Serif + Sans-Serif
A classic, versatile combination—great for logos that balance tradition and modernity.Example: Playfair Display + Montserrat
Display + Sans-Serif
A bold header font with a clean, readable partner. Ideal for lifestyle, creative, or entertainment brands.Example: Bebas Neue + Open Sans
Script + Sans-Serif
Personal and stylish—use the script font for the brand name and the sans-serif for the strapline.Example: Allura + Lato
Same Family, Different Styles
Many modern fonts include multiple weights and styles. Pairing a bold and light version from the same family helps keep the logo unified.Example: Raleway Bold + Raleway Light
💡 Tip: Tools like Fontpair and Google Fonts let you test and preview font combinations easily, helping you find the perfect match for your brand.
Consider a Custom or Modified Typeface
If you want to stand out, consider having a custom typeface designed for your logo—or modifying an existing one. Even small changes (like adjusting the tail of a letter or tweaking spacing) can make a typeface feel more unique and ownable.
This is a common approach for larger brands, but even small businesses can benefit from a type treatment that feels exclusive.
Tools for Exploring Typefaces
Here are a few free and paid resources where you can explore and test fonts:
Google Fonts – Free fonts with open licences for commercial use
Adobe Fonts – A wide selection for Creative Cloud users
FontSquirrel – Free, high-quality fonts for commercial use
Fontpair – Helps match Google Fonts for good font pairing
WhatFontIs – Identify fonts from images or websites
These platforms allow you to test typefaces in real-time and get a feel for what works best with your brand name.
Need help finding your perfect logo font?
At Concept Fusion, we create logos and brand identities that capture your voice and connect with your audience. Get in touch and let’s bring your brand to life.
The typeface you choose for your logo plays a vital role in shaping how people perceive your business. From timeless serifs to modern sans-serifs and bold display fonts, there’s a perfect match for every brand personality.
Take the time to choose a font that reflects who you are, communicates clearly, and works across all platforms—because a great logo doesn’t just look good, it feels right.
FAQs
What is the best font for a logo?
There’s no single “best” font for every logo—it depends on your brand’s personality, audience, and industry. Serif fonts can suggest tradition and professionalism, while sans-serif fonts feel modern and clean. The key is choosing a typeface that reflects your brand values and remains readable across all formats.
How many fonts should I use in a logo?
Can I use free fonts in my logo?
Should I create a custom font for my logo?
What makes a typeface good for logos?