Editing Research/new digital reading experiences (section)

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''Exploring variable fonts''<br />
We started experimenting with variable fonts. A '''variable font''' is a single font file that can behave like many fonts at once. Instead of having separate files for “bold,” “italic,” “light,” etc., a variable font contains '''continuous axes''' (like weight, width, slant, or optical size) that can be adjusted dynamically. This means you can smoothly tweak the font’s appearance anywhere along these axes.

For online use, variable fonts offer several clear advantages. Because a single variable font can replace multiple separate font files, page weight is reduced, and loading times improve. They also enable responsive and flexible typography: weight, width, or contrast can be adjusted on the fly to suit different screen sizes, devices, or user preferences, which improves readability. Designers gain finer control over details, allowing subtle changes, such as slightly heavier headings or narrower text in tight spaces, without switching typefaces, keeping the visual style cohesive. Variable fonts also make dynamic effects and interactivity possible, as type can respond to scrolling, hover states, or animations, creating richer typographic experiences. Finally, using one font file ensures consistency across browsers and devices, reducing the risk of mismatched styles.

In short: variable fonts let you do more with less.


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