Figma Fonts: How To Change & Customize Text

Figma, the favorite design tool of many, makes working with fonts pretty straightforward. Whether you're tweaking an existing design or starting something brand new, knowing how to change fonts is super important. This article walks you through all the different ways to change and customize fonts in Figma, making sure your text always looks exactly how you want it to.

Understanding Fonts in Figma

Fonts are more than just how your text looks; they play a big role in how people understand and feel about your design. Figma gives you lots of options for fonts, from basic ones to more fancy ones you can get from different places. Knowing how to use these options well is key to making designs that not only look good but also do a good job of communicating your message. Figma supports a wide range of font formats, including TrueType (TTF), OpenType (OTF), and Variable Fonts. Each format has its own advantages, with OpenType being the most versatile due to its advanced typographic features like ligatures and alternate glyphs. Variable Fonts are particularly exciting, as they allow you to adjust font attributes like weight and width on a continuous scale, providing even more design flexibility.

When you start a new project, Figma provides a default set of fonts, but the real power comes from being able to add and manage your own fonts. You can import fonts from your computer or access a vast library of fonts through Google Fonts, which are directly integrated into Figma. Managing these fonts effectively involves organizing them in a way that makes sense for your workflow. For example, you might group fonts by project, style, or client. This organization not only saves time but also ensures consistency across your designs. Furthermore, Figma allows you to create and save text styles, which are predefined sets of font properties that can be applied to text layers with a single click. This feature is invaluable for maintaining a consistent visual identity throughout your projects.

Choosing the right font involves considering several factors, including readability, tone, and brand identity. Readability is paramount; a font that is difficult to read will frustrate users and undermine your message. The tone of the font should match the overall mood and style of your design. A playful, whimsical font might be perfect for a children's book but completely inappropriate for a corporate report. Finally, the font should align with your brand identity. Consistency in font usage across all your marketing materials helps to reinforce brand recognition and create a cohesive visual experience. Figma's robust font management tools make it easy to experiment with different fonts and find the perfect fit for your project.

Step-by-Step: Changing Fonts in Figma

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s how you can change fonts in Figma, step by step:

Selecting Text

First things first, you gotta pick the text you want to change. Click on the text layer you want to modify. You can either double-click to select specific words or highlight the entire text box. Make sure the text is highlighted, or else Figma won't know what you're trying to change! Selecting the right text is the foundation for any font modification in Figma. You can select text in a variety of ways, depending on your specific needs. For instance, if you want to change the font of an entire text layer, simply click on the layer in the Layers panel or directly on the canvas. If you only want to change the font of a specific word or phrase, double-click on the text layer to enter text editing mode, then click and drag to highlight the desired text. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+A (Cmd+A on Mac) to select all the text within a text layer. The method you choose will depend on the scope of the changes you want to make.

Once you've selected your text, it's a good idea to double-check your selection to ensure that you've highlighted exactly what you intended. This is particularly important when working with complex layouts or nested text layers. A small mistake in your selection can lead to unexpected results and wasted time. To verify your selection, look closely at the highlighted area and make sure that it includes all the text you want to modify and nothing else. If you accidentally select too much or too little, simply adjust your selection by clicking and dragging again until you're satisfied. Taking the time to ensure that your selection is accurate will save you headaches down the road and help you maintain a clean and efficient workflow.

Accessing the Text Panel

Once you have selected your text, the next step is to access the Text panel in Figma's right sidebar. This panel is your control center for all things related to text formatting, including font selection, font size, font weight, line height, letter spacing, and more. To access the Text panel, simply click on the text layer or text element that you want to modify. The Text panel will automatically appear in the right sidebar, displaying the current text properties of the selected text. If the Text panel does not appear, make sure that you have the correct layer selected and that the right sidebar is visible. You can toggle the visibility of the right sidebar by clicking on the View options in the top menu bar and selecting or deselecting the "Right Sidebar" option.

Navigating the Text panel is essential for making precise and effective text modifications. At the top of the panel, you will find the font selection dropdown menu, which displays the current font family and style applied to the selected text. Below the font selection menu, you will find controls for adjusting font size, font weight, line height, letter spacing, and other text properties. Each control is labeled clearly and provides a visual representation of the effect of the adjustment. You can use the Text panel to experiment with different text styles and find the perfect look for your design. By mastering the Text panel, you will be able to create typography that is both visually appealing and highly functional.

Choosing a New Font

In the Text panel, you'll see a dropdown menu that shows the current font. Click on this, and a list of fonts will appear. Scroll through or use the search bar to find the font you want. Figma lets you preview fonts in real-time, so you can see how your text will look before you commit to the change. Selecting the right font is a crucial step in creating effective and visually appealing designs. Figma offers a wide range of font options, from classic serif fonts to modern sans-serif fonts, as well as decorative and script fonts. To choose a new font, click on the font selection dropdown menu in the Text panel. A list of available fonts will appear, organized alphabetically by font family. You can scroll through the list to browse the available fonts, or you can use the search bar at the top of the menu to quickly find a specific font by name.

When browsing fonts, it's important to consider the overall tone and style of your design. A formal design might call for a classic serif font like Times New Roman or Garamond, while a modern design might benefit from a sans-serif font like Helvetica or Arial. Decorative fonts can add personality and flair to your design, but they should be used sparingly and with caution. Script fonts can be elegant and sophisticated, but they can also be difficult to read if used in large blocks of text. Figma's real-time preview feature allows you to see how your text will look with different fonts applied, making it easier to choose the perfect font for your project. Experiment with different font options until you find one that complements your design and effectively communicates your message. Remember to consider factors such as readability, legibility, and visual appeal when making your font selection.

Adjusting Font Styles and Weights

Once you've picked a font, you can also change its style (like italic or bold) and weight (like light, regular, or bold). These options are usually right next to the font selection dropdown. Play around with these to get the exact look you're after. Adjusting font styles and weights is a critical aspect of typography that can significantly impact the visual hierarchy and overall aesthetic of your design. Figma provides a range of options for customizing font styles and weights, allowing you to create text that is both visually appealing and highly functional. To adjust the font style, look for the italic and underline buttons in the Text panel. Clicking on these buttons will toggle the corresponding style on or off. To adjust the font weight, look for the font weight dropdown menu, which typically displays options such as Light, Regular, Medium, Bold, and Black.

The available font weights will vary depending on the font family you have selected. Some fonts offer a wide range of weights, while others may only offer a few. Experiment with different font weights to find the one that best suits your design. Lighter weights can create a more delicate and refined look, while heavier weights can convey strength and emphasis. In addition to adjusting the font style and weight, you can also customize other text properties such as font size, line height, letter spacing, and paragraph spacing. These properties can be adjusted using the corresponding controls in the Text panel. By carefully adjusting these properties, you can create typography that is both visually appealing and highly readable. Remember to consider factors such as the target audience, the overall design aesthetic, and the intended message when making your adjustments.

Saving and Applying Text Styles

If you find a font and style you really like, you can save it as a text style. This is super handy for keeping your design consistent. Just click the style button in the Text panel (it looks like four lines), then click the plus icon to create a new style. Give it a name, and you're good to go! Saving and applying text styles is a powerful technique for maintaining consistency and efficiency in your design workflow. Figma allows you to create and save text styles, which are predefined sets of text properties that can be applied to text layers with a single click. This feature is invaluable for ensuring that your text looks consistent across all your designs and for saving time when formatting text.

To save a text style, first select the text layer that you want to use as the basis for the style. Then, in the Text panel, click on the style button (it looks like four lines). A panel will appear displaying any existing text styles. To create a new style, click on the plus icon. A dialog box will appear asking you to name the style. Choose a descriptive name that accurately reflects the style's properties. Once you've named the style, click on the "Create Style" button. The new style will now be saved and available for use in other parts of your design. To apply a text style, simply select the text layer that you want to format, then click on the style button in the Text panel. A list of available styles will appear. Click on the style that you want to apply, and the selected text layer will be automatically formatted with the style's properties. By using text styles, you can ensure that your text looks consistent across all your designs and save time when formatting text.

Tips for Choosing the Right Font

Choosing the right font is about more than just picking one you like. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:

• Readability is Key: Make sure your font is easy to read, especially for body text.
• Consider Your Audience: Think about who will be reading your design and choose a font that suits them.
• Match the Tone: Your font should match the overall tone and style of your design.
• Limit Your Fonts: Using too many fonts can make your design look messy. Stick to two or three fonts at most.

Troubleshooting Common Font Issues

Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Here are some common font issues and how to fix them:

• Missing Fonts: If you open a Figma file and some fonts are missing, you'll need to install them on your computer or activate them in Figma.
• Font Rendering Issues: If your font looks blurry or distorted, try adjusting the text rendering settings in Figma's preferences.
• Font Not Updating: Sometimes, changes to your font might not show up right away. Try refreshing Figma or clearing your cache.

Conclusion

Changing fonts in Figma is a basic skill that opens up a world of design possibilities. By following these steps and keeping these tips in mind, you can make sure your text always looks its best. So go ahead, experiment with different fonts, and have fun creating awesome designs!