Typography

Typography is one of the most, if not the most, important communication tools for our brand. It carries our brand voice; with it, we establish our tone, personality, and message.

Primary Typeface

Public Sans

Public Sans is a strong, neutral, open-source typeface for interfaces, text, and headings developed by USWDS. It is seen across US government websites and communications, giving Grants an additional source of credibility.

Download Public Sans. It is already included in USWDS but should be added to HHS staff computers to maintain brand alignment in Simpler Grants material.

Secondary Typeface

Newsreader

Newsreader is an open-source font from Production Type designed for on-screen, longer-form reading. NewsReader’s shapes are open and familiar, fostering engaged reading, with features like optical sizes and large display cuts that maximize the type’s ability to be expressive. In general, use NewsReader for content such as blog posts and informational page content that is longer than 2-3 paragraphs.

Download NewsReader. It should be added to HHS staff computers to maintain brand alignment.

Hierarchy

Different type sizes should always have a relationship to one another. There is no exact rule, but select a base type size in a composition and make all other sizes proportionate to this foundation. Our brand defaults to a 1.35 type scale.

Alternates

Use these alternates when there are program limitations for typeface use, such as fallback fonts on the web or PowerPoint decks.

Arial

• Public Sans → Arial

Arial is installed on your computer.

Georgia

• NewsReader → Georgia

Additional Don’ts

Don't apply effects to type.

Don't center align type.

Don't justify text.

Don't outline the type.

Don't right align type.

Don't set type in all caps.

Don't set type in all lowercase.

Don't set type too small.

Don't use low contrast on type.

Don't use unapproved typefaces.