What are the recommended relative measures to use for font sizes in Webflow and how can they be applied effectively across different devices?

Published on
September 22, 2023

When choosing font sizes in Webflow, it is recommended to use relative measures rather than fixed pixel sizes. Relative measures allow font sizes to scale across different devices, ensuring a consistent and user-friendly experience for visitors. Here are the recommended relative measures to use and how to apply them effectively:

  1. Rem (root em): The rem unit is a relative measure that is based on the font size of the root element (typically the body). It allows font sizes to scale relative to the base font size. To use rem effectively:
  • Set the base font size for the root element using the Typography panel or custom CSS.
  • Specify font sizes using rem units throughout your project.
  • Adjust the base font size for different devices using media queries if needed, to ensure optimal readability.
  1. Em: The em unit is another relative measure that is based on the font size of the parent element. It allows for font sizes to scale relative to their immediate parent. To use em effectively:
  • Set font sizes using em units based on the parent container's font size.
  • Use nested containers with different font sizes to achieve relative scaling.
  1. Percentage: Percentage values are another way to achieve relative scaling for font sizes. They are based on the parent element's font size and allow for flexible scaling. To use percentages effectively:
  • Set font sizes using percentage values based on the parent container's font size.
  • Use nested containers with different font sizes to achieve relative scaling.
  • Be mindful of the cascading effect of percentage values, as they can compound and result in unexpected sizes if not carefully managed.

By utilizing these recommended relative measures, you can ensure that your font sizes adapt to different devices, screen sizes, and accessibility settings. This improves readability and user experience across various devices.

Example:

Let's say you have a design where the base font size for the root element is set to 16 pixels. Here's how you can apply relative font sizes across different devices:

  • Body font size (root element): 16px (1rem)
  • Headings:
  • H1: 2.5rem (40px)
  • H2: 2rem (32px)
  • H3: 1.5rem (24px)
  • Paragraphs:
  • Normal: 1rem (16px)
  • Smaller: 0.875rem (14px)
  • Larger: 1.125rem (18px)

By using relative measures, these font sizes will scale effectively across different devices, providing a consistent and visually pleasing experience for your website visitors.

Additional Questions:

  1. What are the advantages of using relative measures for font sizes in Webflow?
  2. How can media queries be used to adjust font sizes in Webflow for different devices?
  3. What are some best practices for optimizing typography in Webflow to improve readability and accessibility?