Archivo + Libre Franklin

Pairing Archivo for headings with Libre Franklin for body text creates a robust and modern typographic system ideal for UI, dashboards, and marketing sites

Why choose Archivo for headings?

Archivo is a modern grotesk sans-serif designed by Omnibus-Type, inspired by 19th-century Argentine posters. Its primary strength lies in its compact width and sturdy letterforms, which make it highly effective for headings and UI elements where clarity and impact are key.

Width and proportions: Archivo’s narrow proportions allow for more text to fit in limited space, making it ideal for headings and labels in UI design.
Weight range: It offers a wide range of weights from Thin to Black, providing ample flexibility for creating visual hierarchy.
Character: The font has a distinct, slightly condensed appearance that adds a touch of modernity and sophistication.
Readability: While not as readable as Libre Franklin at small sizes, Archivo excels in larger sizes where its bold forms can be appreciated.

Why choose Libre Franklin for body text?

Libre Franklin is a revival of the classic Franklin Gothic typeface, designed by Impallari Type and Rodrigo Fuenzalida. It is known for its balanced proportions, open counters, and excellent readability, making it a solid choice for body text in digital interfaces.

Proportions and x-height: Libre Franklin has a generous x-height and balanced proportions, which contribute to its excellent readability at small sizes.
Weight range: It offers a variety of weights from Thin to Black, allowing for flexibility in design and the ability to create contrast with headings.
Versatility: The font’s neutral and clean appearance makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from marketing sites to dashboards.
Open-source: Being open-source and available on Google Fonts, it is easily accessible and free to use.

Why do Archivo and Libre Franklin work well together?

The pairing of Archivo and Libre Franklin works because of the complementary contrast in their design features. Archivo’s narrow width and bold forms provide a strong visual impact for headings, while Libre Franklin’s balanced and open design ensures readability and clarity for body text.

Contrast in width: The narrowness of Archivo contrasts well with the more standard width of Libre Franklin, creating a clear distinction between headings and body text.
Consistent grotesk style: Both fonts share a similar grotesk style, which provides a cohesive look and feel.
Flexibility in weights: The wide range of weights available in both fonts allows for the creation of a strong visual hierarchy.
Modern and clean appearance: The clean and modern appearance of both fonts makes them suitable for contemporary digital design.

How to use this pairing in UI design?

When using Archivo and Libre Franklin in UI design, consider the following tips to maximize their effectiveness:

Use Archivo for headings and titles: Leverage Archivo’s bold and distinct forms to create clear and impactful headings.
Use Libre Franklin for body text and smaller elements: Rely on Libre Franklin’s readability and balanced proportions for body text and smaller UI elements.
Experiment with weights and sizes: Use different weights and sizes to create contrast and hierarchy. For example, use Archivo Bold for main headings and Archivo Medium for subheadings.
Maintain consistency: Use the same font weights and sizes across different sections of the UI to maintain consistency and a cohesive look.

Alternative pairing: Inter + Merriweather Sans

If you’re looking for an alternative pairing that offers a similar balance of readability and visual impact, consider using Inter for headings and Merriweather Sans for body text.

Inter: A highly versatile sans-serif designed for computer screens, Inter offers a wide range of weights and excellent readability at various sizes. Its clean and modern appearance makes it a great choice for headings and UI elements.
Merriweather Sans: A humanist sans-serif with a slightly condensed design, Merriweather Sans provides excellent readability and a warm, inviting feel. It pairs well with Inter, offering a nice contrast in style while maintaining a cohesive look.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Archivo and Libre Franklin?

Archivo is a narrow, grotesk sans-serif with a bold and modern appearance, ideal for headings and UI elements. Libre Franklin is a more traditional, balanced sans-serif with excellent readability, making it suitable for body text and smaller sizes.

Can I use Archivo and Libre Franklin for print design?

Yes, both fonts are versatile enough for print design. However, their strengths lie in digital applications, particularly due to their readability and visual impact on screens.

Are Archivo and Libre Franklin accessible for users with visual impairments?

Both fonts have good readability, but it’s important to ensure sufficient contrast and appropriate font sizes for users with visual impairments. Using Libre Franklin at a reasonable size and weight for body text can enhance accessibility.

Where can I download Archivo and Libre Franklin?

Both fonts are available for free on Google Fonts. You can download them directly from the Google Fonts website.