Discover the Best Free Fonts for 2023

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. My Favorites: Free Typefaces on Adobe Fonts
3. Font Inspiration: Getting Started
4. Fonts for Motion Design
5. Sans Serif Fonts
   • Nimbus
   • Euro Style
   • Dharma Gothic
   • Presio
   • Abolition and Vinyl
   • Brandon Grotesque and Pressa Calf
   • Rock Grotesque and Antarctican Headline
   • Bonus Font: Paid Font Recommendation
6. Serif Fonts
   • Moray, Ivy, Presto, and Ortheus
   • Garamond and Fat Faces
   • New Spirit
7. Specialty Typefaces
   • Soap
   • Ekman Psych
   • Bookman
   • Thunderhouse
   • Black Letter
8. Conclusion
9. FAQ

My Favorites: Free Typefaces on Adobe Fonts

In this article, I will be sharing my favorite free typefaces available on Adobe Fonts. As a motion designer with over a decade of experience, I have explored and utilized a wide range of typefaces in my work. Whether you're looking for sans serif fonts, serif fonts, or specialty typefaces, I've got you covered. So, let's dive in and discover some font inspiration together!

Font Inspiration: Getting Started

When it comes to choosing the right typeface, there are a few questions I ask myself. Firstly, do I already use this typeface frequently? And secondly, do I see myself using this typeface in future projects? These considerations help me narrow down my options and select fonts that align with my design aesthetic.

Fonts for Motion Design

As a motion designer, I often work with dynamic and visually engaging content. In this section, I will share some of my favorite typefaces that work well in motion design.

Sans Serif Fonts

Sans serif fonts are a popular choice in motion design due to their clean and bold appearance. Here are some sans serif fonts that I highly recommend:

• Nimbus: This font came to my attention when Fontburo removed their fonts from the Adobe collection. It is a great alternative to Titling Gothic and has been extensively used in my recent projects.

• Euro Style: Designed in the 1960s, Euro Style has a futuristic feel that reminds me of late 70s and 80s sci-fi and synth design. The extended black version in all caps creates bold and simple shapes, making it perfect for impactful designs.

• Dharma Gothic: I have a particular affinity for tall and heavy typefaces, and Dharma Gothic x bold fits the bill perfectly. Its stacked rectangles and vertical screen-friendly design make it ideal for creating eye-catching visuals.

• Presio: If you're looking for a font with height, Presio has two standout options: number 25 black x compressed and number 35 black compressed. I utilized this font extensively in the Seeing Sounds Black Friday sale campaign, and the unique "s" characters add a touch of nostalgia.

• Brandon Grotesque and Pressa Calf: For body text or a less attention-grabbing element in your design, Brandon Grotesque and Pressa Calf are excellent choices. Each font has its strengths and applications, and it's essential to consider the project's requirements.

• Rock Grotesque and Antarctican Headline Ultra Bold: If you're looking for sans serif fonts with a little more flavor, Rock Grotesque and Antarctican Headline Ultra Bold are worth exploring. However, exercise caution as their distinct characteristics might not be suitable for every design.

• Bonus Font: Paid Font Recommendation: One honorable mention goes to a paid font family that I highly recommend: Microgramma. It's a versatile font that can replace popular choices like Titling Gothic and Druck Wide, adding a fresh touch to your designs.

Serif Fonts

Though less frequently used in motion design due to their requirement for more white space, serif fonts have their place in certain compositions. Here are a few serif fonts that caught my attention:

• Moray, Ivy, Presto, and Ortheus: These serif fonts offer elegance and beauty. When working with serif fonts, I tend to lean towards sentence case rather than all caps, but for a more decorative touch, Orpheus in all caps is an appealing choice.

• Garamond and Fat Faces: Combining Renaissance stylings with Victorian flair, Garamond and Fat Faces provide a classic and artistic look to your designs. Ivy Presto, in particular, is a versatile and timeless choice for various projects.

• New Spirit: With its distinctive lowercase "n" that exudes attitude, New Spirit brings a unique touch to any design. It's perfect for projects that require a hint of rebelliousness.

Specialty Typefaces

Sometimes, you need to step outside the conventional and explore specialty typefaces that add a touch of uniqueness to your designs. Here are some specialty typefaces worth considering:

• Soap: This typeface closely resembles Cooper Black but features less aggressive serifs, flatter bases, and a mix of upper and lowercase glyphs. It's a playful font that evokes the spirit of the 70s.

• Ekman Psych: For a trip back to the psychedelic 60s, Ekman Psych is a font that embraces chaos and experimentation. While its legibility might be compromised, it adds a sense of mystery and intrigue to your designs.

• Bookman: Bookman is an early 20th-century font that offers an array of extra glyphs, allowing you to blend words together seamlessly. It's a great choice for designs inspired by the 70s and offers a pre-distressed option for a vintage feel.

• Thunderhouse: If you're in need of a pre-distressed font, Thunderhouse has got you covered. Its name alone indicates the font's boldness and strong presence, making it perfect for designs that demand attention.

• Black Letter: Finally, for those who appreciate the aesthetics of a good black letter, the font I recommend is an exquisite blend of gangster, regal, and festive elements. Its unique style makes it a standout choice for designs that want to make a statement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of fonts is vast, and Adobe Fonts offers an extensive range of typefaces for designers. Through this article, I've shared my personal favorites and provided inspiration for various design styles, including motion design, sans serif fonts, serif fonts, and specialty typefaces. Remember, while it's important to have a go-to font, each project should dictate the font choice to achieve optimal results. So, go ahead and explore the fonts I've recommended, and let your creativity soar!

FAQ

Q: Are these fonts available for free? A: Yes, all the fonts mentioned in this article are free to use with an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription.

Q: Can I access these fonts without a subscription? A: Unfortunately, these fonts are only accessible through an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. However, you can also access them via the Adobe Creative Cloud app or by logging in through the Adobe Fonts website.

Q: Can I use these fonts in any Adobe application? A: Yes, these fonts can be used in your chosen Adobe application, whether it's Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, or any other Adobe software that supports custom fonts.

Q: Is there any special way to install these fonts? A: Once you have a Creative Cloud subscription, you can easily install these fonts directly from the Adobe Fonts website or through the Creative Cloud app. Simply follow the instructions provided, and you'll be ready to use these fonts in your projects.

Q: Can I use these fonts for commercial projects? A: Yes, these fonts can be used for both personal and commercial projects. However, it's always a good idea to check the specific licensing terms for each font to ensure compliance with any restrictions or limitations.

Q: Can I customize these fonts? A: While the fonts themselves cannot be customized, you have the flexibility to manipulate and stylize the text using various design tools in Adobe applications. Experiment with different sizes, colors, effects, and compositions to create unique visual experiences.