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Typeface superfamily

As explained in Design for Developers

A typeface superfamily is a group of related typeface families that share a base design while differing in classification or other features.

A typeface superfamily groups related typeface families that share a base design while differing in classification or other features. This makes cohesive font pairing easier while preserving enough variation for hierarchy. section 8.2.2

Roboto and Roboto Slab

Roboto Slab can give headlines a slab-serif character, while Roboto supports body copy as a sans serif. Increase the heading’s weight to make the hierarchy clearer. section 8.2.2

Use a superfamily pairing to make typography cohesive and readable:

  • Assign contrasting members to different roles, such as headlines and body copy. section 8.2.2
  • Check that size, weight, or style differs enough to create visible hierarchy. section 8.2.2

How Design for Developers covers it

How deep it goes
Defines superfamilies and demonstrates pairing choices, but stops short of detailed implementation instructions.
Examples
Uses Roboto with Roboto Slab and contrasts regular and extra-bold weights within Fira Sans.
What you can do after
Apply it to pair related typefaces and create clearer headline and body-copy hierarchy.
How it connects
Connects typeface families with serif, sans serif, headlines, body copy, hierarchy, contrast, and readability.

Related concepts

This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of Design for Developers. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.