Google Fonts

In 2010, Google Fonts, previously called Google Web Fonts, came into being. It featured a vast collection of free web font services and used a unique and simple interface where users could access over 800 licensed fonts. Since that time, Google has continued to expand its font collection and has recently changed its look to provide a smoother-running interface for the masses. Google has stated that its new streamlined look will make it simpler for users to preview the fonts and thus make it easier for them to choose the specific font that fits their personal taste and requirement. Review If you are familiar with the old Google Fonts format and features and were pleased with what the site had to offer, then you will most likely approve of the new and improved version of the site. The basic features are still the same with the exception of a brand-new lineup of fonts, however, the way in which the fonts are displayed really makes it easier to preview and choose the font you like. This is a great added benefit that should save users time in selecting the font that is right for them. Of course, as with all online technology, Google has updated its look to keep in-line with its other updated services. In its efforts to always improve upon customer experience, Google has once again achieved its goal with its online font service and made it even simpler for people to find and choose specific fonts. The only problem with the new Google Fonts site maybe the fact that other sites, like IDEO, have even easier-to-use font maps that display similar fonts next to each previewed font which makes it better than Google’s font service. Still, the service is free and fully backed and endorsed by Google. This means that it will most likely continue to get better and that too at no extra cost. Pros & Cons It might seem unfair to measure Google’s free font service with similar paid sites, so in an effort to keep a level playing field, the following list measures the pros and cons of Google Fonts as compared with another similar free site, Font Squirrel. Keep in mind, however, that there are many more free font services online, but Font Squirrel is highly reputable and popular, thus it offers a good look at what Google’s benefits and shortcomings are when compared with it. Google Pros + Cons