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Web Development - Fonts

What fonts can I safely use?

This is a question that comes up very often - "What fonts can I safely use in a web document? What fonts can I use that I know will be on other systems?"

The answer to this question is not one many web designers like to hear. It is hard to guarantee that ANY fonts that you use will be on other systems. If your website is targeted toward Windows(c) users, you can use Arial as a very safe bet. If you are targeting Macintosh(c) users, you can probably use Geneva and/or Helvetica. After that, it's anybody's game.

Here are some fonts that a lot of people have but they are not 'standard' on all systems: Verdana, Comic Sans MS, Times New Roman, Impact

If you absolutely have to use a different font, see the other tips on MalekTips about using unique fonts.

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The MalekTips website was created in 1998 by Andrew Malek of Envision Programming. The page's goal is to freely disperse computer-related tips, hints, and informative articles. Tips are organized to be easy to find, and are presented clearly, in easy-to-understand language. MalekTips also provides information and links to public-domain, open source, freeware, shareware, and commercial software available for download. < more >