This content originally appeared on Envato Tuts+ Tutorials and was authored by Laura Keung
We see them on a daily basis—these popular fonts are everywhere! Check out this article to find hand-picked alternatives to some popular fonts.
Alternatives to the 10 Most Popular Fonts
If you're into fonts, you’ll know that the most popular ones can become ubiquitous. Thankfully, Envato Elements and GraphicRiver have some great alternatives. We looked at the characteristics of these popular fonts and found their matches. These alternatives are beautifully designed, high-quality fonts with, in some cases, many weights to choose from!
Try updating your design look with these alternatives for a unique style, and you might just start a new trend!
1. Fonts Similar to Helvetica
Helvetica has been a widely used typeface ever since its release in the 1960s. Here are some typefaces that share the same characteristics and aren’t as overused.
Exensa Grotesk Sans Serif Typeface (OTF, TTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF)
Exensa is the first of our Helvetica alternatives. It's a premium typeface that comes with five distinct weights. This sans serif font also includes web font files that you can use for online projects.
Oxford | An Essential Sans Serif (OTF, TTF)
Here's another cool sans serif font worth checking out. Oxford is a modern alternative to the popular Helvetica typeface. The glyphs here have a modern design that's versatile. Use them in just about any project, from branding to magazine titles.
Noirden Sans Font (OTF, TTF)
Sleek and contemporary, Noirden is an intriguing Helvetica alternative. This sans serif typeface is a complete font family with six different weights. Each weight also comes with an oblique version too. If you're making T-shirts or logos, try Noirden.
Grotte Font (TTF)
Grotte is a geometric font in the style of Helvetica. Its smooth curves soften the overall look and make it stand out from the crowd. The set includes three weights and multilingual support.
RNS Sisma (OTF, EOT, WOFF, WOFF2)
RNS Sisma is a workhorse sans serif typeface comprised of nine weights and some alternates. It is neutral yet bold, perfect for getting a message across.
AS Grammatika (OTF)
AS Grammatika is a sans serif typeface inspired by both Helvetica and DIN. The designer describes it as a sturdy, low contrast, geometric font. It's hard to disagree with that after using this sans serif font download. The neat lines and five font weights make AS Grammatika one of the top Helvetica alternatives.
CA Saygon Text (OTF, WOFF, WOFF2)
CA Saygon Text is both professional and playful. It's also the perfect sans serif font download if you want to experiment. That's because it comes with seven weights and five different stylistic sets. It also supports Cyrillic characters, as well as other languages.
Helvetica is an incredible font with a great history. Find more Helvetica alternatives in this article:
2. Fonts Similar to Futura
Futura is an intense, geometric typeface and one of the most recognisable. It was introduced to promote the modern age to the masses in the 1920s.
Regime Grotesk (TTF)
Inspiration can come from just about any source, 1920s Italian propaganda being one of them. That's where Regime Grotesk adds a twist to the traditional Futura style. This sans serif typeface comes with multiple weights and matching obliques.
Vaska (OTF, TTF)
Here's a softer Futura alternative font. It blends the straight and legible lines of Futura with hand-drawn elements. It comes in three styles, all with the same minimal design. Try it for invitations, stationery, or brochures.
Konnect Font Family (OTF)
Here's a classic and contemporary alternative to Futura. The Konnect font family might be the missing link your projects have been needing. It has a whopping 18 fonts, complete with alternates. The more than 600 glyphs can be used for over 100 different languages.
Noir Pro (OTF, EOT, WOFF, WOFF2)
Noir Pro is a sans serif font influenced by the early 20th century geometric typefaces. The set ranges from light to heavy weights. This typeface is suited for any job! Noir has a rich arsenal of OpenType features for highly professional use and extended Latin, Cyrillic and Greek language support.
Lorin (OTF, TTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF, WOFF2)
Lorin is inspired by classic geometric fonts with extra personality. It focuses on aesthetic quality typography. It is suited for any type of application. The font comes in four weights, with formats designed for the web.
Electro Sans (TTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF, WOFF2)
Electro Sans is a minimalist typeface with a modern take inspired by geometric forms from the 1920s. It's perfect for headlines and portfolios. Web fonts are included in the set.
BERLIN: Minimal Sans-Serif Typeface (OTF, TTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF, WOFF2)
Are you looking for a cool sans serif font with a minimal style? Then Berlin is one of your best choices. Its bold and simple lettering keeps your reader's attention and can fit anywhere. The included web font files mean you can use Berlin on the web too.
Frank (OTF, TTF, EOT, WOFF, WOFF2)
The fresh Frank typeface is one of the best Futura alternatives on Envato Elements. Its multiple weights and styles make it a useful tool in your font collection. Frank is also multilingual with glyphs for a range of languages. Try it in poster designs or store signage.
Do you need more Futura alternatives? Find some more here along with some typefaces that pair well with it:
3. Fonts Similar to Gotham
Gotham was inspired by architectural signs popular in the mid-twentieth century throughout New York. It is mostly known from Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. Below we share some typefaces that have the same characteristics with a new spin.
RIPPLE: Minimal & Modern Sans-Serif Typeface (OTF, TTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF, WOFF2)
Ripple has an interesting effect on readers. This special Gotham font alternative features minimal lettering and neat glyphs. Just like the typeface it's inspired by, Ripple can work for corporate identities or marketing materials. Be sure to check out each of the six included font weights.
Oliviar Sans Regular Family (OTF)
Oliviar Sans takes its inspiration from Gotham and other geometric font styles. This pack comes with seven weights, as well as multilingual support. Each glyph works well together, making it a cohesive set of characters for all of your uses.
NORMAL: Minimal Sans Serif Typeface (OTF, TTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF, WOFF2)
Sure, it's Normal, but this versatile font is worthy of your consideration. It's minimal and captures attention in the way only a sans serif font can. This Gotham alternative features five weights and web font files. Normal is a great fit for branding.
Catesque (OTF)
Catesque is designed with a large x-height, making it highly legible at any size. The typeface is fresh and versatile, perfect for any application. The typeface comes in five weights, with matching italics.
BERLIN Rounded (OTF, TTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF, WOFF2)
Berlin Rounded is a beautifully designed typeface based on geometric shapes. It's a rounded version of the creator's standard Berlin font. It’s available in three weights and additional web fonts. That means you can apply Berlin Rounded to web pages, online portfolios, and more.
Lorano Family (OTF, TTF, EOT, WOFF, WOFF2)
The contemporary Lorano family of fonts is a pack of gorgeous typefaces for 2022 and beyond. The modern lettering offers a unique look that other Gotham font alternatives don't have. Not only does it come with 13 weights, but each weight has its own oblique as well.
Prox (OTF)
Our last Gotham font alternative is Prox. The narrow lettering of the standard weight steals the show here. Prox can work with small and large sized text settings, meaning everything from business cards to posters would be suitable.
You can learn a bit more about Gotham here along with 15 creative alternatives to the popular typeface:
4. Fonts Similar to Times New Roman
Times New Roman, used by The Times, is one of the most influential typefaces in history. Its large x-height and short ascendants and descendants make it highly legible on body text.
Wensley Modern Serif Font Family (OTF, TTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF)
This Times New Roman alternative typeface is a modern classic. Wensley's lettering is elegant and works well as a classy serif font. It's also a multilingual font, which lets audiences around the globe enjoy this bold typeface.
Naia: Sophisticated Serif Typeface (OTF)
Naia is another really cool Times New Roman alternative. It blends both thick and thin lines to form its glyphs in all three of its weights. This sophisticated typeface wouldn't look out of place on the high streets, but it also suits just about any header you're making.
Pierson: An Essential Serif Typeface (OTF, TTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF)
Pierson claims to be an essential serif typeface. For fans of the Times New Roman font, this claim is true. Pierson is a full font family of beautifully crafted glyphs. There's a modern sophistication here that complements packaging, book covers, and marketing materials well.
Zimra Serif (OTF, TTF, WOFF, WOFF2)
Zimra shares the same features as Times New Roman. It has a large x-height and short ascendants and descendants. If you are looking for a timeless typeface, this is a beautifully designed option. The set features five weights and includes web fonts.
Cammron Serif (OTF, TTF)
Cammron is a modern serif font family. This is a great alternative to Times New Roman because of its legibility. The large x-height makes it look very spacious and light. The set features four weights, including a web font kit.
Glamour Luxury Serif Font Family (OTF, TTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF)
This Times New Roman alternative is fashionable. The Glamour Luxury font family lives up to its name thanks to its narrow lettering and chic serifs. Each font weight comes with uppercase and lowercase letters, as well as non-English glyphs.
Vera Typeface (OTF, WOFF)
Looking at the slim Vera typeface feels like walking through a luxury clothing store. Its slender lettering comes in rough, regular, and oblique styles. Use it for displays or your boutique's product packaging.
Times New Roman has an interesting history that'll interest any designer. Learn more about the famous serif typeface and find even more alternatives in this article:
5. Fonts Similar to Avenir
Avenir is an organic interpretation of the geometric style fonts from the 1920s. This font is on the pricey side, so here are some smartly designed options.
HAMLIN: Minimal Geometric Typeface (OTF, TTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF, WOFF2)
The classic Avenir has few peers, but Hamlin is a worthy alternative. It's a minimalist typeface that comes in four distinct weights. The beautiful lettering of Hamlin can suit just about any project, from business cards to fashion blog websites.
HERZ: Simple Sans Serif Typeface (OTF, TTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF, WOFF2)
We move from the soft curves of Hamlin to the tighter lines of Herz. It's a nice contrast to the former typeface, but it's still one of the best Avenir alternatives. Herz is a minimal font that doesn't need a special occasion to be used. Try it in a brochure or put it center stage on a poster.
Bergen Mono (OTF, EOT, WOFF, WOFF2)
Bergen Mono is a bold example of a monospaced font. It's clearly legible and uses attractive glyphs that are completely modern. Bergen Mono also has extended Latin, Cyrillic, and Greek letter support, making it a multilingual font.
BERLIN (OTF, TTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF, WOFF2)
BERLIN is a minimal typeface designed to perfection. This typeface has won a spot on the Envato Elements list of best fonts of the year in 2017. BERLIN is suited for creating headlines—just add some tracking and you will be in love! The set comes with three weights, with all formats including web fonts.
Bergen Text (OTF)
Bergen Text has been carefully crafted to improve readability and legibility at small sizes. The typeface is geometric, but it has a very palpable, adorable personality.
Bergen Text is a family of six fonts. While being a small font family, it has plenty of OpenType features for highly professional use. It includes Extended Latin, Cyrillic (with a Bulgarian character set) and Greek language support.
BROOKLYN: Minimal Geometric Sans-Serif Typeface (OTF, TTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF, WOFF2)
The Brooklyn font is a modern geometric typeface. This sans serif font is a stylish Avenir alternative thanks to its spacing and thin, even lines. There are four weights included here, and this sans serif typeface also comes with web fonts for online use.
Orion Pro Modern Sans-Serif (OTF, TTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF)
Orion Pro is a quirky font that pulls its inspiration from Swiss typefaces. It's clever and versatile, fitting anything from corporate identities to web publishing. Try out all six included weights to find the style that suits your project best.
Do you want more font alternatives to Avenir? Don't worry, we've got you covered here on Envato Tuts+:
6. Fonts Similar to Proxima Nova
Proxima Nova is a mix of classic geometric proportions and a contemporary feel. Here we have a few options from Envato Elements.
Fresh Start Geometric Sans Serif Font (OTF, TTF, WOFF, WOFF2)
Your projects will need anything but a clean slate with Fresh Start. This Proxima Nova alternative font follows in the geometric typeface tradition, but adds its own take on it. The results are a modern, multilingual font fit for most creative projects.
Pulse: A Modern Sans-Serif Typeface (OTF)
The Pulse sans serif typeface family oozes character. Its short cap height and tall x-height combine to create a unique Proxima Nova alternative that's fresh and modern. Pulse also has multilingual glyphs as well as extra font weights.
Mriya Grotesk: Premium Sans-Serif Typeface (OTF, TTF, EOT, WOFF, WOFF2)
"Grotesque" may be in its name, but Mriya Grotesk is a beauty to behold. This sans serif font has neat curves in its lines and a unique personality. It offers your creative work a premium aesthetic that's not too uptight. Thanks to the included web fonts, Mriya Grotesk works in both online and print applications.
SIGNIA Pro (OTF, TTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF)
SIGNIA Pro is a modern Sans Serif typeface inspired by European city street lettering styles. On a page, this typeface looks fresh and modern. SIGNIA Pro features two weights, regular and bold. The set also includes Web Fonts.
Morton (OTF, JPG)
Morton is a unique condensed typeface. It is in a grotesque style that lends impact to your design. The Morton Type Family is available in nine weights.
Gorga Grotesque (OTF, TTF, EOT, WOFF, WOFF2)
Gorga is another grotesque font that's a Proxima Nova alternative. This typeface comes with three weights and a handful of web font files. What really makes Gorga stand out is its geometrical inspiration and its cool ligatures. It's also a useful multilingual font.
METZLER Minimal Sans-Serif Typeface (OTF, TTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF, WOFF2)
Metzler is a smart typeface with a minimal glyph design. Each letter, number, and punctuation mark features the same bold styling. That is if you're using the bold weight and not the included light and regular options. Try Metzler in product packaging or an online lookbook.
You can find 20 Proxima Nova font alternatives from this helpful article:
7. Fonts Similar to Century Gothic
Century Gothic is a sans serif typeface in the geometric style. It has a high x-height and the characters are wide, giving it a signature spacious look.
Equinox Typeface (OTF, WOFF)
The clean and minimal lettering of Equinox is the perfect futuristic alternative to Century Gothic. This sans serif font features multilingual characters and many alternate letters. Triggering the alternates is as simple as toggling your caps lock key.
Sheylla Sans Serif Typeface (OTF, TTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF)
Sheylla is a simple geometric sans serif typeface. Taking inspiration from fonts like Century Gothic, this alternative comes in four unique weights. It has a full upper and lowercase character set, which includes multilingual glyphs.
Palas (OTF)
Are you looking to make a statement with your titles and headings? Then you'll want to give the Palas font a go. It's simple yet bold with great attention to detail. It also includes an outline alternate alphabet so you can experiment with design.
Silver Thread (OTF, TTF)
Silver Thread is a hairline thin geometric sans serif font. It has Art Deco and 1970s elements to it. It's perfect for any project that needs a typeface which evokes elegance and sophistication. The font contains alternate versions for added variety.
Liber v2 (TTF)
This typeface is built on the mathematical purity of geometric circles and squares. While its roots are traditional text fonts, it is redesigned for modern use. This linear sans is highly legible and harmonious, making it suitable for headlines or body text. The set features ten weights.
Adriell Sans Serif Fonts Family (OTF, TTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF)
The Adriell sans serif fonts pack is the ideal choice if your designs call for something minimal and clean. The included glyphs are bold and incredibly versatile. Use these sans serif typefaces for branding, packaging, and more.
Proximity Sans: Unique Typeface (OTF, TTF, EOT, WOFF)
Proximity takes a different approach with its Century Gothic inspiration. It's a light and elegant font in all of its weights. Use them for projects of all sizes. Proximity is even useable online thanks to the included web fonts.
If you want more top Century Gothic typeface alternatives, read this article:
8. Fonts Similar to Impact
Impact is a hard-to-miss font. It was originally designed to, like its name, have an impact. Below we have some options from Envato Elements that share similar characteristics.
Wolfskin: Urban Block Font (OTF, TTF, WOFF)
Keep the fun boldness of Impact with this stylish alternative. Wolfskin is a self-described urban block font. This sans serif typeface is built on chaotic and eye-catching lettering. Everything from movie posters to party invitations could benefit from Wolfskin.
Porcine Modern Typeface (OTF, TTF, EOT, WOFF)
The neat lettering of Porcine is far from a messy pigsty. In fact, its minimal design is bold, clean, and makes its mark. It's available as a web font, so you can take Porcine online. With wide, striking characters, Porcine is a worthy alternative to the Impact font.
Devant Pro: Modern Typeface (OTF, TTF, EOT, WOFF)
Devant Pro is a stellar sans serif typeface that looks great on and offline. The modern glyphs look top notch against any photographic backdrop. Use it for a travel slideshow, food blog, or event promo poster.
Schmalfette (OTF, TTF)
Schmalfette is a digital revival inspired by the typeface Schmalfette Grotesk from the 1950s. Its tall height, heaviness and condensed characteristics make it a great alternative to Impact. Whenever you need to make a bold statement, Schmalfette will be here to do the job. Schmalfette offers support for all Latin-based and most Eastern European languages.
Imprimo Letterpress Font (OTF)
Imprimo Letterpress is great for both display and body text purposes. The best part of this typeface is the disruptive titling alternates that expand the width dramatically. It's perfect for when you need an extra kick in your headlines!
Túrin: Sans-Serif & Serif Duo (OTF, TTF, WOFF, AI, EPS)
While Impact was known online as the font of memes, Túrin tweaks its recognizable style and makes it elegant. This sans serif and serif font duo can be used to create stylish and memorable designs. Túrin even comes with nine logo templates for Illustrator.
Vancouver: Gothic Typeface (OTF, TTF, EOT, WOFF)
How much Vancouver the gothic typeface is based on Vancouver the city might be up for debate. But what isn't is how adaptable a font it is. Vancouver includes a full set of upper and lowercase letters and a number of file types for print and digital use.
If you want an even larger Impact for your work, have a look at these alternatives:
9. Fonts Similar to Trajan
Trajan is a classic typeface inspired by Roman Square Capitals. It is well known for being used in many movie posters. For an alternative, try these:
Elegant Karin: Fashion Stylish Typeface (OTF, TTF, WOFF, WOFF2)
Here's an elegant option for fans of the Trajan serif typeface. It has a lot of flair that's useful in fashion-oriented projects. Along with four weights and large and small sizes, Elegant Karin comes with multilingual characters.
Merova: Classic Serif (5 Fonts) (OTF, TTF, JPG)
If you're working on brand packaging or in-store promotions, Merova is a classy pick. This serif font download is a classy alternative to Trajan and comes with five weights. Merova also has alternates for each character, as well as multilingual support.
The Broads (OTF, TTF)
This modern Roman serif typeface is quirky and classy. There's a host of font weights, from thin to extra bold. It's also multilingual. Use this serif font for book covers, posters, and a lot more.
Praetoria (OTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF, WOFF2, PNG)
Praetoria is meant to be used at a larger point size. It was inspired by the Roman square capitals used in ancient Rome. Some of the lowercase letters are fictitious variations of their uppercase counterparts. A few others are borrowed from the Russian and Greek alphabets.
Loki (TTF, JPG)
While it shares a name with a Norse god, Loki has plenty of Roman influence as well. This handwritten brush script font features thin and pointy serifs that have an air of class. Try it anywhere you need an all-caps typeface.
ARMADIRA Display (OTF, TTF)
We round things out with Armadira, our final alternative to Trajan. it's a modern serif font that's formal and fun at the same time. It has some vintage style that's hard to come by. Use it for clothing, displays, and a whole lot more.
Are you looking for even more serif typeface downloads that are similar to Trajan? Then we've got the perfect post for you:
10. Fonts Similar to Didot
Didot is a group of typefaces developed in the 1800s by a famous French printing family of the same name.
It features a strong contrast between thick and thin strokes, resulting in an elegant font. It has been used on Vogue’s cover since the 1950s due to its classic, timeless feel.
Brioche: ExtraLight & SemiBold (OTF)
As rich and light as the pastry that shares its name, Brioche is an elegant serif font similar to Didot. It comes in two weights and supports multiple languages. Use this Didot alternative to spice up your lookbook or event invitations.
Goldoni (OTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF, WOFF2, PNG)
Goldoni is a bolder Didot alternative. It features glyphs that take inspiration from classic Italian luxury brands. You can add a dose of luxury to your creative projects with this set of elegant characters.
Troye Font Trio: Clean & Luxury (OTF, TTF)
If you're looking for a stylish and clean typeface like Didot, Troye is another obvious choice. It comes in three font styles, including serif, sans serif, and script. Mix and match these Didot alternatives to build the perfect typography for headings and main content.
Domani (OTF, TTF)
Domani, by Jason Walcott, is a digital revival of an old typeface called Didi. It has some unique design details that set it apart from other Didone style typefaces. It has thinner strokes compared to the classic Didot and heavier terminals.
Walcott has created a professional-quality digital version that is faithful to the original design while expanding the character set to make use of OpenType features. The set supports Latin-based and most Eastern European languages.
Giaza (OTF, AI)
Giaza is a multilingual Didone style typeface. It features smooth curves and subtle indentations, perfect for fashion applications. The set contains 650 characters, 190 character swashes, and plenty of ligatures and alternates.
Gokú (TTF)
Gokú is a multilingual typeface, initially designed as a stencil font. A very stylish font with heavy strokes and terminals, the set includes an array of ligatures, glyphs, and alternates. Bold lines, subtle curves, and improved legibility make it perfect for any application.
Banbury (OTF, EOT, SVG, WOFF, WOFF2, PNG)
The thick lines and thin serifs of Banbury make for a unique choice for your work. It draws inspiration from traditional English typefaces. The Banbury serif font download works for branding for a boutique or for product packaging.
MORVA (OTF, TTF)
Pairing bold lettering with swirling ornaments can be tricky, but the designers of Morva make it work wonderfully. It pairs both thin and thick lines in its serifs and adds some flair to boot. Each letter comes with its own ornaments, as well as multilingual characters.
The classy Didot has some great alternatives for all interested designers and creatives. Find more of them here:
Conclusion
Looking for more alternatives to a specific font? Let us know in the comments below!
This list of typefaces aims to show that there are many high-quality alternatives to popular fonts. These are excellent resources for any designer’s toolbox.
For more high-quality fonts, be sure to check out Envato Market and Envato Elements. Let us know your favourite typeface in the comments!
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FontsSystem Fonts: All You Need to Know
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This content originally appeared on Envato Tuts+ Tutorials and was authored by Laura Keung
Laura Keung | Sciencx (2018-06-22T09:07:15+00:00) The Best Alternatives to the 10 Most Popular Fonts. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2018/06/22/the-best-alternatives-to-the-10-most-popular-fonts/
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