Typography

A clean, modern approach to the look and feel of our written communications

Our font

Public Sans is our primary typeface. It works well across print, digital, and product applications. It’s a free Google font and is easily accessible for employees and creative agency partners.

We only use the Extra-light, Light, Regular, Medium, and Semi-bold weights. Do not use Thin, Bold, Extra-bold, or Black weights.

Public Sans Extra-light
Public Sans Extra-light Italic
Public Sans Light
Public Sans Light Italic
Public Sans Regular
Public Sans Regular Italic
Public Sans Medium
Public Sans Medium Italic
Public Sans Semi-bold
Public Sans Semi-bold Italic

Leading

The leading for Public Sans should be set at a “comfortable” distance. A block of text shouldn’t feel too dense or difficult to read. The samples below provide a visual reference as well as the recommended settings for these particular type sizes.

The table below provides additional leading settings for common type sizes. For type sizes not shown in the table, please match the look of the visual samples.

Type size: 92 points
Leading: 100 points
Type size: 76 points
Leading: 84 points
Type size: 42 points
Leading: 48 points
Type size: 32 points
Leading: 40 points

Tracking and kerning

When using Public Sans in Adobe applications, set the kerning to “Optical” and tracking to “-5.” These settings help the font feel a little more compact, as it is a fairly loose font in its original state.

For large type applications such as billboards or event signage, the kerning will likely need to be manually adjusted.

Alternate font

Our secondary typeface is Arial, which is available on all operating systems.

Use it only for Microsoft applications, like Word and PowerPoint.

Arial Regular
Arial Regular Italic
Arial Bold
Arial Bold Italic

Color

Type may be used in all colors of our palette:

  • Five color families (30 total colors)
  • Grays (6 versions)
  • Black and white

Visit the color page to see all the colors. With such a wide range of colors, it’s important to follow the color usage guidelines in the following sections.

Tone on tone

When applying light-colored type on a dark-colored background or vice versa, apply a 2-step difference to ensure sufficient contrast.

Type and background color combinations must stay within their respective color family.

Type in Purple 10 can sit on Purple 40, 50, or 60 backgrounds. (The same guidance applies to each color family.)

Type in Purple 60 can sit on Purple 10, 20, or 30 backgrounds. (The same guidance applies to each color family.)

Black and white on color

Black and white type can sit on all the palette colors with the following parameters:

Black type can sit on the 10, 20, and 30 values of each color. (The same guidance applies to each color family.)

White type can sit on the 40, 50, and 60 values of each color. (The same guidance applies to each color family.)

Black on white or white on black

Type can be black and sit on a white background, or vice versa.

Grays on black or white

Type in Gray 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 can sit on a black background.

Type in Gray 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 can sit on a white background.

Help

Click a question below to see the answer.

Where can I download Public Sans?

You can download Public Sans from the downloads tab on the Typography page.

Should text be left-justified?

Yes, left-justified means the text aligns at the left. Use right-justified text as a second choice. In general, it is best to avoid centered text.

Still have a question? Send us a message.