Fuentes variables vs. fuentes estáticas: ¿cuál deberías usar para un mejor rendimiento y flexibilidad en el diseño?

Introduction

Typography is a critical element of digital design, influencing everything from brand perception to user experience. Choosing the right font format—variable or static—can significantly impact both site performance and creative potential. This guide explains the differences between variable and static fonts, their advantages and disadvantages, and practical scenarios for each, empowering you to make the best choice for your next project.

What Are Variable Fonts?

Variable fonts are a single font file that behaves like many, containing multiple weights, widths, and styles within one package. Introduced with the OpenType Font Variations specification, variable fonts enable designers to fine-tune typography with smooth, continuous adjustments—all from one file.

What Are Static Fonts?

Static fonts are traditional font files, where each style (e.g., regular, bold, italic, condensed) exists as a separate file. Designers must load individual files for every variation needed in a project.

Key Differences: Variable vs. Static Fonts

Performance Impact

Variable Fonts

• Advantages:

  • Load a single file instead of multiple for each style, reducing HTTP requests.

  • More efficient when using three or more styles/weights.

  • Enable responsive typography (e.g., adjusting weight for screen size or user preferences).

• Potential Drawbacks:

  • Slightly larger single file if only one style is used.

  • Not supported by all legacy browsers or design tools.

Static Fonts

• Advantages:

  • Minimal overhead if only one or two styles are required.

  • Maximum compatibility with all browsers and systems.

• Drawbacks:

  • Adding more styles significantly increases file requests and page weight.

  • Limited ability to create nuanced or fluid typography.

Design Flexibility

• Variable Fonts:

  • Ideal for modern, dynamic branding, and interactive UI/UX.

  • Facilitate advanced features such as morphing between weights, widths, and even custom axes (e.g., optical size).

  • Empower designers to create visually rich experiences with fewer resources.

• Static Fonts:

  • Suitable for simple projects, branding consistency, or when only a few font styles are needed.

  • Preferable in legacy systems or when maximum browser compatibility is required.

When to Use Each Font Type

Example Implementation

Using Variable Fonts in CSS:

@font-face {

font-family: 'InterVariable';

src: url('Inter-VariableFont_slnt,wght.ttf') format('truetype-variations');

font-weight: 100 900;

font-stretch: 75% 125%;

}

h1 {

font-family: 'InterVariable', sans-serif;

font-variation-settings: 'wght' 700, 'slnt' 0;

}

Using Static Fonts in CSS:

@font-face {

font-family: 'Inter';

src: url('Inter-Regular.ttf');

font-weight: 400;

}

@font-face {

font-family: 'Inter';

src: url('Inter-Bold.ttf');

font-weight: 700;

}

Conclusion

Variable fonts and static fonts each offer distinct advantages.

• Variable fonts are the go-to solution for projects demanding performance, flexibility, and advanced design capabilities—especially in modern, responsive, or interactive digital environments.

• Static fonts remain a solid choice for simplicity, reliability, and backward compatibility.

References

• Google Fonts Knowledge, 2024. Variable Fonts Guide

• CSS-Tricks, 2024. Variable Fonts on the Web

• Type Directors Club, 2024. Font Technology Trends Report