Compiler note: For system fonts and advanced typography, use XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX. For traditional LaTeX fonts, pdfLaTeX works perfectly.Related topics: Text formatting | Document classes | Choosing a compiler
Font Basics
The Three Font Attributes
LaTeX fonts have three independent attributes:Combining Font Attributes
Font Packages (pdfLaTeX)
Popular Font Packages
Font Package Comparison
| Package | Style | Math Support | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
lmodern | Modern | Yes | Default improvement |
mathptmx | Times | Yes | Traditional papers |
helvet | Helvetica | No | Modern look |
mathpazo | Palatino | Yes | Books, elegant |
libertine | Libertine | Yes | Professional |
fourier | Utopia | Yes | Technical docs |
System Fonts (XeLaTeX/LuaLaTeX)
Using System Fonts
Font Selection by Name
Font Features
OpenType Features (XeLaTeX/LuaLaTeX)
Microtype Package
Font Sizes
Changing Font Size
Size Commands Reference
| Command | 10pt Article | 11pt Article | 12pt Article |
|---|---|---|---|
\tiny | 5pt | 6pt | 6pt |
\scriptsize | 7pt | 8pt | 8pt |
\footnotesize | 8pt | 9pt | 10pt |
\small | 9pt | 10pt | 10.95pt |
\normalsize | 10pt | 10.95pt | 12pt |
\large | 12pt | 12pt | 14.4pt |
\Large | 14.4pt | 14.4pt | 17.28pt |
\LARGE | 17.28pt | 17.28pt | 20.74pt |
\huge | 20.74pt | 20.74pt | 24.88pt |
\Huge | 24.88pt | 24.88pt | 24.88pt |
Mathematical Fonts
Math Font Packages
Unicode Math (XeLaTeX/LuaLaTeX)
Special Typography
Drop Caps
Custom Fonts for Special Text
Font Troubleshooting
Common Issues and Solutions
Best Practices
Font Comparison
For Traditional Documents
- Times (mathptmx)
- Palatino (mathpazo)
- Computer Modern (default)
- Latin Modern (lmodern)
For Modern Documents
- Helvetica (helvet)
- Open Sans
- Source Sans Pro
- Roboto
For Technical Documents
- Computer Modern
- STIX Two
- Libertinus
- KP Fonts
For Books
- Minion Pro
- Sabon
- Garamond
- Baskerville
Quick Reference
| Task | pdfLaTeX | XeLaTeX/LuaLaTeX |
|---|---|---|
| Times font | \usepackage{mathptmx} | \setmainfont{Times New Roman} |
| Sans default | \renewcommand{\familydefault}{\sfdefault} | \setmainfont{Arial} |
| Math fonts | \usepackage{newtxmath} | \usepackage{unicode-math} |
| Custom font | Use packages | \newfontfamily\myfont{FontName} |
Next: Learn about Mathematical equations to create complex mathematical expressions with proper formatting.
