Typography is a powerful brand tool that can add visual meaning to what is communicated. Northwestern’s typography is flexible enough to meet a wide range of situations and requirements.
Our brand fonts are licensed for specific uses. The university has a limited number of licenses; Global Marketing works with University communications leaders to ensure that the graphic design staff have access to these fonts. Substitute fonts are also available.
Campton works best for headlines and subheads, at 17 points or larger. It is not recommended for subheads smaller than 17 points, body copy or captions.
Licensed for: Print (limited; see "Obtain Fonts" below)
Not licensed for: Web or mobile applications
Web and desktop substitute: Poppins (Google Font)
Periódico Text is meant to be used for longer chunks of copy at smaller sizes. Its more balanced construction allows for greater legibility, even at smaller sizes.
Licensed for: Print (limited; see "Obtain Fonts" below)
Not licensed for: Web or mobile applications
Web and desktop substitute: Noto Serif (Google Font)
Poppins is used for headlines and subheads on the web. It is centrally hosted for use on Northwestern sites.
Free for: Web and print (Google Font)
Noto Serif is used for body text on the web. It is centrally hosted for use on Northwestern sites.
Free for: Web and print (Google Font)
Best suited for use at 17 points or larger. It is a dynamic option for headlines.
Licensed for: Print (limited; see "Obtain Fonts" below)
Not licensed for: Web or mobile applications
Akkurat Pro is our typographic workhorse. We can use it in a variety of ways: for headlines, body copy, captions and displaying all sorts of data. It is a highly legible, cleanly constructed face that is suitable at sizes from 5 points to 19 points.
Licensed for: Print (limited; see "Obtain Fonts" below) and web (centrally hosted only; no self-hosting)
Not licensed for: Mobile applications
Desktop substitute: IBM Plex Sans (Google Font)
Desktop font licenses are reserved for employees whose position descriptions delegate them as primary communication employees who produce design work. Individuals with the license should not share the files; they can only be used in projects for Northwestern University. To obtain a desktop license for Campton, Periodico or Akkurat Pro, please contact webmaster@northwestern.edu.
If you are not eligible for a desktop font license, you are encouraged to use the free substitute fonts, Poppins, Noto Serif or IBM Plex Sans. For web usage, you may use the free substitutes or the fonts hosted on commons.