Figma Import Font: How to Use Old Style Figures Effectively

When it comes to typography in Figma, there are several options available to enhance the visual appeal and usability of your text. One such option is the use of old style figures, which can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your design.

Old style figures, also known as lowercase figures, were commonly used in 17th-18th century typography and are characterized by their unique design and functionality. In Figma, you can find these figures by navigating to Text → Type Settings → Details → Numbers → Style → Lowercase/Old Style.

Using old style figures can be beneficial for long texts that contain numerous dates, as they blend in seamlessly with the surrounding text without drawing attention away from it. Additionally, these figures typically feature descenders in numbers 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9, and ascenders in numbers 6 and 8.

It's worth noting that old style figures have a basic height that aligns with the font's x-height, which is different from lining figures (uppercase figures) that are typed from your keyboard and align with the cap height.

When to Use Old Style Figures

Old style figures can be used effectively in certain situations. For instance:

* In long texts that contain numerous dates

* When you want to make numbers an integral part of the text, rather than highlighting them

However, it's essential to use these figures with caution when it comes to display type, as they may not provide adequate spacing between digits, which can lead to a less-than-ideal visual appearance.

Monospaced Figures: What Are They?

In addition to old style figures, Figma also offers monospaced figures, which should be used with caution when working with display type. These figures lack kerning, which means that numbers may appear as a mistake rather than a stylistic solution in large sizes.

Tabular Figures: A Stylistic Solution

Another type of figure available in Figma is tabular figures, which are designed for use when numbers are placed vertically below each other (e.g., in a price list or menu). These figures are inscribed within identical notional rectangles, known as em squares or em boxes.

Choosing the Right Font: A Key to Effective Typography

In conclusion, using old style figures effectively requires an understanding of typography and how type works. By choosing the right font and using it correctly, designers can create visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces that effectively communicate information to their audience.

By following these key rules and tools for working with text in Figma, UI/UX designers can ensure that their designs are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Remember, a font is not just symbols you have on your keyboard, but also a range of less obvious characters and their interaction algorithms, as well as the typesetting rules that govern them.

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