What is the Next.js Font?

Next.js Font is a built-in functionality in Next.js that allows developers to manage fonts efficiently within a project. It enables easy integration of custom, local, or variable fonts, helping to optimize loading times and reduce layout shifts. With Next.js Font, you can control font weights, styles, and self-host font files, minimizing external network requests and enhancing site performance.

What is the Default Next.js Font?

Next.js does not impose a default font, as it allows developers full control over font choices. However, most Next.js templates initially use system fonts like Arial or sans-serif to maintain compatibility and load speeds. From there, developers can customize fonts to fit their project's aesthetic and performance needs, implementing fonts through Next.js Font options or custom configurations.

Is Font Awesome Deprecated?

No, Font Awesome is not deprecated. It remains a popular icon library and is actively maintained with regular updates. However, alternatives like SVG or custom icons are becoming more common for enhanced flexibility and performance. While not deprecated, some developers may prefer other solutions that better integrate with Next.js and custom font management practices.

Best Practices For Implementing Next.js Fonts

When it comes to Next.js projects, using the right fonts effectively is crucial to ensure performance, accessibility, and overall aesthetics. Nextjs fonts offer robust functionality for font management and loading, allowing developers to integrate custom font files, variable fonts, and local fonts seamlessly.

This blog will cover the best techniques to implement Next.js fonts, manage font loading efficiently, and avoid layout shifts for a smoother user experience.

Why Font Optimization Matters in Next.js

Optimized fonts can significantly impact user experience by improving load times, reducing layout shift, and enhancing readability. Slow or poorly implemented fonts can cause visual instability, disrupting the site’s look and feel. By setting up the next font the right way, you can achieve zero layout shift while also improving page load speeds.

Let's explore the best ways to integrate Next.js fonts effectively using custom font options, CSS variables, and optimized font loading strategies.

Understanding Next Font and How It Works

Next Font is Next.js's way of streamlining font integration, giving you more control over font files and font loading without external scripts or additional network overhead.

Key Advantages of Next Font

Automatically Self-Host Fonts: Next font enables you to self-host font files in your project, minimizing external network requests.
Custom Font Weight and Styles: You can control font weights and font styles by specifying only what’s needed.
Enhanced Performance with Variable Fonts: Variable fonts reduce the number of font files needed, enabling better flexibility for different font weights and styles.

Steps to Implement Next Font in Next.js

1. Choosing and Adding Fonts

The first step to add custom fonts to your Next.js app is to download or link the required font files.

Adding Custom Local Fonts

To implement local fonts for your Next app, place your font files in the public folder, and create a CSS file to define the font-family.

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/* styles/fonts.css */
@font-face {
  font-family: "MyCustomFont";
  src: url("/fonts/MyCustomFont-Regular.woff2") format("woff2"),
       url("/fonts/MyCustomFont-Regular.woff") format("woff");
  font-weight: normal;
  font-style: normal;
}

Using Next Font Local

For projects with local fonts, the next font local API allows you to avoid external network requests and instead use local font files directly in the project.

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// next.config.js
module.exports = {
  experimental: {
    nextFontLocal: true,
  },
};

2. Using Variable Fonts for Better Flexibility

Variable fonts are highly efficient as they allow multiple font weights and styles within a single font file, reducing layout shift. To use variable fonts:

Download a variable font file.
Place it in your project’s public folder.
Define a CSS variable font style with CSS variables for easy customization.

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/* styles/variable-fonts.css */
@font-face {
  font-family: "MyVariableFont";
  src: url("/fonts/MyVariableFont-VF.woff2") format("woff2-variations");
  font-weight: 100 900;
}

3. Loading Fonts in the Document

Place font references in the HTML document using CSS variables to prevent layout shift and improve font loading speed. This way, fonts are ready before the page fully loads.

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// pages/_document.js
import Document, { Html, Head, Main, NextScript } from "next/document";

class MyDocument extends Document {
  render() {
    return (
      <Html lang="en">
        <Head>
          <link rel="stylesheet" href="/styles/fonts.css" />
          <link rel="stylesheet" href="/styles/variable-fonts.css" />
        </Head>
        <body>
          <Main />
          <NextScript />
        </body>
      </Html>
    );
  }
}

export default MyDocument;

4. Utilizing CSS Variables for Font Styles

CSS variables allow you to create flexible font styles that can adapt to different elements. Set CSS variable names to easily manage font weight, font family, and font style across your site.

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:root {
  --main-font-family: "MyCustomFont", sans-serif;
  --main-font-weight: 400;
}

In your CSS file or JS file where you set styles, use these variables to maintain consistency across multiple files:

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body {
  font-family: var(--main-font-family);
  font-weight: var(--main-font-weight);
}

5. Implementing Font System for Responsive Text

A font system with responsive classes helps scale font sizes and font weights based on screen size. Using Tailwind CSS for this task can simplify the process.

For example:

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// Tailwind configuration for responsive font sizes
module.exports = {
  theme: {
    fontSize: {
      'sm': '.875rem',
      'base': '1rem',
      'lg': '1.125rem',
      'xl': '1.25rem',
    },
    extend: {},
  },
}

With Tailwind CSS classes, you can create a global font system that adjusts text styles based on your design requirements. Define main classname in your configuration file for easy access to the default styles.

6. Preventing Layout Shift with Fallback Fonts

Layout shift often happens when fonts load after other page elements. To achieve zero layout shift, use a fallback font to avoid unwanted shifts in page layout.

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body {
  font-family: var(--main-font-family), Arial, sans-serif;
}

Wrapping Up!

In this article, we've explored the best practices for implementing Next.js fonts, covering essential strategies to optimize font loading, prevent layout shifts, and enhance user experience. By using custom local fonts, variable fonts, and CSS variables, Next.js fonts can significantly improve your site's performance and visual stability. Remember, optimizing font loading not only boosts speed but also ensures a seamless, professional look across devices. Apply these steps to make the most of Next.js fonts and deliver a polished, responsive web experience.

The Best Ways to Implement Nextjs Fonts for Your Web Project

Daxesh Patel

Got a Figma? Or just a shower 🚿 thought?

About the Author

Daxesh Patel

Related questions

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The Best Ways to Implement Nextjs Fonts for Your Web Project

Daxesh Patel

Got a Figma? Or just a shower 🚿 thought?

About the Author

Daxesh Patel

Related questions

Read More

Why Font Optimization Matters in Next.js

Understanding Next Font and How It Works

Key Advantages of Next Font

Steps to Implement Next Font in Next.js

1. Choosing and Adding Fonts

Adding Custom Local Fonts

Using Next Font Local

2. Using Variable Fonts for Better Flexibility

3. Loading Fonts in the Document

4. Utilizing CSS Variables for Font Styles

5. Implementing Font System for Responsive Text

6. Preventing Layout Shift with Fallback Fonts

Wrapping Up!