Choosing the right font in a mobile app isn’t just about style it’s about making sure people with low vision can actually read what’s on screen. If text is too thin, too tightly spaced, or lacks contrast, even large font sizes won’t help. For users who rely on visual clarity, the difference between frustration and independence often comes down to typeface choice.

What makes a font work well for low-vision users?

A good font for low vision has clear letterforms, generous spacing, and consistent stroke width. Letters like “I,” “l,” and “1” should be easy to tell apart. Avoid fonts with decorative swirls, overly thin strokes, or condensed widths they make reading harder, not easier.

For example, Arial and Helvetica are widely used because their clean lines and open shapes improve legibility. But newer options like Atkinson Hyperlegible were designed specifically for accessibility, with exaggerated distinctions between similar characters.

Which fonts should you avoid?

Script fonts, ultra-thin sans-serifs, and display fonts meant for headlines rarely belong in body text for accessibility. Fonts like Brush Script or Thin Century Gothic may look stylish but become unreadable at small sizes or under glare. Even popular fonts like Calibri or Verdana can fall short if line height or letter spacing isn’t adjusted properly.

How do I test if a font works for low vision?

Start by increasing the system font size on your phone to its largest setting. Then open your app. Does the text remain crisp? Do letters blur together? Try viewing the screen in bright sunlight or low light real-world conditions reveal problems that mockups miss.

You can also ask someone with low vision to try your app. Their feedback will show you what automated tools can’t: whether the font actually feels comfortable to read over time.

Should I let users pick their own font?

Yes when possible. Some apps let users override the default font with one from their device settings. This respects personal preference and existing accessibility configurations. If you’re designing an app for older adults, consider linking to our guide on fonts that work well for elderly users, since many of the same principles apply.

Is this different from fonts for dyslexia?

Somewhat. Fonts for dyslexia focus on reducing letter confusion (like b/d or p/q) through weighted bottoms or unique shapes. Low-vision fonts prioritize contrast, spacing, and character distinction. There’s overlap for instance, both benefit from increased letter spacing but the goals aren’t identical. You can explore more in our piece on fonts designed for dyslexia support.

What’s the biggest mistake designers make?

Assuming bigger text alone solves accessibility. Font size matters, but so does weight, spacing, color contrast, and typeface design. A 24pt version of a poorly chosen font can still be illegible. Pairing large text with a cluttered layout or low contrast background cancels out any gains.

Quick checklist before you ship

If you’re starting fresh or redesigning an existing app, begin with this list of readability-focused fonts tested and recommended for low-vision use cases. Pick one, test it with real users, and adjust spacing as needed. Small changes here make a big difference in who can actually use your app. Explore Design