When Google Fonts pushed an unexpected Inter font update in late 2023, designers and developers worldwide faced a stark reality: depending on third-party font hosting can be risky business.
Let’s dive into what happened, why it matters, and how you can protect your designs from similar surprises in the future.
Inter got updated
The typography world got a wake-up call when Rasmus Andersson’s Inter font received a significant update through Google Fonts. This wasn’t just any minor tweak – we’re talking about noticeable changes in letter spacing, x-height, and overall character forms that affected countless websites and applications worldwide.
Perhaps most significantly, the update introduced improvements in vertical metrics and adjustments to the way characters interact with each other. These changes were implemented with the goal of enhancing readability across different screen sizes and improving the overall user experience. However, the sudden nature of these updates left many designers scrambling to adapt their existing designs.
Key Changes:
- Refined letter spacing and kerning
- Adjusted x-height metrics
- Modified character shapes
- Updated font weight distribution
- Enhanced variable font axes
Here’s a comparison of the impact:
| Feature | Old Version | New Version | Impact |
| Letter Spacing | Tighter | More relaxed | Text reflow issues |
| X-height | Lower | Higher | Increased readability |
| Character Forms | Angular | Softer curves | Visual style shift |
| Weight Distribution | Uniform | More varied | Better scaling |
What can you do about it
When facing font update challenges, you’ve got two main paths forward. Let’s explore both options in detail.
The decision between embracing changes or reverting to an older version isn’t just about preference – it’s about understanding your project’s specific needs, your users’ expectations, and your team’s capacity to handle the transition. Consider factors like your project’s scale, deadline constraints, and the potential impact on user experience before making your choice.
1. Embrace the changes
One often overlooked benefit of embracing the new version is the opportunity to audit and improve your overall typography system. This can be a perfect time to implement better typography practices, create more robust fallback systems, and ensure your design system documentation is up to date.
Moving forward with the new version might be your best bet for long-term sustainability. Here’s why:
- Future-proof designs: Stay current with typography trends
- Better performance: Take advantage of improved variable font features
- Enhanced readability: Benefit from refined metrics and spacing
To implement the update smoothly:
- Audit your existing designs
- Test across different devices and browsers
- Update your design system documentation
- Communicate changes to stakeholders
2. Go back to the older version
Remember that reverting to an older version isn’t just about nostalgia – it’s about maintaining consistency and reliability in your design system. Many established brands choose this route because their visual identity is closely tied to specific typographic characteristics that might be altered in newer versions.
Sometimes, reverting to the previous version makes more sense, especially for established brands. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Download the specific version you need
- Set up self-hosting
- Update your CSS references
- Implement proper caching
What to do when it updated in Figma
The challenge of managing font updates in Figma extends beyond just the technical aspects. It’s crucial to establish clear communication channels between team members and create a systematic approach to version control that aligns with your organization’s workflow. Consider implementing a change management protocol specifically for typography updates.
Figma’s automatic font updates can catch teams off guard. Here’s a comprehensive strategy for managing these changes:
- Document your typography settings
- Font weights used
- Line heights
- Character spacing
- Component specific adjustments
- Create a backup system
- Store local copies of font files
- Maintain version documentation
- Set up design system fallbacks
Don’t rely on Google Fonts
Beyond the technical advantages, self-hosting fonts gives you the freedom to optimize your typography for specific use cases. You can implement custom subsetting, adjust loading strategies, and even modify the fonts themselves if needed – options that aren’t available when relying on third-party hosting services.
While Google Fonts offers convenience, self-hosting provides better control and performance. Here’s why:
Benefits of self-hosting:
- Improved page load times
- Better GDPR compliance
- Complete control over updates
- Enhanced privacy protection
Typographic power to your inbox
Our typography community has grown into a vibrant ecosystem of designers, developers, and font enthusiasts who share insights, troubleshoot challenges, and collaborate on solutions. This collective knowledge has proven invaluable during major typography transitions and updates.
Stay ahead of font changes by joining our typography community:
“Typography is not just about choosing beautiful fonts – it’s about creating resilient, performant, and maintainable designs.” – Typography Expert
Weekly updates include:
- Font performance tips
- New release notifications
- Design case studies
- Community discussions
Conclusion
The Inter font update serves as a valuable lesson in digital design flexibility and the importance of controlling your typography assets. By implementing proper font hosting strategies and maintaining version control, you can protect your designs from unexpected changes while ensuring optimal performance and compliance.
Take action today:
- Audit your current font hosting setup
- Consider implementing self-hosting
- Create a font update response plan
- Join the typography community for ongoing support
As we move forward in an increasingly digital world, the importance of typography control and management will only grow. By taking control of your font hosting today, you’re not just solving an immediate problem – you’re investing in the long-term sustainability and reliability of your digital products.
