Using our font

Our typeface is Archivo, which reflects our no-nonsense approach. Multiple weights of Archivo are available to create clear, bold and accessible content.

Image [1] Archivo font weights:

Text positioning and alignment

• All text should be fully justified with equal right and left margins [2] or left-aligned [3].
• Text can be positioned to the left, right or centre of the content, as long as it’s fully justified [2] or left-aligned for accessibility [3].
• Ensure text is clearly visible and not obscured by any other elements.

Image [2] Fully justified text. Image [3] Left-aligned text:

Headings or titles

Archivo Black should be used for headings, bold statements or titles on content.

Headings are usually written in uppercase and only a few words long [2, 4, 5]. Headings or titles longer than 8 words should be written in sentence case. [6]

For a distinctive Essex look and feel, we enlarge certain words to help create a fully justified blocky visual. Fully justified text can be used for headings, just no more than four lines. [4]

• Leading should be set at 1 point higher than the font size used e.g. 48pt text should have 49pt leading.
• Gradients can be used within the text. Use a strong contrast to the background colour for legibility. [5]
• Outlined font can be used, just make sure the background is high enough contrast for readability. [4]
• Archivo Black can be used cut-out with an image showing through, or with a gradient of two colours [5].

• Do not underline text in titles as this signifies a link on digital communications.

Image [4] Lines of fully justified text. Image [5] Use of gradients in text:

Image [6] Longer titles written in sentence case:

Body copy

Archivo Regular, or Thin should be used for sub-headings and body copy.

• Other weights can be used to create emphasis and hierarchy.
• For legibility keep to no more than 3 weights within a piece.
• Avoid using ALL CAPITALS and italics as this can make it hard to read and less accessible.
• Word clouds are not to be used, as they look dated and don’t fit within our style.

Our font substitute

Our font Archivo is for use in our marketing materials.

For Microsoft packages – namely Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word – you can substitute with Arial.

• Arial Black can be used for headings in place of Archivo Black.
• Arial is our chosen default font for body copy (paragraph text).

Word will open with Calibri as the default font. The instructions below will set Arial as the default font in all new word documents, in line with our Essex identity: Changing your Word template (.docx).

Our bespoke font

Essex Modular is a bespoke font used on our wayfinding signage only.

If you have any queries about using our font, please contact branding@essex.ac.uk