What factors should you consider when selecting custom fonts for web use?

When selecting custom fonts for web use, consider the following factors:

1. **Readability**: Choose fonts that are easy to read on screens of varying sizes and resolutions. Avoid overly decorative or ornate fonts that may sacrifice readability, especially for body text.

2. **Legibility**: Ensure that characters are distinct and easily recognizable, especially at smaller sizes. Pay attention to letterforms, spacing, and line weights to maintain legibility.

3. **Brand Identity**: Select fonts that reflect and reinforce your brand's personality, values, and message. Custom fonts can help differentiate your website and create a unique brand identity.

4. **Compatibility**: Choose fonts that are compatible with a wide range of devices, browsers, and operating systems. Test fonts across different platforms to ensure consistent rendering and performance.

5. **Loading Performance**: Opt for fonts that are optimized for web use and have smaller file sizes to minimize page load times. Consider using formats like WOFF or WOFF2 for better compression and faster loading.

6. **Licensing**: Ensure that you have the appropriate licensing rights for the fonts you intend to use. Purchase or obtain licenses that allow for web embedding and usage, and comply with license terms and restrictions.

7. **Accessibility**: Consider the accessibility of fonts for users with visual impairments or reading disabilities. Choose fonts with good contrast, clear letterforms, and adequate spacing to enhance accessibility and usability.

8. **Hierarchy**: Use a combination of font styles, weights, and sizes to create visual hierarchy and structure on your website. Differentiate between headings, subheadings, and body text to guide users' attention and improve readability.

9. **Consistency**: Maintain consistency in font choices across your website to provide a cohesive user experience. Use a limited number of fonts and styles to avoid visual clutter and confusion.

10. **Performance**: Balance visual aesthetics with performance considerations. Avoid using too many custom fonts or large font files that may slow down page loading times or impact user experience negatively.

By considering these factors when selecting custom fonts for web use, you can create visually appealing, readable, and engaging designs that effectively communicate your brand message and provide an optimal user experience.