What are the considerations for using custom fonts in print stylesheets?

When using custom fonts in print stylesheets, several considerations ensure that the printed output maintains readability, consistency, and aesthetics. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

1. **Font Licensing**: Ensure that you have the appropriate licensing rights to use the custom fonts in print materials. Some font licenses may have restrictions on usage, such as the number of devices or users allowed, so it's essential to comply with the terms of the license.

2. **Font Selection**: Choose custom fonts that are suitable for print and offer good legibility in various sizes. Consider factors such as serif vs. sans-serif, readability at different font sizes, and compatibility with the overall design aesthetic of the printed materials.

3. **Font Embedding**: Embedding custom fonts in the print stylesheet ensures that they are correctly rendered when printed. Use the `@font-face` rule in CSS to include font files (e.g., WOFF or WOFF2) directly in the stylesheet, ensuring that the fonts are available for printing regardless of the user's system.

4. **Fallback Fonts**: Provide fallback font families in case the custom fonts are not available or fail to load. This ensures that the content remains readable even if the custom fonts cannot be rendered. Choose fallback fonts that are similar in style and maintain consistency with the design.

5. **Font Size and Line Spacing**: Adjust font sizes and line spacing for optimal readability in print. Print materials typically require larger font sizes compared to digital screens to ensure readability under various lighting conditions. Increase line spacing (leading) slightly to improve legibility, especially for longer paragraphs.

6. **Color Considerations**: Ensure that the color contrast between text and background meets accessibility standards, particularly if printing in grayscale. Choose colors that provide sufficient contrast for readability, even when printed in black and white.

7. **Testing and Proofing**: Test the print stylesheet by generating print previews or printing physical copies to ensure that the layout, fonts, and content appear as intended. Check for any issues with font rendering, alignment, or spacing and make adjustments as necessary.

8. **Print-specific Styles**: Apply print-specific styles to optimize the layout for printed output. This may include adjusting margins, page breaks, and page orientation (e.g., landscape vs. portrait) to ensure that the content fits well on the printed page.

9. **File Size Considerations**: Be mindful of file sizes when embedding custom fonts, especially for print materials with large quantities of text or images. Optimize font files and other assets to minimize the overall file size of the printed materials, which can reduce printing costs and improve performance.

By considering these factors, you can effectively use custom fonts in print stylesheets to create visually appealing and readable printed materials.