What are web-safe fonts, and are they still relevant today?

Web-safe fonts are fonts that are widely available across different operating systems and web browsers. These fonts are considered "safe" because they are pre-installed on most devices and are guaranteed to display consistently for website visitors, regardless of their device or browser settings.

Examples of web-safe fonts include Arial, Helvetica, Times New Roman, Georgia, Courier New, and Verdana. These fonts have been commonly used in web design for many years due to their widespread availability and consistent rendering.

However, with advancements in web typography and the widespread support for custom fonts using technologies like CSS3 `@font-face` and web font services, the relevance of web-safe fonts has diminished to some extent. While they are still widely supported and can be used as fallback options, web designers now have more flexibility to choose from a broader range of custom fonts to create unique and visually appealing typography on their websites.

That being said, web-safe fonts still have some relevance, especially in situations where custom fonts may not be feasible or necessary. For example, when designing simple or text-heavy websites, using web-safe fonts can help ensure consistent and predictable typography without the need for additional font loading or compatibility concerns.

In summary, while web-safe fonts are still supported and can be used as fallback options, the increasing popularity of custom fonts has somewhat reduced their relevance in modern web design. However, they still serve a purpose in ensuring consistent typography across different devices and browsers, particularly in more straightforward web design projects.