Free Alternatives to Microsoft Fonts Part 2: Comic Sans

Posted on: October 19, 2009 - 8:24am

Every Time you use Comic Sans, Faye will punch this adorable bunny

(Image courtesy of bancomicsans.com/Jeph Jacques)

As we've previously discussed using the font Papyrus as an example, choosing the right font for a project can be tricky. Far too many people take the easy way out an stick with a narrow palette of default fonts that come with their computer, not aware that there are many thousands of other options out there.

Comic Sans is a font produced by Microsoft that has shipped with every version of Windows since Windows 95. It is a casual face, meant to imitate informal comic book lettering. It has been used in everything from Beanie Baby tags, scientific PowerPoint presentations, passive-aggressive notes, outdoors signage, and municipal signage.

Why all the Comic Sans Hate?

It has been said that the best typeface is one that is never noticed; good fonts match the message they are conveying. By itself, Comic Sans conveys childishness, fun, bubbly, and an overall feeling of lightheartedness. Very inappropriate uses include setting the Qur'an in Comic Sans, college exams, or reports on hazardous nuclear waste. This documentary video sums it up pretty well.

Comic Sans from Sam and Anita on Vimeo.

Great Free Alternatives to Comic Sans

But alas, there is hope for all the Comic Sans haters! There are many fonts out there, and some really great free alternatives to Comic Sans. Below are some of the best I've found. But please, don't use any of these for serious communications. If you do, I might really have to punch this bunny.