If you’re experiencing inconsistent font characters on your website, such as missing glyphs, different font styles, or irregular text appearance, it can negatively impact the overall look and readability of your site. This issue often arises from incorrect font settings, unsupported characters, or improperly loaded custom fonts. Here’s how to troubleshoot and resolve inconsistent font character issues using OzSpeed’s Website Builder.
Step 1: Identify the Problem #
Before fixing the issue, identify where the font inconsistency is happening.
Common Signs of Inconsistent Font Characters: #
- Missing characters or symbols (e.g., accented letters, special characters).
- Different font styles or sizes appearing in the same text block.
- Characters appearing as squares, boxes, or question marks.
Tip: #
- Take note of the specific areas and text blocks where the issue occurs (e.g., headings, body text, specific languages or symbols).
Step 2: Check the Font Settings #
Ensure that you’ve applied the correct font settings for all text elements on your website.
How to Check and Update Font Settings: #
- Click on the problematic Text Block to open the Design Settings panel.
- Go to the Typography tab and review the selected Font Family.
- Ensure the same font is applied consistently across all text blocks.
- Click Apply to save the changes.
Tip: #
- Avoid using multiple fonts in a single text block, as this can lead to inconsistencies.
Step 3: Use a Web-Safe Font #
If the custom font you’re using doesn’t support all characters (e.g., special symbols, accented letters), switch to a web-safe font as a temporary fix.
Recommended Web-Safe Fonts: #
- Arial: A widely supported sans-serif font.
- Times New Roman: A classic serif font.
- Verdana: A sans-serif font known for good readability.
How to Change to a Web-Safe Font: #
- Click on the affected Text Block.
- Go to the Typography tab and select a web-safe font from the Font Family dropdown.
- Click Apply.
Tip: #
- Test the web-safe font on different text blocks to ensure the issue is resolved before making it a permanent change.
Step 4: Re-upload the Custom Font (If Applicable) #
If you’re using a custom font and experiencing issues, try re-uploading the font file.
How to Re-upload a Custom Font: #
- Go to Website Settings > Typography in the hPanel editor.
- Click Manage Custom Fonts.
- Delete the problematic custom font and re-upload it using the correct file format (e.g., TTF, OTF, WOFF).
- Click Apply.
Tip: #
- Use the WOFF format for better web compatibility and performance.
Step 5: Use Font Subsetting for Special Characters #
If you need to display special characters (e.g., accented letters, non-Latin characters), use font subsetting to ensure these glyphs are included.
How to Create a Subset Font: #
- Use an online tool like Font Squirrel or Google Fonts to create a subset of your custom font that includes the necessary characters.
- Download the subset font file.
- Upload the subset font file to hPanel as a new custom font.
Tip: #
- Only include the characters you need to keep the file size small and improve loading speed.
Step 6: Clear Website Cache #
Font issues can sometimes be caused by cached data. Clear your website cache to ensure the latest font settings are applied.
How to Clear Cache: #
- Go to Website Settings > Performance in hPanel.
- Click Clear Cache.
- Refresh your browser.
Tip: #
- Clear your browser cache as well, or use an incognito window to see the changes.
Step 7: Test the Font on Different Devices and Browsers #
Font rendering can vary across different browsers and devices. Test your site to ensure the font looks consistent everywhere.
How to Test: #
- Preview your website on desktop, tablet, and mobile views.
- Check the site using different browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
- Verify that all characters and symbols are displayed correctly.
Tip: #
- Use online tools like BrowserStack to test your site on multiple devices and browsers without needing physical access to them.
Step 8: Use Fallback Fonts #
Specify a fallback font in case the custom font fails to load or display properly.
How to Set a Fallback Font: #
- Go to Website Settings > Typography in hPanel.
- Enter a list of fallback fonts (e.g., “MyCustomFont, Arial, sans-serif”).
- Click Apply.
Tip: #
- Fallback fonts should be similar in style to your primary font to maintain design consistency.
Troubleshooting Tips #
- Characters Still Not Displaying Correctly:
- Ensure the font file supports all the necessary characters (e.g., check the font’s character map).
- Try using a different version of the font (e.g., TTF instead of OTF).
- Font Rendering Issues on Mobile:
- Use responsive design settings to adjust font size and style for mobile views.
- Test the site on multiple mobile devices to identify any issues.
- Slow Loading Due to Custom Font:
- Optimize the font file size by creating a subset with only the required characters.
- Enable lazy loading for fonts if supported by your website settings.
Additional Tips: #
- Check Browser Compatibility: Some older browsers may not support certain custom fonts or font formats. Use modern, widely supported formats like WOFF or WOFF2.
- Use Standardized Fonts for Body Text: For better readability and compatibility, use common fonts for body text, while reserving custom fonts for headings and special elements.
- Keep Fonts Consistent: Avoid using too many different fonts on your website, as this can create a cluttered appearance and affect loading speed.
