How can I improve the scaling of a custom font on different browsers in Webflow?

Inconsistent font scaling across browsers can occur due to differences in rendering engines, user settings, or unit usage. Here's how to improve and standardize custom font scaling in Webflow.

1. Use Relative Font Units (Rem or Em)

• Avoid using pixels (px) for typography when scalability and responsiveness are important.
• Use rem (relative to the root html font size) or em (relative to the parent element).
• Example: Set the body font size to 1rem (16px) and scale heading/subheading sizes as multiples of rem.

2. Check Base Font Size on html and body

• Ensure consistency by explicitly setting the base font size on the html and body elements in the Webflow Style panel.
• Set the html font size to 100% or 16px.
• Then, all rem-based values scale predictably across browsers.

3. Use Web-Safe Font Rendering Settings

• In Project Settings → Fonts, make sure you're using properly optimized .woff or .woff2 formats.
• Add fallback fonts in the typography settings, e.g., "CustomFont", Arial, sans-serif.
• Consider using font-display: swap in your Site Settings → Custom Code → Head to improve load behavior:
• Use: <style> @font-face { font-display: swap; } </style>

4. Enable Font Smoothing

• Add font smoothing styles to improve clarity on macOS browsers like Safari:
• Insert into Site Settings → Custom Code → Head:
  • <style> body {-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -moz-osx-font-smoothing: grayscale;} </style>

5. Test on Actual Devices and Browsers

• Use Webflow’s Preview on Devices panel, but also test on:
• Safari, Firefox, Chrome, and Edge
• Real iOS and Android devices
• Safari and some mobile browsers may scale fonts based on accessibility settings, which you can't fully control but can accommodate by avoiding absolute sizing.

6. Avoid Fixed Viewport Units With Fonts

• Do not scale text using vw or vh unless for specific hero sections.
• These units can cause unexpected scaling on smaller devices or accessibility zoom modes.

7. Consider Media Query Adjustments

• Use Webflow’s built-in breakpoints to adjust font sizes per device if necessary.
• Create a consistent visual hierarchy while allowing flexibility based on screen size.

Summary

To improve custom font scaling across browsers in Webflow, use rem units, define a clear base font size, enable font smoothing, and optimize your font files and rendering settings. Always test across devices and browsers for best results.