fallbacktypeface

noun

UK /ˈfɔːlbæk taɪpfeɪs/

US /ˈfɔːlbæk taɪpfeɪs/

A fallback typeface is a backup font a computer uses when the first font is missing.

When the fancy font didn't load, the browser showed the page in a fallback typeface.

SYNONYMS

backup font substitute font default font reserve typeface alternate font

RELATED WORDS

font stack typeface web font glyph typography

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A secondary typeface chosen by a designer to keep text readable if the main one fails.

The designer paired the brand font with a sturdy fallback typeface for slow connections.

3. The system font a device switches to when a document's font is unavailable.

Opening the old file on a new laptop replaced the missing font with a fallback typeface.

4. A font used in printing when the requested type is out of stock.

The print shop used a fallback typeface so the job could go out on time.