Install FontSwap
Montserrat is one of the most popular fonts on Google Fonts — used on over 14 million websites. But most designers don’t know it has two companion families that can add personality and emphasis without breaking their existing layouts.
The Montserrat Family Tree
| Variant | Styles | Variable | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montserrat | 18 (9 wt × 2) | Yes | Clean geometric sans |
| Montserrat Alternates | 18 (9 wt × 2) | No | Softer, curved letterforms |
| Montserrat Underline | 9 weights | Yes | Built-in underline decoration |
All three were designed by Julieta Ulanovsky, inspired by the signage of Buenos Aires’ Montserrat neighborhood.
Montserrat Alternates: Subtle Character
Montserrat Alternates swaps several key letterforms for softer, rounder versions. The differences are most visible in specific characters where standard Montserrat uses straight cuts — the Alternates variant introduces gentle curves instead.
The result is a font that feels familiar but distinctive. Brands that want Montserrat’s recognizability with a touch more warmth reach for Alternates.
Key detail: Montserrat Alternates uses the same metrics as standard Montserrat. You can swap one for the other in an existing layout without reflowing text — the character widths and spacing are identical.
Best for: Brand identity work, creative projects, portfolios, and any context where standard Montserrat feels too generic.
Montserrat Underline: Built-In Emphasis
Montserrat Underline (formerly “Montserrat Subrayada” — Spanish for “underlined”) features an integrated underline stroke beneath every character. This isn’t a CSS text-decoration — the underline is part of the glyph itself.
In November 2024, the font was completely redesigned: renamed from Subrayada to Underline, expanded from 2 weights to 9, and redrawn with over 2,700 glyphs. It’s now a full variable font.
Best for: Headlines, poster design, social media graphics, and any display context where you want instant emphasis.
When to Use Each
- Body text, UI, general purpose → Montserrat (standard)
- Brand work that needs more personality → Montserrat Alternates
- Headlines and display with built-in emphasis → Montserrat Underline
All three can be used in the same project. The shared design DNA keeps them visually cohesive while the variants provide hierarchy and emphasis.
The Gotham Connection
Montserrat was originally inspired by the same geometric sans tradition that produced Gotham and Proxima Nova. If you’re looking for a free Gotham replacement, standard Montserrat is the go-to at 82% similarity. Montserrat Alternates provides an alternative path — slightly less rigid than Gotham but with more warmth.
Compare directly: Gotham vs Montserrat | Proxima Nova vs Montserrat