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Arial vs Helvetica
Arial and Helvetica are both sans-serif typefaces sharing a neo-grotesque foundation. Where Arial leans readable, web optimized, Helvetica brings retro, branding. Compare which suits your Corporate project.
Design DNA
Design overlap:33%
Arial
Helvetica
Highlighted traits are shared between both fonts
Visual Comparison
Arial
Premium
Helvetica
Premium
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Arial | Helvetica |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Premium | Premium |
| Classification | sans-serif | sans-serif |
| Variable Font | No | No |
| Weights | Multiple | Multiple |
| Italics | Yes | Yes |
| License | Commercial License Required | Commercial License Required |
| Language Support | latin, latin-extended, cyrillic, greek, hebrew | latin, latin-extended, cyrillic, greek |
| Source | Monotype | Linotype |
Best Use Cases
Typography for established businesses, enterprise software, and professional ser...
Typography for wayfinding, environmental graphics, and public signage. Signage f...
Typography for business documents, reports, and professional communications. Doc...
Typography optimized for websites, landing pages, and web applications. Web font...
Typography optimized for user interfaces, design systems, and digital products. ...
Typography suited for magazines, newspapers, and long-form content. Editorial fo...
Fonts that establish strong brand identity with distinctive character and versat...
Typography for medical, wellness, and healthcare applications. Healthcare fonts ...
Typography optimized for online retail, marketplaces, and shopping experiences. ...
Which Should You Choose?
Recommended: Arial
- readable, web optimized design character
- Suited for Documents and Web
- From monotype
- 8 free alternatives available
- Broader language support
Consider: Helvetica
- retro, branding design character
- Suited for Editorial and Branding
- From linotype
- 7 free alternatives available
Browse by Context
Free Alternatives to Consider
Free fonts that can replace both Arial and Helvetica
Nimbus Sans
91%90% to Arial · 92% to Helvetica
Liberation Sans
89%93% to Arial · 84% to Helvetica
Inter
85%82% to Arial · 88% to Helvetica
Roboto
79%78% to Arial · 80% to Helvetica