Libre Bodoni
About Libre Bodoni
- Source
- Google Fonts ↗
- Classification
- serif
- Weights
- Variable (100-900)
- Features
- Variable, Italics
Free to use, modify, and distribute. Can be used commercially without attribution.
What's allowed?
- ✓ Client work
- ✓ SaaS / Web apps
- ✓ YouTube / Video
- ✓ Sell products
- ✓ Print materials
Note: Derivative fonts must use the same license.
Full license guide →Libre Bodoni is an open-source revival of the classic Bodoni typeface, created by Impallari Type. It faithfully captures the dramatic contrast and elegant proportions of Giambattista Bodoni's 18th-century designs while providing modern digital functionality.
History and Design
Pablo Impallari designed Libre Bodoni as part of the Libre font family project, which aims to create high-quality open-source alternatives to classic typefaces. The design closely follows Bodoni's characteristic high contrast, flat serifs, and vertical stress that define the Modern or Didone classification.
The typeface maintains Bodoni's dramatic personality—the extreme difference between thick and thin strokes creates immediate visual impact. Impallari balanced historical accuracy with practical considerations for digital reproduction.
Why Libre Bodoni Matters
Libre Bodoni democratizes access to the Bodoni aesthetic. Fashion magazines, luxury brands, and editorial designers can achieve Bodoni's sophisticated look without licensing fees. The faithful reproduction ensures professional results comparable to commercial alternatives.
Technical Features
- Variable font: Adjustable weight from regular to bold
- True italics: Elegantly designed oblique variants
- OpenType features: Ligatures, stylistic alternates
- Latin Extended: Comprehensive character support
- Display optimized: Maintains detail at large sizes
Best Use Cases
Libre Bodoni excels in:
- Fashion design: Editorial layouts and brand materials
- Display typography: Headlines with dramatic impact
- Luxury branding: Sophisticated visual identities
- Poster design: High-contrast statements at large scale
Usage Tips
Use Libre Bodoni at display sizes (18pt+) where the hairline details remain visible. Avoid small body text where the thin strokes may disappear. Pair with geometric sans-serifs like Montserrat for classic contrast. The variable font allows fine-tuning weight to match specific applications. Ensure sufficient line height to accommodate the tall x-height.
Alternative For (16)
Libre Bodoni is a free alternative to the following premium fonts:
How to Use Libre Bodoni
Copy these code snippets to quickly add Libre Bodoni to your project.
CSS Import
@import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Libre+Bodoni:wght@100..900&display=swap');HTML Link Tags
<link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com">
<link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.gstatic.com" crossorigin>
<link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Libre+Bodoni:wght@100..900&display=swap" rel="stylesheet">Tailwind CSS
// tailwind.config.js
module.exports = {
theme: {
extend: {
fontFamily: {
'libre-bodoni': ['"Libre Bodoni"', 'sans-serif'],
},
},
},
}
// Usage in HTML:
// <p class="font-libre-bodoni">Your text here</p>React / Next.js
// Using next/font (Next.js 13+)
import { Libre_Bodoni } from 'next/font/google';
const libre_bodoni = Libre_Bodoni({
subsets: ['latin'],
weight: ['100', '200', '300', '400', '500', '600', '700', '800', '900'],
});
export default function Component() {
return (
<p className={libre_bodoni.className}>
Your text here
</p>
);
}
// Or using inline styles with Google Fonts link:
// <p style={{ fontFamily: '"Libre Bodoni"' }}>Your text</p>