Why should Google Fonts be localised?
Using Google Fonts directly via Google's CDN may seem easy and quick, but localising the fonts offers many advantages:
Optimised speed
By localising the fonts, the loading time of your website is reduced, as additional requests to external servers are eliminated.
Less dependence on external websites
If you store the fonts on your own hosting, your website is not dependent on the services and stability of Google's servers.
Resolution of privacy issues
In Europe, particularly with regard to the GDPR, the direct use of Google services may violate user privacy. Localising the fonts resolves this issue.
Our services for localising Google Fonts
If speed and privacy are a priority for your website, we can professionally localise Google Fonts for you.
How are Google Fonts localised?
To localise Google Fonts, follow these steps:
1. Download fonts
To download the Google Fonts, you can use online tools such as the Google Webfonts Helper use. This website allows you to download all versions of the Google Fonts in suitable formats.
2. Upload fonts to the website's hosting
After downloading, upload the font files to a specific folder on your hosting (e.g. /fonts/).
3. Change font URLs in the CSS file
Update the relevant CSS codes so that they refer to the locally stored font files. For example:
/* fonts.css */
@font-face {
font-family: 'Roboto';
src: url('/fonts/roboto-regular.woff2') format('woff2'),
url('/fonts/roboto-regular.woff') format('woff');
font-weight: normal;
font-style: normal;
}
4. Integrate the CSS file into your website
Ensure that your customised CSS file is correctly integrated into your website. This can be done via the <head>-section of your HTML document:
<link rel="stylesheet" href="/path-to-your-css/fonts.css">
Why do it yourself?
These steps may seem complicated. Our team is ready to professionally handle the entire process of localising Google Fonts for you.
Conclusion
The localisation of Google Fonts offers numerous advantages, including faster loading times, better control over data, and compliance with data protection regulations. Although the process may seem technical, it is a sensible measure for optimising your website. If you need support, our team is ready to take on this task professionally for you.
What guidelines are there for the future?
In future posts, we will provide detailed instructions on localising fonts in WordPress websites and using the Elementor Page Builder. If you don't want to miss these instructions, sign up for our newsletter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why should I localise Google Fonts when the CDN is already fast?
Even though Google's CDN is fast, localisation can further optimise your website's loading time while also addressing privacy issues, especially in Europe.
Can I only localise certain fonts?
Yes, you can only download and localise the fonts that you actually use to save space and loading time.
Which font formats should I use?
It is recommended to use the WOFF and WOFF2 formats, as these are optimised for the web.
Are there tools that can help me with localisation?
Yes, the Google Webfonts Helper is an excellent tool for easily downloading and customizing Google Fonts.
Does localisation affect the quality of the fonts?
No, the quality remains the same as you are using the original font files.
