Typefaces

In all our communication we use a single and modern typeface, DM Sans, in both digital and analogue channels. A cohesive channel-independent typographical expression creates a unified image of KI.

Example of how the typography can be used and will look like in various combinations.
Overall typography.

Typeface for branding

DM Sans Regular, Medium, Bold & Italic

DM Sans is used in both digital channels and in printed matters, for example in headings, body texts, captions, preambles, subheadings and buttons.

DM Sans is a Google font (i.e., license-free), thus easier to manage and in all channels. It is a modern and rather unique Sans Serif typeface with great potential to create distinction.

System typefaces

Arial och Times New Roman

If DM Sans is not available due to technical reasons or in contexts when KI communicates along with other brands such as Karolinska University Hospital or Region Sthlm, Arial and Times New Roman are to be used. The default typeface to be used in emails is Arial, 11 points, black. Rules for email signatures at KI.

Use and hierarchies

Main headings (heading level 1) use Medium, subheadings use Bold (heading level 2 & 3) and Italic (heading level 4). Preambles and body text use Regular. Italic is also used in body text to distinguish and highlight specific content. Heading levels 1 and 2 are set with setting optical kerning as well as pinching -15, making the text less sparse.

DM Sans is used in both digital channels and printed matter in for example headers, body texts, preambles, captions, subheadings and buttons
How to use the typeface DM Sans at various levels and contexts.
Example of use and hierarchies of DM Sans.
Example of how to use the typeface DM Sans.

Please notice:

Just as important as the choice of font is how the text is formatted: size, line spacing, width of lines, bulleted lists, length of paragraphs, and text alignment. 

  • Centered text should be avoided
  • Underlined text should be avoided
  • Italic text should be avoided (for longer texts)
  • Consider colour contrast to ensure readability. Only use the text colours recommended below.

Colours

Typography is set only in the colours black, dark plum and white and against colour backgrounds where the contrast requirements are met.

Examples of combinations of colour and text
The circles with letters show possible colour and text combinations that meet the accessibility requirements.

The DM Sans font is available in all of KI’s Microsoft 365 templates and has been automatically installed on all Karyon computers at KI.

Please contact Helpdesk if you have any problems accessing the font.