As usual, I am always on the lookout for plugins that allow users to have fun with their websites. I like to mix it up from time to time here on the Tavern and not be all-business-all-the-time. And, that is where the new Adrian plugin comes in. Its goal is to take all of the hard work out of selecting a font pairing for end-users.
The plugin derives its name from Swiss typeface designer Adrian Johann Frutiger. The plugin author, who wishes to remain anonymous, said the typographer was one of their favorites.
“All plugins have such serious names stuffed with SEO keywords, and I just wanted something fun,” they added.
Instead of the typical route of submitting it to the WordPress.org directory, the author decided to launch a one-off site to showcase the plugin. The cost runs the price of simply subscribing to an email list to access the download.
Adrian is essentially a font selector. However, instead of picking each font for various theme elements, users can select from curated pairings. And, taking it one step more, it provides unique names for all of them.
For example, the Breakfast Cereal (yes, that is the actual name) option uses the big and bold Luckiest Guy font for headings alongside News Cycle for body copy.
If nothing else, the plugin is simply a treat to test because of its fun names. With options like Cherry Soda, Cowboy, and Hollywood Lights, it adds a little flavor to the entire process.
“I think there are lots of people who would rather you hand them an option rather the ability to make the decisions themselves,” said the plugin author. “No one in their right mind looks at the 1.2K fonts in Google Fonts and says, ‘I can’t wait to pick a font pairing.’ It’s overwhelming and out of most people’s depth.”
Even as a former full-time theme designer, this could be a tedious job. I would often spend hours tinkering with pairings, attempting to find the right personality for a design.
The plugin takes most of that work and boils it down to a little more than three dozen options.
There is a little something for everyone. For example, if you want a retro gaming feel, the Insert Coin pairing of the pixelated Press Start 2P font for headings and Roboto Mono for text can bring a little nostalgia to your site.
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This article was written by Justin Tadlock and originally published on WP Tavern.