Why Use REM for Font Sizes
Introduction: Moving Beyond PX for Accessibility
Not too long ago, using PX for font sizing was the go-to method for web design. It was simple, reliable, and effective when building websites. However, as web design standards evolve, PX-based font sizing has become less accessible. Today, creating websites that are inclusive and adaptable to various devices is a priority, and REM font sizes have emerged as the better alternative.
In this guide, we’ll explore why REM font sizes are considered a best practice, the challenges they pose, and how you can easily transition from PX to REM, especially in tools like Elementor.
The Case for REM: Why It’s the Best Practice
Using REM for font sizes enhances:
- Accessibility: REM adapts to user settings, ensuring a better experience for individuals who rely on larger text.
- Consistency: REM scales seamlessly across devices, making designs more flexible.
- Ease of Maintenance: Once the base font size is set, managing typography becomes more intuitive.
By adopting REM font sizes, we align our websites with modern web standards while improving usability for all audiences.
The Challenge of Using REM
For many designers and developers accustomed to PX, transitioning to REM can feel daunting. By default, most browsers set their root font size to 16px, meaning 1REM equals 16px. While this works, it often requires frequent calculations or reliance on external tools when converting font sizes from PX to REM.
This extra step can disrupt workflow and make the design process less efficient.
The Simple Solution: Adjust the Root Font Size
A straightforward way to simplify PX-to-REM conversion is to adjust the browser’s root font size. By changing the default root font size from 16px to 10px, calculations become effortless:
- 1REM = 10px
- 20px = 2REM
- 22px = 2.2REM
- 38px = 3.8REM
This adjustment allows you to convert PX to REM intuitively and eliminates the need for constant recalculations.
How to Change the Root Font Size in Elementor
This method works on any WordPress site, regardless of the theme or page builder you use. To implement it, simply add a small snippet of CSS to your website.
Here’s how:
- Navigate to Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS in your WordPress dashboard.
- Copy and paste the following CSS snippet:
html {
font-size: 62.5%; /* Converts 16px to 10px */
} By setting the root font size to 62.5%, you effectively convert the default 16px base to 10px, making REM calculations straightforward.
Conclusion
Switching from PX to REM is a simple yet impactful way to make your website more accessible and user-friendly. By adjusting the root font size, you can streamline your workflow and embrace modern best practices for responsive web design.
Ready to make the switch? Add the CSS snippet above and start enjoying the benefits of REM-based font sizing today!