Tuesday, May 4, 2021

17 Fonts Similar to Impact and Impact Font History

So, what's the deal with the Impact font and fonts similar to Impact? Most of us have seen an Impact font meme before, but have you noticed that the Impact font style is relevant and successful elsewhere too? In this article, we'll take a look at thick fonts like Impact and give some background on this bold typeface.

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Fonts similar to Impact tend to be bold grotesque sans serif typefaces.

Let's Talk About the Impact Font Style 

When you mention the Impact font, the first thing most familiar people will likely mention is memes. Impact is arguably one of the biggest "meme fonts". It's typically paired with some sort of image and used to convey an idea. Sometimes, this is very niche, while other times it's far broader. Regardless, the Impact font seems to be a meme favorite.

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An example of the Impact font in action. It's a bold sans serif typeface with a blocky aesthetic.

But why Impact? The Impact font itself is more than 40 years old. It's a blocky, industrial, grotesque typeface. Because it's so bold, it tends to really command attention. Perhaps this is why the Internet took hold of it in the 2010s the way it did. It also likely has something to do with its availability: many have access to this font as a system font. 

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Ongoing Impact font meme associations have given this font Internet notoriety. Stock photo from Envato Elements.

Because of this, the Impact font provokes mixed opinions in the design community. All visuals potentially have preconceived ideas, so an association with memes can seem pretty iffy in some situations.

However, that's not to say that Impact or a similar font couldn't be successful. Memes aside, bold type can be an excellent direction when used well.

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Bold modern sans serifs that are similar to Impact can be a strong design choice.

Bold sans serif type, especially with thicker strokes, is often a great choice for points of emphasis, like headlines or titles. Some of the best Impact font alternatives can be used for things like logo design, posters, T-shirts, and much more. 

Take a look at these lovely examples, using fonts similar to Impact. 

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These sample designs use fonts similar to Impact.

Thick, bold type isn't exclusive to memes. In fact, type like this can be quite prevalent in industries like fitness, restaurants, and even technology. Keep your eye out for bold, dense sans serifs in the future. You might be surprised where you see them in action.

Fonts Similar to Impact (Thick Fonts Like Impact)

Let's take a look at some similar Impact font designs: bold sans serif type, perfect for points of interest and emphasis.

1. Visage Bold & Regular

Visage Bold & RegularVisage Bold & RegularVisage Bold & Regular

This clean, bold sans serif font is a versatile addition to any font collection. It's less condensed and is a stronger choice for body copy than Impact. 

2. Wolfskin: Urban Block font

Wolfskin - Urban Block fontWolfskin - Urban Block fontWolfskin - Urban Block font

This stylish, blocky font has some Impact font style, but also works in some organic strokes with a hand-drawn feel. Give this fun take on the aesthetic a try.

3. Porcine: Modern Typeface + WebFont

Porcine - Modern typeface + WebFontPorcine - Modern typeface + WebFontPorcine - Modern typeface + WebFont

Here is a take on the Impact font look, but it pushes the type design in a more angular direction. It's got extra width to it too. Try out this font download; it even includes web fonts.

4. Redig Bold Sans Serif Font

Redig Bold Sans Serif FontRedig Bold Sans Serif FontRedig Bold Sans Serif Font

If you're looking for a font similar to Impact but thinner, give this typeface a look. It's bold and has interesting angles in its corners, making it quite memorable.

5. Devant Pro

Devant pro - Modern Typeface + WebFontDevant pro - Modern Typeface + WebFontDevant pro - Modern Typeface + WebFont

Isn't this bold, condensed font classy? Check out how well it pairs with this photograph. Try fonts like this for movie posters, book covers, and much more. 

6. Moon Impact Font Bold (Geometric Font)

Moon Impact Font Bold (Geometric Font)Moon Impact Font Bold (Geometric Font)Moon Impact Font Bold (Geometric Font)

How about a more geometric take on a bold sans serif font? This design is bold, round, and could work well for logo designs, T-shirts, and even packaging.

7. Imprimo Letterpress Font

Imprimo Letterpress FontImprimo Letterpress FontImprimo Letterpress Font

The letterpress aesthetic can be really stylish. This typeface isn't as bold as Impact, but it includes both solid and textured versions. Try experimenting with them both.

8. Túrin: Sans-Serif & Serif Duo

Túrin - Sans-Serif & Serif DuoTúrin - Sans-Serif & Serif DuoTúrin - Sans-Serif & Serif Duo

Here is an elegant take on a bold sans serif font paired with a serif. This download is a font duo, so you get both of the fonts: a perfect match for each other. 

9. Morton Sans Serif Font Family

Morton Sans Serif Font FamilyMorton Sans Serif Font FamilyMorton Sans Serif Font Family

If you love grotesque sans serif fonts, check out this awesome font family. It includes nine weights, so you can go for a bold look or you can use a thinner one for other type in your compositions.

10. Vancouver: Gothic Typeface + WebFonts

Vancouver - Gothic Typeface + WebFontsVancouver - Gothic Typeface + WebFontsVancouver - Gothic Typeface + WebFonts

Block sans serif fonts can be very stylish. Isn't it interesting how this type is paired with a photo, but it doesn't necessarily look like a meme? Design principles can really change how an image is perceived. 

11. Due Credit: The Film Designer's Font

Due Credit: The Film Designer's FontDue Credit: The Film Designer's FontDue Credit: The Film Designer's Font

This font is similar to Impact but thinner, making it a great choice for movie posters, titles, and credits. It includes two different versions: a standard and all caps version.

12. Youlit: Bold Strong Sans Serif Font

Youlit - Bold Strong Sans Serif FontYoulit - Bold Strong Sans Serif FontYoulit - Bold Strong Sans Serif Font

Ever considered a bold sans serif but with hand-drawn lines? Check out this block handwriting font. It can give your work an organic edge with the same loud feel.

13. Roquen: Bold Sans Typeface

Roquen - Bold Sans TypefaceRoquen - Bold Sans TypefaceRoquen - Bold Sans Typeface

Bold sans serif type pairs really nicely with a script font, doesn't it? Give this font a try. It's wider than Impact, but still has that bold, thick stroke that will certainly stand out.

14. Devant Horgen

Devant Horgen - Modern Typeface + WebFontDevant Horgen - Modern Typeface + WebFontDevant Horgen - Modern Typeface + WebFont

This one is a great choice if you're looking for a font similar to Impact but thinner. This font download comes in a number of file types too, including web fonts. 

15. Zuume Font Family

Zuume Font FamilyZuume Font FamilyZuume Font Family

This is a font that commands attention! It describes itself as high impact, and that's certainly the case. Check out how bold a font like this is, when we use high contrast.

16. Progress Pro

Progress pro - Modern Typeface + WebFontProgress pro - Modern Typeface + WebFontProgress pro - Modern Typeface + WebFont

In contrast, notice how the aesthetic changes when we tone down the contrast. This sans serif typeface is a great example of how we can thin out the strokes and change the aesthetic too.

17. Uphead Condensed Typeface Font

Uphead Condensed Typeface FontUphead Condensed Typeface FontUphead Condensed Typeface Font

There are plenty of ways we could push this aesthetic. This font pushes the blocky aesthetic even further and pairs it with a badge-like look. Give this a try in logo design, stamps, and more. 

Which Are Your Favorite Impact Font Style Typefaces?

So, which fonts similar to Impact do you prefer? Would you use the Impact font in a design situation, or are the preconceived associations and system font availability a pass for you?

If you're looking for alternatives, remember to check out Envato Elements. One low fee gets you access to a library of thousands of fonts. Browse through the best Impact-inspired fonts and download as many as you like, without fees adding up. They're all included with unlimited downloads. Sign up today and find your next favorite bold sans serif font.

Looking for even more font inspiration? Check out these collections from Envato Tuts+:

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