September 4, 2025
Introducing Open-Source Brand Typefaces
On September 4, 2025, the university’s brand guidelines were updated to introduce open-source typefaces into our identity, including Work Sans, Roboto Slab*, Source Serif 4, and Oswald. Our licensed typefaces, Gentona, Quadon, Titling Gothic, and Arnhem, will soon be retired as legacy typefaces and will have limited approved use cases within the brand. The new open-source typefaces closely match the personality and functionality of our licensed typefaces, but with the added benefit of scalability across brand platforms and users.
*Roboto Slab is a temporary addition to our typography palette. We expect to release a proprietary slab serif typeface in Spring 2026 to take its place. See Phase 2 of our transition plan for more details.
We’ve addressed commonly asked questions about the open-source typeface transition below. Review our Typography page for official guidelines. If you have additional questions about this update, please reach out to [email protected].
- Are the open-source typefaces replacing the licensed typefaces?
- Is this a rebrand?
- Are there changes to the typography design guidelines, such as weights, kerning, and capitalization?
- How is this update being communicated to the University community?
- What does the open-source transition process and timeline look like?
- What action needs to be taken immediately?
- Why are the typefaces changing now? Are there more changes to come?
- Where can I get access to the new open-source typefaces?
- Can agencies and freelancers use the open-source typefaces?
- Will the open-source typefaces be automatically installed at every workstation?
- Do I need to remove the licensed typefaces from my workstation?
- What needs to be done if the licensed typefaces were uploaded to my Canva or Adobe Express account?
- What should I do if I know about a JHU website or mobile app that’s still using the licensed typefaces?
- My website or app is using the web substitute typefaces from Adobe—do I need to make a change?
- Can the open-source typefaces be used in Microsoft programs?
- My department’s official unit lock-up uses a licensed typeface. Should I request a new logo bundle?
- Do magazines and publications need to use the open-source typefaces?
- How will the legacy typefaces be used as part of the brand going forward?
Overview
Are the open-source typefaces replacing the licensed typefaces?
Yes, in time, the selected open-source typefaces will replace almost all uses of the licensed and substitute typefaces within the Johns Hopkins University brand—see the transition process section for specifics on timeline and exceptions.
- Work Sans replaces Gentona/Proxima Nova
- Roboto Slab* replaces Quadon/Factoria
- Oswald replaces Titling Gothic/ATF Alternate Gothic
- Source Serif 4 replaces Arnhem/Freight Text Pro
The visual differences between the open-source typefaces and their licensed equivalents are minimal, which should limit disruption to our brand as we go through this process.
The system default typefaces, Tahoma and Georgia, can still be used in situations where the open-source typefaces are not available.
*Roboto Slab is a temporary addition to our typography palette. We expect to release a proprietary slab serif typeface in Spring 2026 to take its place.
Is this a rebrand?
No, this is not part of a rebrand for Johns Hopkins University. The open-source typefaces provide a subtle visual update to our identity, which will have a significant impact on brand adoption and scalability across the university community. This change honors the spirit and personality of our licensed typefaces, while adding to the range and reach of our typographic palette. See the comparison graphics below—can you tell which image features our licensed typefaces?
Open-Source Typefaces
Are there changes to the typography design guidelines, such as weights, kerning, and capitalization?
For the most part, our typography design guidance and recommended font pairings remain the same, with most stylistic choices being left to the designer’s discretion. There are no requirements around kerning, leading, or tracking, though we’re happy to provide recommendations if you’d like them!
You will find that Oswald, the open-source replacement for Titling Gothic, can be used at any weight and in any case. Previously, Titling Gothic was only permitted for use in Compressed Medium, all caps.
Please note that Roboto Slab does not offer any weights in italics. Hopkins Slab, set to be released this spring, will include italics.
Transition Process
How is this update being communicated to the University community?
The Brand Jays mailing list is our official communications channel for updates to the university’s brand guidelines. If you’re not already subscribed, we encourage you to do so to stay up to date with the latest news and best practices. The Brand Jays received an email with this blog post linked for further reading. A similar update was shared with UMARC members via Teams.
Your support is needed as we continue to spread the word about this shift in guidance. Please share this blog post with your colleagues and be on the lookout for instances in which the new open-source typefaces can be used.
We’re hosting a Brand 201 training session focused on typography in October and hope you can join!
What does the open-source transition process and timeline look like?
There are two phases to the rollout of our open-source/proprietary typefaces and the retirement of our licensed and substitute typefaces, outlined below. In some instances, you will need to start using the new open-source typefaces ASAP, while in others, you can slowly integrate them into your work.
Phase 1 (Fall 2025)
Phase 1 focuses on educating the university community about the transition to open-source typefaces and removing the licensed typefaces from any channels and platforms on which they are not properly licensed for use.
Websites, Mobile Applications, Third-Party Cloud Services
The licensed typefaces (Quadon, Gentona, Titling Gothic, and Arnhem) should not be in use on any websites, mobile applications, or third-party cloud software (Marq*, Canva, Adobe Express, etc.). If you are using the licensed typefaces in these places, they should be removed as soon as possible. This is in alignment with previous guidance on the Typography page regarding substitute typefaces. In their place, use the open-source typefaces, Roboto Slab, Work Sans, Oswald, and Source Serif 4, respectively. Failure to remove the licensed typefaces will result in licensing fees being billed to the department responsible for their use.
If your website or mobile app currently uses our substitute web fonts (Factoria, Proxima Nova, Freight Text Pro, or ATF Alternate Gothic), no immediate changes are required. See Phase 2 for future requirements.
Other Marketing & Communication Materials
During Phase 1, use of the licensed typefaces is still permitted on projects other than websites, mobile apps, and work done in third-party cloud software, such as Canva. If you’d like to transition all other work to the open-source typefaces at this time, you may. Please note that Roboto Slab is only a temporary addition to our palette and will be retired in favor of a proprietary typeface in Phase 2.
- New Projects: Use of the open-source typefaces is preferred, but not required at this time.
- Ongoing Projects: Use of the open-source typefaces is welcome, but legacy typefaces, including substitutes, may continue to be used if bandwidth for design updates is limited or if design changes are not feasible at this point in your work.
- Completed Projects: Use of the open-source typefaces is not required. Completed projects do not need to be discarded and redone to incorporate the open-source typefaces. As your projects require updates or reprints over time, you can switch to the open-source typefaces at that point.
Phase 2 (Spring 2026)
Phase 2 introduces our proprietary typeface, Hopkins Slab, as a custom replacement for Roboto Slab/Quadon, which will both be officially retired, along with Gentona, Arnhem, and Titling Gothic, at this point. The web substitute typefaces will also be retired in Phase 2.
All Marketing & Communication Materials
From Phase 2 onward, open-source and proprietary typefaces should be used on all marketing and communications materials, including print, digital, social media, video, web, etc. The licensed typefaces will be limited to legacy use cases and the substitute web typefaces will be retired. The system default typefaces, Tahoma and Georgia, can be used when the open-source typefaces are not available.
- New Projects: Use of the open-source and proprietary typefaces is required.
- Ongoing Projects: Use of the open-source and proprietary typefaces is required.
- Completed Projects: Use of the open-source and proprietary typefaces is preferred. Completed projects do not need to be discarded and redone specifically to incorporate these typefaces. However, as your projects require updates or reprints over time, you should update the design to use the open-source and proprietary typefaces.
What action needs to be taken immediately?
The licensed typefaces (Quadon, Gentona, Arnhem, and Titling Gothic) need to be removed from any and all JHU websites and mobile applications. It is also required that you uninstall the licensed typefaces from third-party cloud software, such as Canva and Adobe Express. Finally, if you have uploaded the licensed typefaces to any servers or SharePoint sites for teamwide distribution, please remove them.
Why are the typefaces changing now? Are there more changes to come?
We faced several challenges with the distribution and usage of our licensed typefaces. For instance, our contracts with Monotype, Type Tailors, and Type Network heavily limited typeface use on websites and prevented use on mobile apps, digital marketing communications, and third-party cloud software, such as Canva and Marq. Our contracts also limited the number of users who could access our licensed typefaces, preventing universitywide distribution and adoption.
Feedback from university stakeholders reaffirmed these challenges and brought additional difficulties to light, including inconsistencies with our substitute typeface selections and a desire for a broader range of styles and weights within our typographic palette. This feedback solidified our need for updated typography guidelines within the Johns Hopkins University brand.
The options for open-source typefaces have greatly improved over the past few years, giving us the ability to select open-source options that closely match the personality and functionality of our licensed typefaces. Opting for open-source typefaces addresses many of the challenges we faced with licensed typefaces. An open-source license allows anyone at the university and beyond (vendors, freelancers, partners, etc.) to download our typefaces at no cost and use them in both non-commercial and commercial projects.
There are more changes expected in Spring 2026, as defined above in Phase 2 of the transition. Specifically, we plan to release a proprietary (JHU-created and owned) slab serif typeface to replace Roboto Slab and Quadon. The proprietary typeface is currently in development and will closely resemble the existing slab serif typefaces in our palette, but with a more refined look specific to our brand’s tone and personality. Stay tuned for updates via the Brand Jays mailing list.
Typeface Access
Where can I get access to the new open-source Typefaces?
Great news! While our font distribution was previously limited due to licensing restrictions, the new open-source typefaces are available for download on both macOS and PC systems by all students, faculty, and staff at the university and beyond. You can download the open-source typefaces for free from Google Fonts:
- Work Sans (Gentona/Proxima Nova equivalent)
- Roboto Slab (Quadon/Factoria equivalent)
- Oswald (Titling Gothic/ATF Alternate Gothic equivalent)
- Source Serif 4 (Arnhem/Freight Text Pro equivalent)
Once downloaded, you must install the fonts on your computer. You are also welcome to upload these fonts to platforms such as Canva and Adobe Express.
Can agencies and freelancers use the open-source typefaces?
Yes! Our open-source typefaces are freely available for download and use. Please point your freelancers and agency partners to this blog post and our Typography page for related design guidelines.
Will the open-source typefaces be automatically installed at every workstation?
Not at the moment. We’re working with the Information Technology team to explore the best options for universitywide distribution of the open-source typefaces. Any future updates regarding this effort will be shared via the Brand Jays mailing list.
Do I need to remove the licensed typefaces from my workstation?
It depends on your job function:
- Employees in creative and communications roles may keep the licensed typefaces installed as they work on ongoing and previously completed projects. There are also approved legacy uses for the licensed typefaces that warrant continued use.
- Employees in roles outside of creative and communications teams should remove the licensed typefaces from their workstations.
- Students should not have the licensed typefaces installed on their workstations. If they do, the typefaces should be removed.
Follow these instructions on how to uninstall fonts from your computer:
Use Cases
What needs to be done if the licensed typefaces were uploaded to my Canva or Adobe Express account?
We appreciate your efforts to brand work that’s being created in third-party cloud tools like Canva and Adobe Express! Unfortunately, our licensed typefaces are not permitted for use on these platforms and should be removed as soon as possible. Fortunately, our open-source typefaces are permitted for use and can be uploaded to your account’s brand kit. We’ve linked to tutorials below that include information on how to upload and delete typefaces from your account:
It’s important to note that uploading the open-source typefaces to your brand kit will not automatically update your existing templates and projects in the tool. This will require manual design updates. Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions about this process and let us know when you’ve removed the licensed typefaces from your accounts.
What should I do if I know about a JHU website or mobile app that’s using the licensed typefaces?
All websites and mobile applications associated with Johns Hopkins University must remove the licensed typefaces from use as soon as possible. If you’re aware of a website or app that is still using the licensed typefaces, please contact [email protected] for assistance. This is not new guidance, but a reiteration of previous communications.
My website or app is using the web substitute typefaces from Adobe—do I need to make a change?
If your website or mobile app currently uses our substitute web fonts (Factoria, Proxima Nova, Freight Text Pro, or ATF Alternate Gothic), no immediate changes are required. Once we reach Phase 2 of the transition process, we recommend updating to the open-source and proprietary typefaces as your workflow allows.
Can the open-source typefaces be used in Microsoft programs?
Yes, if they’re installed on your computer, the open-source typefaces can be used in Microsoft desktop apps, such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. It is important to note that any user accessing a Microsoft file must have the open-source typefaces installed in order for consistent design formatting across computers.
If you’re expecting to share a document or presentation with a user who does not have the typefaces installed, it’s best practice to only use system default fonts (Tahoma and Georgia) in your work. For instance, templates built in Microsoft programs should use Tahoma and Georgia because there’s no guarantee that your end user has the open-source typefaces installed.
The open-source typefaces are not available in Microsoft’s cloud-based apps. If you’re creating a file online in OneDrive or planning to upload your Microsoft file to OneDrive, you should use the system default fonts (Tahoma and Georgia).
My department’s official unit lock-up uses a licensed typeface. Should I request a new logo bundle?
No, you do not need to request a new unit lock-up bundle. Existing and future logos and lock-ups, as defined by the brand architecture, are approved legacy use cases for our licensed typefaces. These logos and lock-ups are designed using official templates from University Communications and should never be recreated. Only select Brand Ambassadors should have access to these templates and the associated typefaces.
The logo and lock-up files that are shared with our community do not include editable files or embedded fonts. Therefore, we are able to continue using these files without updating the logos to use the open-source typefaces.
Do magazines and publications need to use the open-source typefaces?
We understand that word count and spacing in magazines and publications is at a premium and could be impacted by the shift to the open-source typefaces. Because of this, editorial design is considered an approved legacy use case for the licensed typefaces. It’s encouraged that magazines and publications be updated to use the open-source typefaces as bandwidth and publishing schedules allow.
How will the legacy typefaces be used as part of the brand going forward?
Quadon, Gentona, Arnhem, and Titling Gothic are transitioning to legacy typefaces and will have limited use-cases within the brand moving forward. In Phase 1 of the transition process, these licensed typefaces may continue to be used on many, but not all, of your projects—see Phase 1 for more details. In Phase 2 and beyond, use of the licensed typefaces will be limited to official unit and athletics lock-ups and logos, existing campaign and event graphics, permanent wayfinding signage, and print publication design.
Our web substitute fonts, Factoria, Proxima Nova, Freight Text Pro, and ATF Alternate Gothic Extra Condensed, are also transitioning to legacy typefaces. Because the new open-source typefaces can be used freely on the web and mobile applications, there is no need for substitutes on these platforms. In Phase 2 and beyond, the use of the legacy web substitute typefaces is no longer permitted for new websites.