Inter was designed by Rasmus Andersson in 2017 as an open-source typeface optimized for screen use. Initially created for Figma’s interface, it quickly became one of the most popular web and UI fonts worldwide. Its design takes inspiration from classic neo-grotesques like Helvetica, but with larger x-heights, open counters, and careful hinting that make it ideal for readability at small sizes on screens.
Why Designers Love It
Designers love Inter because it strikes a rare balance between neutrality and usability. It feels familiar like Helvetica, but it’s engineered for digital clarity, with features like tabular numbers, slashed zero, and stylistic sets. Being free, open-source, and versatile, it’s widely adopted in UI, mobile apps, dashboards, and digital products.
7 Fonts Similar to Inter
1. Helvetica Now
- Style: Neo-grotesque sans serif
- Why It’s Similar: Shares the neutral, versatile tone of Inter.
- Key Difference: More polished across print and display sizes.
- Price & Availability: Paid, Monotype.
2. Neue Haas Grotesk
- Style: Original Helvetica revival
- Why It’s Similar: Neutral proportions and modernist clarity.
- Key Difference: More print-heritage focused; Inter is screen-optimized.
- Price & Availability: Paid, Monotype.
3. Roboto (Free Alternative)
- Style: Neo-grotesque sans serif
- Why It’s Similar: Designed for Android, neutral and screen-ready.
- Key Difference: Slightly rounder and softer curves.
- Price & Availability: Free, Google Fonts.
4. Source Sans Pro (Free Alternative)
- Style: Humanist sans serif
- Why It’s Similar: Clear, digital-first proportions with open forms.
- Key Difference: Feels warmer and more humanist than Inter’s neutrality.
- Price & Availability: Free, Adobe/Google Fonts.
5. IBM Plex Sans (Free Alternative)
- Style: Grotesque sans serif
- Why It’s Similar: Built for corporate and UI use with digital optimization.
- Key Difference: Slightly more personality, with unique letterforms.
- Price & Availability: Free, Google Fonts.
6. SF Pro (San Francisco)
- Style: Apple’s system UI typeface
- Why It’s Similar: Engineered for digital clarity across devices.
- Key Difference: Proprietary and limited to Apple platforms.
- Price & Availability: Free (Apple Developer License).
7. Work Sans (Free Alternative)
- Style: Sans serif inspired by neo-grotesques
- Why It’s Similar: Optimized for screen typography, friendly neutrality.
- Key Difference: Looser spacing and less corporate tone.
- Price & Availability: Free, Google Fonts.
Visual Comparison
| Font Name | Preview |
|---|---|
| Inter | INTER |
| Helvetica Now | INTER |
| Neue Haas Grotesk | INTER |
| Roboto | INTER |
| Source Sans Pro | INTER |
| IBM Plex Sans | INTER |
| SF Pro | INTER |
| Work Sans | INTER |
Recommendation Summary Table
| Alternative | Similarity Score | Best For | Price & Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helvetica Now | 94% | Premium branding & editorial use | Paid (Monotype) |
| Neue Haas Grotesk | 92% | Print-focused modernist projects | Paid (Monotype) |
| Roboto | 91% | Web & mobile UI (Android ecosystem) | Free (Google Fonts) |
| Source Sans Pro | 88% | Digital products with humanist tone | Free (Google Fonts) |
| IBM Plex Sans | 90% | Corporate UI/UX design | Free (Google Fonts) |
| SF Pro | 93% | Apple ecosystem design (UI/UX) | Free (Apple platforms) |
| Work Sans | 86% | Startups, dashboards, friendly digital products | Free (Google Fonts) |
Conclusion
Inter is today’s de facto open-source UI font — readable, neutral, and highly adaptable across devices. If you want a premium upgrade, choose Helvetica Now or Neue Haas Grotesk. For free, equally versatile alternatives, Roboto, IBM Plex Sans, and Source Sans Pro are excellent companions. Designers working in Apple’s ecosystem will naturally lean toward SF Pro, while Work Sans offers a slightly friendlier twist for less formal applications.
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