Crossed Out: A Modern Handwritten Typeface for Editorial Design
There’s something about the right typeface that can transform a design from ordinary to unforgettable. I recently found myself in the midst of redesigning a lifestyle blog, and after trying several options, Crossed Out stood out as a perfect fit. It wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about how well it could support the tone, readability, and visual rhythm of the content.
A Font with Character
Crossed Out is a modern handwritten display font that feels both intentional and organic. Its strokes have a natural flow, like someone has taken a pen and drawn each letter with care. This gives it a sense of warmth and approachability, making it ideal for projects that want to feel personal or creative. The irregularity in its forms adds a human touch, which can be especially appealing in editorial layouts that aim to connect with readers on an emotional level.
The font carries a relaxed yet confident mood—perfect for lifestyle blogs, recipe ebooks, or wedding guides. It doesn’t scream for attention but still manages to draw the eye, making it a great choice for headlines, pull quotes, or chapter openers.
Real-World Use in Editorial Layouts
I tested Crossed Out in a few different contexts. For the blog header, I used it as the main title font, pairing it with a clean sans serif for navigation. The contrast worked beautifully, allowing the header to stand out while keeping the rest of the layout readable. In one of the feature articles, I used it for a pull quote, and it added a nice visual break from the body text without disrupting the flow.
For a printable planner I was designing, I applied Crossed Out to section headings and decorative accents. It gave the layout a cohesive, handcrafted feel that resonated well with the target audience. It’s also worth noting that the font performed well in both digital and print formats. When exported as a PDF, the lines remained crisp and legible, even at smaller sizes.
Readability and Practical Considerations
While Crossed Out excels in display settings, it’s important to recognize its limitations. It’s not suitable for long-form reading or dense paragraphs due to its expressive nature. Body copy, small captions, or formal reports would benefit more from a serif or sans serif font that prioritizes clarity over style.
That said, when used thoughtfully, it can enhance visual hierarchy and guide the reader’s attention effectively. Pairing it with a complementary font—such as a modern sans serif for body text or a classic serif for subheadings—can create a balanced and professional look.
Before using Crossed Out in commercial projects, it’s essential to check the licensing terms, especially if you’re creating paid templates, digital downloads, or client publications. Also, make sure to review the included styles, alternates, ligatures, and multilingual support to ensure it meets your project needs.
Where Crossed Out Shines
This font works best in situations where a touch of personality is needed without sacrificing professionalism. Think of magazine covers, book titles, newsletter headers, or course PDFs. It can add a unique flair to a publication’s identity, helping it stand out in a crowded space.
In a recent digital magazine layout, I used Crossed Out for the cover title and section headers. It gave the design a contemporary edge while maintaining a sense of approachability. For a coaching workbook, it helped reinforce the idea of creativity and self-expression, aligning perfectly with the brand’s message.
Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any designer’s toolkit, especially those working in freebies, fonts, and editorial design. Whether you're crafting a wedding guide or redesigning a blog, Crossed Out offers a fresh and modern solution that supports both form and function.
