Request the stylesheet
Google’s getting-started guide documents adding a stylesheet link in the HTML head and referring to the requested family in a CSS font-family declaration. The newer CSS2 API uses https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2 as its request endpoint. Keep the request syntax matched to that API version.
Specify the styles the design needs
The CSS2 documentation explains requesting particular weights, styles or variable-axis ranges. Request the styles that the actual heading and paragraph rules use. A regular-only request and a bold heading declaration are separate choices; do not assume the request silently includes every style in a family.
Keep a fallback and loading strategy
Google’s guide recommends a fallback family and documents a display parameter for loading behavior. A generic serif or sans-serif at the end of the CSS stack gives the browser another option. Keep the CSS family guide and weight guide alongside the delivery settings.
Keep the integration understandable
Record family, requested styles and stylesheet source with the site. Limit requests to the families and styles actually used rather than importing a large shortlist indefinitely. For evidence about what is drawn after loading and fallback, use the website font-inspection guide.
Your questions, answered.
Does font-family by itself load a Google font?
No. The documented workflow requests the stylesheet and then selects the family in CSS.
Should CSS2 examples be mixed with older URL syntax?
Use the request syntax documented for the chosen API version; the endpoints have different syntax.
Sources & background
Sources supporting this page’s explanations. Practical examples are our editorial suggestions.