What it means
A static font file might contain one weight and style, such as regular upright. A variable font can contain a range of variations. Choosing a typeface is therefore only part of the job: you also need the right files, character coverage and permission to use them on a website.
Use it in practice
List the styles your design actually uses before loading files. Regular and a stronger weight may be enough for a clear, cohesive page.
Watch out for
Do not assume a desktop license includes website embedding, or that a browser-generated bold is the same as the designed bold.
