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Design your first font in our Type Design for non-Type Designers workshop!
You can also jump to Latin specific descriptors!
Hx: proportion of x-height to cap height Serifs: pick the shape you like! Waist: Height of the crossbars of A and/or H Advanced widths: if the typeface is proportional or monospaced
Contrast describes the ratio between thin and thick parts of letters. Sans serifs tend to be low contrast, while serif typefaces are typically medium to high.
The speed of movement of the writing tool often affects the forms of characters and imbues them with higher levels of energy when it is fast.
The finishing strokes of a letter can be restrained or flourished or a mix. In Latin, we see this in the finials of a, l, and t.
How vertical stems finish. More options available in script specific section (eg. Serifs for Latin, Loops for Thai, etc.)
Arches can blend into the verticals, intersect, or be detached. In Latin we see this in b, d, p, q, m, n, and h.
Various styles of fill or decoration.
Characters are typically drawn around an axis. In Latin, grotesques and didones have a vertical axis (90°), while old style and humanist have a tilted axis closer to 105°.
The pattern created by the repetition of vertical strokes; for example, condensed typefaces have a tight rhythm.
A regular tempo is created by a regular beat of the stems as the letters move forward. An irregular tempo comes from more differentiation in widths of characters.
Fully or partially closed loops vary in structure. In Latin, this is how they typically map out:Humanist/Old style: ovalGeometric sans/Slab serif: circleGrotesque/Didone: superellipseSquare grotesque: rounded rectangle
The way letters are formed varies. Formal is a rational way of drawing letters individually; cursive connects them; organic is freeform.
Many shapes are possible, with each influencing the personality and voice of the typeface. Choose the ones you like!
a: Choose double or single storey; and the shape of the middle stroke.
c: The overhang of the c can have many forms. Choose the ones you like.
e: The shape of the crossbar of the e has a big impact on the personality of the typeface.
g: single or double storeyWaist: the crossbars of A and HAdvance widths: equal or not
K: how the diagonals meetM: where the midpoint sits
R: the shape of the leg varies greatly. Choose the shape you like.
