Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
THE TYPOGRAPHIC FONT
A font is a set of characters of the same size and style containing all the
letters, numbers, and marks needed for typesetting. A typographic font
exhibits structural unity when all the characters relate to one another
visually. The weights of thick and thin strokes must be consistent, and
the optical alignment of letterforms must appear even. The distribution
of lights and darks within each character and in the spaces between
characters must be carefully controlled to achieve an evenness of tone
within the font.
In some display faces, the font might include only the twenty-six
capital letters. In a complete font for complex typesetting, such as for
textbooks, it is possible to have nearly two hundred characters. The
font for Adobe Garamond (Fig.
2-17
) includes the following types of
characters:
2-17
Lowercase:
The smaller set of letters, so named because in metal
typesetting these were stored in the lower part of a type case.
Ligatures:
Two or more characters linked together as one unit, such as
ff
. The ampersand is a ligature originating as a letter combination for
the French word
et
(and) in medieval manuscripts.
Capitals:
The set of large letters that is used in the initial position.
Digraphs:
Ligatures composed of two vowels, which are used to
represent a dipthong (a monosyllabic speech sound composed of
two vowels).
Small caps:
A complete set of capital letters that are the same height
as the x-height of the lowercase letters. These are often used for
abbreviations, cross-references, and emphasis.
Mathematical signs:
Characters used to notate basic mathematical
processes.
Lining figures:
Numbers that are the same height as the capital letters
and sit on the baseline.
Punctuation:
A system of standard signs used in written and printed
matter to structure and separate units and to clarify meaning.
Old Style figures:
A set of numbers that are compatible with lowercase
letters;
1
,
2
, and
0
align with the x-height;
6
and
8
have ascenders; and
3
,
4
,
5
,
7
, and
9
have descenders.
Accented characters:
Characters with accents for foreign language
typesetting or for indicating pronunciation.
Superior and inferior figures:
Small numbers, usually slightly smaller
than the x-height, used for footnotes and fractions. Superior figures
hang from the capline, and inferior figures sit on the baseline.
Dingbats:
Assorted signs, symbols, reference marks, and ornaments
designed for use with a type font.
Fractions:
Common mathematical expressions made up of a superior
figure, an inferior figure, and a slash mark. These are set as a single
type character.
Monetary symbols:
Logograms used to signify monetary systems
(U.S. dollar and cent marks, British pound mark, and so on).
