Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Ascender
Uppercase letter
Typog
r
aphy
Cap height
Serif
x height
Baseline
Descender
Bowl
Loop
Counter
Lowercase letter
A knowledge of letterform anatomy is essential to under-
standing how typefaces differ and distinguishing one type-
face from another.
Text typefaces
are highly legible and used
mostly for large areas of text.
Times
Arial
Garamond
Graphic arts professionals have devised
other ways of organizing typefaces.
A major distinction is the difference
between serif and sans serif typefaces.
Serif
Text typefaces such as Times, Arial, and Garamond have a
more traditional look and are easy on the eye. They work
well for long passages of text.
Serif typefaces originated with the Romans who identified their
stone shrines and public buildings with chisel-cut letterforms.
To hide the ragged ends of these letterforms, the Romans
would cut a short, extra stroke on the ends of their letters.
This extra cut was called a serif.
Display typefaces
are more decorative
and not as legible. They tend to catch
attention and/or convey a mood or
attitude. They are mostly used for single
or grouped words such as logotypes,
headlines, or phrases.
Sans serif
Sans serif typefaces were born out of the Industrial
Revolution to reflect a more modern aesthetic. They are
characterized by no serifs and a smooth, streamlined look.
Impact
Old English
Suburban
Display typefaces such as Impact, Old English, and
Suburban are more expressive than text typefaces but are
not suitable for large bodies of text.
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