Font style [font]

Description

Font style consists of variations with a font family. The main font styles are:

• Italic: Italic fonts typically lean toward the right (oblique);
• Bold: Bold fonts have thicker font strokes;
• Light: Light fonts have thin font strokes;
• Underline: Underlining a font is the addition of one or more lines under characters;
• Expanded: Expanded, wide or extended font styles extend characters, and often are wider in proportion to their height (Lee 1979);
• Condensed: Condensed or elongated font styles consist of characters that are exceptionally narrow (Lee 1979);
• Etc.

Importance

Identifying if specific font styles allow a better visibility, legibility and readability of text will aid designers in developing Universally Designed signs and displays.

Related Guidelines

Products

• Computer and electronic displays (CRT, LCD and electronic display device)
• Permanent building signage
• Print
• Tactile signs
• Warnings on product

Infrastructure

• Highway and street signage

Research and Development Needs

References

Craig, James. 1980. Designing with type - a basic course in typography. Edited by Susan E Meyer and Margit Malmstrom. London: Pitman Publishing Ltd.

Lee, Marshall. 1979. Bookmaking: The illustrated guide to design/production/editing. New York: R. R. Bowler Company.

Links

Author

• Caroline Joseph, M.A.Sc.
• Beth Tauke, M.A., M.F.A.
• Edward H. Steinfeld, Arch.D., AIA

Editorial Board Review Status

"In Development"