Typeface comparison The fact that Univers, Helvetica and Folio (all shown below) were released practically at the same time demonstrates that there was a real need for a modern sans serif face.48 Univers, unlike Helvetica and Folio, was conceived of and developed as a large family right from the beginning.49 All three typefaces have similar characters to traditional 19th-century sans serif faces. The closed shape of the curves, which is unlike other existing sans serifs, is a typical feature, as are the consistently balanced character widths and ascenders reduced to the cap height throughout the typeface. The x-height of Univers is halfway between that of Helvetica and Folio, although all three have rather tall x-heights /70/. Helvetica regular is slightly heavier than Univers, whereas Folio is lighter. The fact that there is no Folio roman weight has to be taken into account. In the example shown Folio light is used. That Univers has something lively about it in spite of its static appearance is due to its stroke width contrast, which is highly pronounced. On the whole, Univers is the most balanced typeface of the three, due not only to its optimal black and white relationship, but also to its clear shapes free of excess elements, most clearly visible in G K a and y.
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Measurements of stroke widths and proportions of the Linotype Univers 430 Basic Regular weight.
Regular
Hh = 10.00 cm Hw = 7.77 Hs = 1.30 Hq = 1.02
nh nw ns nq
= = = =
6.99 cm 5.96 1.21 0.93
oh ow os oq
= 7.31 cm = 6.90 = 1.31 = 0.89
Hh : Hw = 1 : 0.77 Hw : Hs = 1 : 0.16 Hs : Hq = 1 : 0.78
nh nw nh nw
: nw : ns : oh : ow
=1: =1: =1: =1:
0.85 0.20 1.06 1.16
H no nq
Hq
oq
Hh
nh
ns
Hs
Hw
os
nw
ow
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The black and white relation of Univers is optimally balanced when compared with the other two typefaces.
Hofstainberg Linotype Univers Adrian Frutiger 1957
G K Q a t y ß12 G Angular connection to the stem, stem without spur
Hofstainberg Folio Konrad F. Bauer / Walter Baum 1957
Hofstainberg Neue Helvetica Max Miedinger 1957
116
K Legs come to an angle
Q Horizontal tail with slightly concave shape
a Straight connection into stem
t Oblique start, end of loop is vertical
y Horizontal terminal
ß Ligatureform long s and round s
12 Upstroke on 1 slightly hollow; arc on 2 with straight finish
G KQ a t y ß12 G KQ a t y ß12
T E X T T Y P E FA C E
11 UNIV_31_EN def_PS.indd 116
21.9.2008 13:26:51 Uhr