Chapter 5: Type
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type basics and terminology
Because type is measured and described in a language that is unique to the printed word, it is important to recognize and understand basic typographic terms. Typeface: The design of a single set of letterforms, numerals, and punctuation marks unified by consistent visual properties. Typeface designs are identified by name, such as Arial or Palantino. Type style: Modifications in a typeface that create design variety while maintaining the visual character of the typeface. These include variations in weight (light, medium, book, bold, heavy, and black), width (condensed or extended) or angle (italic or oblique vs. roman or upright). Type family: A range of style variations based on a single typeface. Style attributes of type families can contain a number of modifications but will always retain a distinct visual continuity.
Univers 55
Type font: A complete set of letterforms (uppercase and lowercase), numerals, and punctuation marks in a particular typeface that allows for typesetting by keystroke on a computer or other means of typographic composition.
Univers Extra Black Univers Ultra Condensed
Te m
Letterform: The particular style and form of each individual letter in an alphabet. Character: Individual letterforms, numerals, punctuation marks, or other units that are part of a font. Uppercase: The capital or larger letters of a type font (A, B, C, etc). Lowercase: Smaller letters, as opposed to capital letters (a, b, c, etc).
c at e g o r i z i n g t y p e fac e s
Univers Bold Extended
Ak sta fac
There are many ways of classifying typefaces, however, one of the most obvious is to separate typefaces into one of two categories based on their legibility. Because those who manufacture and work with type make this distinction, typefaces are generally broken down into text and display classifications.
Te mo we
Di an at at or he
Univers Thin Ultra Condensed
Dis Su no
The type family of Univers is composed of style variations on the Univers design that include a variety of weights.
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the graphic design reference
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specification book
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