Each person has a writing style different, which is why one could practically say that there are infinite possibilities as to how to use a pencil or pen when writing. Although each individual has his or her own personal style, it is also true that some universal patterns delimit the way in which we use letters. This is the object of our exploration in this article.
The diversity of alphabets and writing systems
To begin with, not everything alphabet is similar. Many languages have their own forms of writing. When comparing, for example, the use of Spanish alphabet with which someone uses in China or Middle East, there are notable differences, although the goal is the same: communication.
El latin alphabet, used in much of the Western world, differs substantially from other writing systems such as hebreo, Greek, Cyrillic or Arabic. Each of these systems has its own history, evolution and characteristics that make them unique.
Ways of writing: print, cursive and continuous letter
Another aspect to keep in mind when talking about types of letters It is how the spelling varies depending on the type of writing adopted, whether it is letter cursive, continuous letter or printing. In the running letter, words are written in a single continuous stroke, which can make writing faster and more fluid. In contrast, in the printing, each letter is separated, which makes it easier to read. The Cursive, on the other hand, represents a middle ground: slanted and with a slight space between the letters.
The style a person chooses or develops depends on factors such as culture, social or professional context, and personal preferences. Historically, cursive has been associated with formal or elegant writing, while print is more common in digital or printed texts where clarity is sought.
Digital font formats: TTF, PostScript and OTF
There are three main font formats in the digital realm:
- TTF (TrueType Font): Developed by Apple, it offers high quality and is commonly used in Windows and macOS operating systems. Its flexibility made it one of the most popular standards.
- PostScript Type 1: Created by Adobe, it is a high-precision format that is often preferred in professional printing. Although it has fallen out of favor compared to OTF, it still has its place in some environments.
- OTF (OpenType Font): Developed by Microsoft and Adobe, this is an evolution of TTF and PostScript. It supports different languages and allows for greater complexity in typographic designs.
When choosing a digital typeface, it is important to consider its compatibility depending on the environment in which it will be used, especially when designing for a global audience, as some fonts allow working with specific scripts and alphabets.
Classification of sources according to style
Historically, typefaces have been classified into several categories, depending on whether or not they have serifs and how the strokes are presented. The main typeface families are described below:
Serif fonts
The sources with serifs They feature small serifs at the ends of the characters. These serifs give text a more formal and elegant appearance. Classic examples include Times New Roman, Garamond y Book Antiqua.
Fonts without serifs (or Sans Serif)
The so-called Sans Serif, of dry stick, lack these serifs, which gives them a cleaner, more modern look. They are preferred for digital text due to their clarity on screens. Arial, Helvetica y Verdana are representative examples.
Cursive or script fonts
Imitating handwriting, fonts italics o script They are characterized by joining letters and having a fluid style, which makes them ideal for titles and more creative designs. Examples of this are Brush script y Parisienne.
How does typographic style affect readability?
Choosing the right font not only enhances the design of a project, but also profoundly affects the readability and comprehension of the text. Overly decorative fonts or fonts with pronounced serifs can make reading difficult on small devices or in long texts. That’s why it’s essential to find a balance between “style” and “usability.”
Tips for choosing a font
When selecting a font, it is helpful to consider the following:
- Context: If it's for a printed book, it's probably best to choose a serif typeface; if it's for a website, a sans-serif typeface would be ideal.
- Readability: Fonts with lots of flourishes can be visually striking, but inefficient for long or small texts.
- Cohesion: Avoid using more than two different font types within the same project to maintain uniformity.
To achieve a functional and attractive design, the key is to select a font that, in addition to fulfilling its aesthetic purpose, ensures efficient reading of the content.
When it comes to the wide world of typefaces, the most important thing is that both the designer and the end reader feel comfortable with the choice. Letters, however invisible they may seem, speak and transmit.