The 14 types of letters (fonts) and where to use them

Fonts are types of letters that we use, especially when we have to write some work on a computer, text, redacted... We usually use them in documents in word format, although it also depends on our field professional.

The different types of letters evolve over the years, because writing is a living system, just like oral language. Thus, new fonts appear. In this article we will know the 14 types of letters (fonts) and where to use them.

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The 14 types of letters (fonts) and their characteristics

Each type of letter has its own characteristics, which refer to its thinness or thickness, stroke, shape, direction of its axis, area of ​​frequent use, etc.

There are different classifications of letter fonts, according to various parameters (different authors have proposed theirs). In this article we will refer to the two most important classifications; Thus, through them, we will know the 14 types of letters (fonts) and where to use them.

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1. Thibaudeau classification

The first classification of the types of letters (fonts) that we are going to explain is that of Francis Thibaudeau, a French typographer. This author was the first to propose a classification of fonts.

His classification is very generic but useful; he proposes two groups of letters according to whether or not they present serifs (serifs). Serifs are ornaments that are generally located at the ends of the lines of typographic characters (letters).

Later, Thibaudeau adds a third group (where he groups the fonts that do not correspond to any of the previous groups).

1.1. Serifed letters

Serifed letters include small ornaments or serifs, usually at the ends. They are more elegant and professional letters at a glance. An example of fonts that use them is Times New Roman:

1.2. Non-serifed letters (without serif)

This typeface does not include embellishments or ornaments (serifs) at the ends of the letters. Thus, they are rounded letters. It is a simpler and more informal letter than the previous one at a glance; its positive part is that it is easier to read. A typical example of it is the Arial font:

1.3. Other

Finally, in the “mixed bag”, Thibaudeau includes the typefaces (fonts) that are not identified with the previous groups. Handwritten and decorative letters belong to this group. Its pattern is usually stable.

2. Vox-ATypl Classification

The second classification of typefaces (typefaces) was proposed by the historian, journalist, typographer and graphic illustrator Maximilien Vox. Its classification was proposed in France in 1954. To carry it out, it was based on the previously explained classification, carried out by Thibaudeau.

The Vox classification is the most accepted by the International Typography Association, and the one they use as a general rule. Thus, it is the one most used in different fields and sectors. This classification divides the different types of letters (fonts) into various groups, which are:

2.1. Human letters

Human letters, also called humanistic or Venetian, are the first group that Vox proposes in its classification. It is a typeface similar to the one used to write the manuscripts in Venice, in the 15th century (Renaissance period). The image below represents one of these letters:

As we can see, they are letters with small serifs. There is a great separation between them; in addition, its line is similar in all of them (neither too wide nor too fine). On the other hand, they have some modulation. Fonts that use humanist letters are: Britannic, Calibri, Formata or Gill Sans.

Humanist letters are based on the proportions of capitalized Roman inscriptions.

2.2. Garaldas lyrics

The second group of letters that Vox proposes are the garaldas (also called aldinas or old). Its name comes from two 16th century typographers: Claude Garamond and Aldo Manucio. This type of letter is characterized by the fact that it has a more marked contrast than many others.

In addition, its proportions are finer and more stylized than the previous ones. An example of a font that uses this typology is: Garaldus. Other characteristics of the garaldas is that their ends are oblique, and that the height of the capital letters is lower than the ascending ones.

We can see this typography in the following image:

2.3. Real letters

This other type of Vox lyrics was born in the Royal Printing Office. They are also known as transition letters. Their main characteristic is that they are quite vertical letters. The difference in strokes (thick and thin) is more evident.

Its appearance is a mix between classic and modern letters. Examples of fonts that use real letters are: Times New Roman (widely used) or Century Schoolbook.

2.4. Incised letters

This type of lettering has the characteristic that its letters resemble engravings on different materials. In some subtypes of them, lowercase does not exist; that is why the capital letter acquires importance in this typeface.

As we see in the image, they are letters that are usually capital letters, and that are very close to each other. They look like carved letters. Its two main characteristics are: a modulation of the stroke and the use of hinted finishes (hence its name).

Some fonts of incised letters are: Formata, Pascal, Winco, Eras, Optima, etc.

2.5. Hand lettering

The manual letters, as we see in the image, are a little more separated than many of the previous ones. Its layout is similar to that of a fountain pen, although in a more modern format. This typeface is used a lot in advertising. Examples of fonts that use it are: Cartoon and Klang.

2.6. Mechanical letters

The next of the typefaces (fonts) according to the Vox classification is mechanical typeface. These letters are also called Egyptian (or at least some of their subtypes). They were born with the Industrial Revolution (that is why their appearance is related to the technology of the time). Their strokes are very similar in thickness (that is, there is little contrast between them).

Examples of them are (sources): Memphis or Clarendon. Let's see an image of this style:

2.7. Fractured letters

The fractured typeface is very ornamental, very "ornate." Their shapes are usually pointed (in the form of a "spike"). An example of fractured type is the Fraktur font.

This type of lettering is also called Gothic, and is based on the writing used in the Gothic period. Sometimes they are not easy to read. They are narrow and rather angular letters.

2.8. Written letters

This typeface resembles the writing of a pen or a brush; Seeing these letters gives the impression that they have been handwritten. It is usually an italic letter and sometimes there is no separation between them. They can be quite wide.

An example of them is the Hyperion font.

2.9. Foreign letters

The next of the typefaces (typefaces) is foreign typefaces. This is a style that is not included in the Latin alphabet. Alphabets that do include it are: Chinese, Greek or Arabic. To get an idea of ​​this style:

2.10. Linear letters

Linear letters began to be used, above all, for advertising and commercial purposes. They are letters that do not include serifs or serifs. In addition, his style is cleaner and at the same time informal. Within the linear letters, we find four groups: grotesque, neo-grotesque, geometric and humanistic.

2.11. Didonas lyrics

These letters appeared in the 18th century. The origin of the name of this typeface is due to Didot, a French typographer. However, years later this typeface was perfected by another author: Bodoni. As characteristics of this style we find that its letters have little separation between them, and that the difference between strokes is very marked.

Sources that use it are: Madison and Century.

Bibliographic references

• Castillero, O. (2018). The 14 types of letters (fonts) and their uses. Psychology and Mind.

• Martín, J.L. (2009). Typography Manual from lead to the digital age. Chapters 2 and 3. Campgràfic, Valencia (7th ed.).

• Pohlen, J. (2010). Font of letters. Anatomy of the types. The definitive reference guide to typefaces. Letterfontein