The anatomy of Type

The anatomy of type

Common Terminology Typeface: An alphabet designed with consistent visual characteristics. Font: A set of characters in the same size comprising all the letters of the alphabet in both upper- and lowercase including all the figures and symbols of punctuation. Points and Picas: The standard measurements used for type specifications are the Point (approx. 1/72 of an inch) and the Pica (which is equivalent to 12 points). (A point is roughly equivalent to a screen pixel, or 72 "dots" per inch.)

NOTE: The above graphic is provided for visual comparisons between the various units of measure that are commonly used by designers and printers. As noted, it has been enlarged 4 times it's actual size. By enlarging the image, points, the smallest increment (1/72nd of an inch) can be seen clearly.

Text Type (or Body Text): Type used for continuous reading, usually set between 9 and 12 points, depending on the x-height, column width and other factors. Display Type: Type used for noncontinuous reading (headings, subheadings), usually set at 14 points and above. Roman (or Normal): Characterized by its vertical orientation. Usually refers to serif faces. Italic: The term used when a slanted style is used with serif type. Generally, italic is preferred over bold where emphasis is required. Oblique: The term used for slanted sans serif type.

Weights: A style of type whose designations are based on the stroke width of a face. The most common weights are light, normal or book, semi-bold, bold, and extra bold.

Condensed: Faces that are taller than usual in proportion to their width. Extended (or Expanded): Faces that are wider in proportion to their height.