Font Classification
Understanding the typographic classification system and the origin of terms that define our fonts.
The Vox-ATypI System
Historical note: Created by Maximilien Vox in 1954 and adopted by ATypI in 1962, this system was officially abandoned in 2021 for its lack of inclusivity towards non-Latin scripts.
Classical
Traditional serif fonts, inheritors of calligraphy and ancient printing.
Modern
Fonts from the 19th century onwards, characterized by their geometry and functionality.
Calligraphic
Decorative and script fonts inspired by handwriting.
Detailed Classifications
1. Classical (Serif)
Humanist (Venetian)
Origin: Venice, 15th century. Inspired by humanist manuscripts of the Renaissance.
Characteristics: Low contrast, oblique axis, rounded serifs.
Garalde (Aldine)
Etymology: Fusion of Claude Garamond and Aldus Manutius.
Characteristics: More refined, moderate contrast, oblique axis.
Transitional (Realist)
Period: 18th century, Age of Enlightenment.
Characteristics: Vertical axis, marked contrast, refined serifs.
Didone (Modern)
Etymology: Firmin Didot + Giambattista Bodoni (1954).
Characteristics: Extreme contrast, hairline serifs, vertical axis.
2. Modern
Slab Serif (Egyptian)
Origin: 19th century, industrial revolution, advertising.
Characteristics: Thick rectangular serifs, low contrast.
Sans Serif (Grotesque)
Etymology: "Sans" (French: without) + "serif" (uncertain origin, possibly from Dutch "schreef").
Sub-categories: Grotesque, Neo-grotesque, Humanist, Geometric.
3. Calligraphic
Glyphic (Incised)
Origin: Roman monumental inscriptions carved in stone.
Characteristics: Fine triangular serifs, carved appearance.
Script
Origin: Quick handwriting, pen.
Characteristics: Connected letters, inclination, fluidity.
Graphic (Display)
Origin: Slow and careful writing, drawing.
Characteristics: Decorative appearance, independent letters.
Blackletter (Fractur)
Origin: Medieval Gothic script, Gutenberg Bible (1455).
Characteristics: Thick vertical strokes, sharp angles.
Etymology of Typographic Terms
Grotesque
Origin: Italian "grottesco" (belonging to the grotto)
Pejorative 19th-century term for the first sans-serif fonts, deemed crude compared to elegant serif fonts. William Thorowgood used this term in 1834.
Gothic
Usage: American term for sans-serif
Paradoxically used for sans-serif fonts in the United States (News Gothic, Franklin Gothic) while in Europe it designates medieval blackletters.
Serif
Etymology: Possibly from Dutch "schreef" (pen stroke)
The serifs, those small decorative extensions at the ends of strokes, improve readability by guiding the eye.
Sans-serif
First use: 1832, Vincent Figgins
Literally "without serifs" in French. These fonts were initially called "Egyptian" or "Antique" before the term sans-serif became established.
Garamond
Origin: Claude Garamont (1499-1561)
16th-century Parisian engraver. His name was spelled "Garamont" during his lifetime, but "Garamond" became the standard spelling after his death.
Didone
Creation: 1954, Vox system
Neologism combining Didot (French family) and Bodoni (Italian typographer). Designates early 19th century modern fonts with extreme contrast.
Interactive Classification
Test your knowledge: identify the category of this font