Font Vs Typeface: What Is The Difference?
Fonts and typefaces are often used as synonyms for each other, however there is actually a distinction between the two. What makes them different and how do you use them? We explore it all here.
The Difference between Font and Typeface
Font and typeface are terms that are often used interchangeably when it comes to typography, however they refer to two distinct things. The simplest way to explain the difference is to refer to them individually.
A font is a piece of type that contains a complete set of characters, numbers, symbols and glyphs, usually of a specific design. In general, each font is a distinct file that stores the collection of characters in a particular style.
A typeface, in comparison, is a collective term for a family of related fonts, usually sharing a name and the same design characteristics. A typeface may include multiple individual font files along with weights, widths and other features. For example, the typeface Garamond includes a range of different fonts, such as Garamond Regular, Garamond Italic, Garamond Bold and Garamond Light.
How Fonts and Typefaces Are Used
Once you understand the definition of both a font and typeface, it’s easier to think about how they should be used. Generally, when you’re talking about typography a typeface should be used to refer to the entire family of related fonts, instead of a particular style such as bold or italic.
Fonts, on the other hand, should be used to specify exactly which weight and style will be used. For instance, when describing a particular typeface, you might say “We will use Garamond as the font of our company logo.” This specifies that the font to be used is a single style of the typeface Garamond, such as Garamond Bold or Garamond Italic.
Documentation and Identification of Fonts and Typefaces
When discussing fonts and typefaces, there is a common language used to describe and identify them. This typically involves the name of the typeface or font and any special characters, such as a slash inbetween italic and bold.
For example, take the font Helvetica. If you wanted to identify it in a way that includes the width and style, you would use the syntax “Helvetica/Regular.” This is widely adopted in the typography and printing industry, making it easier to visually identify typefaces and fonts, rather than having to use a few words.
The Myriad of Fonts and Typefaces Available
The amount of fonts and typefaces available can seem overwhelming. It can be difficult to determine which one to use for a particular project.
Here are a few tips to help you choose the right font or typeface:
• Consider Your Brand – Use a font or typeface that accurately reflects the values and personality of your brand.
• Readability – Always consider the readability of the font or typeface. You want to make sure that it’s easy to read and not too complicated.
• Contrast & Hierarchy – If you’re combining different elements on the page, consider the contrast and hierarchy of each font or typeface.
• Creative Licensing – Ensure that the font or typeface you’re using is available with a Creative Commons license.
Fonts and typefaces are two distinct things, but they are often used incorrectly. A font is a single set of characters that is designed in a particular style, while a typeface is a family of related fonts. Knowing the difference helps in selecting the right elements for a project. When in doubt, always refer to the documentation and licensing.