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Graphic Design vocabulary · Typography

Blackletter

Meaning in graphic design, with examples

nounAdvanced term

In graphic design, blackletter means: A family of type styles with dense, angular forms derived from historical manuscript lettering.

In Turkish: gotik yazı karakteri

How it is used

Use for the typographic category, not as a synonym for any heavy black font.

Example sentences

  1. The blackletter title echoes the manuscript displayed beside the poster.

    The letter shapes establish a deliberate historical visual reference.

  2. We kept blackletter out of the long visitor instructions.

    A distinctive display style may require more effort in continuous reading.

Common collocations

  • blackletter typeface
  • blackletter lettering
  • typefaceA particular design of letters, numbers and symbols that share the same style, such as Helvetica, Garamond or Futura, usually available in several weights and styles.
  • legibilityHow easily individual letters and words can be recognised, which depends on the typeface design, size, contrast and viewing conditions.

More terms: Typography

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