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Graphic Design vocabulary · Typography

Typeface

Meaning in graphic design, with examples

/ˈtaɪpfeɪs/nounCore term

In graphic design, typeface means: A 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.

In Turkish: yazı karakteri, harf karakteri, font ailesi

How it is used

Used by designers, type foundries and in typography classes when talking about the design itself. You choose, pair, license or design a typeface. In casual talk many people simply say font instead.

Example sentences

  1. For the annual report we paired a classic serif typeface with a simple sans-serif for the tables.

  2. Which typeface did you use for the logo? The client wants to use it on their website too.

Common collocations

  • choose a typeface
  • pair typefaces
  • serif typeface
  • custom typeface
  • display typeface
  • fontOne specific style and weight of a typeface, such as Arial Bold, usually stored as a file you install on your computer. In everyday speech it often means the typeface itself.
  • font familyA group of related fonts that share the same design but differ in weight, width or style, for example Roboto Light, Roboto Regular, Roboto Bold and Roboto Italic.
  • serifA small line or foot at the end of the strokes of a letter, as in Times or Garamond. A typeface with these details is also called a serif.
  • sans-serifDescribes letters without serifs, the small feet at the ends of strokes, as in Helvetica, Arial or Futura. Such typefaces often look clean and modern.

More terms: Typography

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