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This is interesting, you have to know how fonts work!

How Fonts work

Fonts are a system for representing text visually in a specific style. They consist of a set of characters, including letters, numbers, punctuation, and symbols, each designed with a consistent appearance. Here’s a breakdown of how fonts work:

1. Typeface vs. Font:

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Fonts are a system for representing text visually in a specific style. They consist of a set of characters, including letters, numbers, punctuation, and symbols, each designed with a consistent appearance. Here’s a breakdown of how fonts work:

  • Typeface refers to the overall design or style of the characters (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial).
  • Font refers to the specific implementation of a typeface, including size and weight (e.g., Arial Bold 12pt).

2. Character Design:

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Each font consists of carefully designed glyphs (the visual representation of each character). These glyphs maintain a uniform style to ensure that the text looks cohesive.

3. Font File:

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Fonts are stored in digital files, like .OTF (OpenType Font), TTF (TrueType Font) or WOFF (Web Open Font Format). which contain information about the shapes of each glyph. These files allow computers, phones, and other devices to render text consistently.

4. Rendering:

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When you type on a computer or device, the font rendering system converts the characters into glyphs based on the font file. These glyphs are then displayed on your screen or printed out, matching the font’s design.

5. Font Characteristics:

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Fonts can have various characteristics, such as:

  • Serif: Small lines attached to the ends of letters (Engeraly font).
  • Sans-serif: Fonts without serifs, typically with a cleaner, modern look (Qumelan).
  • Weight: Refers to the thickness of the characters (e.g., light, regular, bold).
  • Style: Can be italic, oblique, or normal.

6. Kerning and Spacing:

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  • Kerning: The spacing between specific pairs of characters.
  • Tracking: The overall spacing between all characters in a line. These adjustments ensure the text looks well-proportioned and balanced.

7. Font Categories:

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Fonts can be categorized based on their style:

  • Serif: Classic and traditional.
  • Sans-serif: Modern and clean.
  • Script: Flowing and handwritten.
  • Display: Decorative, used for titles or headings.
  • Monospaced: Every character has the same width, often used in coding.

8. Font Usage:

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Fonts can be used in various settings, from digital interfaces and websites to printed media, packaging, and signage. Different fonts evoke different emotions and associations (e.g., modern, retro, romantic), making font choice crucial for branding and design.

The fonts you select can affect readability, style, and tone, making it a key part of visual communication.

This sounds very theoretical, but it is interesting to know so that designers can better appreciate the fonts that have been created.

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