Typography

Letter Forms

We use both printed and electronic (or digital) type to communicate. Letterforms are an integral part of electronic and printed communication.

Over the years, a nomenclature has evolved that identifies the various components of individual letterforms. By learning this vocabulary, designers and typographers develop a greater understanding of and sensitivity to the visual harmony and complexity of the alphabet.

In medieval times, horizontal guidelines were drawn to contain and align each line of lettering. Today, letterforms and their parts are drawn on imaginary guidelines to bring uniformity to typography.

Review the illustration below and identify the terms associated with lines of type.