Letter Geometry, Continued
Letter weight
(Continued)
CONDENSED: Letters that appear vertically squeezed or pinched are called
condensed. Condensed letters give the appearance of being heavier than they
really are.
EXPANDED: Horizontally stretched or flattened letters are called expanded.
They appear lighter in weight than they really are.
GEOMETRICALLY SYMMETRIC: Geometrically symmetric letters have
geometrically or mathematically correct dimensions and proportions. To
determine if letters are geometrically proportioned, look at the letter “O” for
perfect roundness and evaluate any distortions.
ITALICIZED: Italicized letters slant to the left or right of center. Before
negatively affecting legibility, letters may lean a maximum of 68 degrees
from center. Italicized letters add emphasis.
Figure 5-16 shows the letter “O” in various letter weights.
Figure 5-16.—Using the
letter “O” to demonstrate
geometric proportions of
various typefaces.
5-17
