What do we do ?

Finaltype is an open collective of designers, artists and instructors. We do research and teach in the field of visual communication based on both scientific and artistic methods. → Our philosophy

Recent Topics:

Superfamilies

by PROF. HANS R. HEITMANN

____ Our superfamilies Legit, Arccus and Komplex feature several weights and styles, yet they all follow an unique uniwidth system: Within each superfamily, all identical glyphs share the same width. In this article we will talk about the background and advantages of such a type system.

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Better Justification for the Web

by JOHANNES AMMON

____ In the third part of our justification series I pitch several ideas on how justified text on the web could be improved. I will also present some unorthodox approaches that may lead to further improvements in the future and will eventually offer a sneak peek on how better justification on the web could look like.

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Abstract calligraphy

by KORBINIAN NIEẞNER

____ One of our major subjects is the so called »abstract calligraphy«, or »free calligraphy«, or »gestural calligraphy«. This special form of calligraphic expression differs from formal calligraphy, whose main focus is the creation of readable characters.

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Letter spacing

by PROF. HANS R. HEITMANN

____ The spaces between the letters of a typeface have a significant impact on its legibility. They can affect or even destroy the aesthetic shape of the word. I propose that there is — especially in lower case — a correct amount of letter-spacing, with little variability.

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Capital Sharp S (ẞ)

OPINION PIECE BY PROF. HANS R. HEITMANN

____ Since this additional glyph has been officially added to German orthography in 2017, typedesigners worldwide might ask themselves: How should a capital sharp S look like?

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