U&lc Issue: 42.1.2

Didone Typefaces The term Didone – a combination of Didot and Bodoni – aptly describes Neoclassical (or Modern) typefaces. First popular from the late 18th through the 19th centuries, they have inspired many contemporary interpretations. We showcase a sampling of seven well-designed options we find both useful and versatile.

Old Style Typefaces A wide array of popular old style type families is available in digital form today. In addition to old style figures, many of them offer small caps, swashes and other distinctive characters. We present our selection of seven of the most useful and well-designed families.

Slab Serifs Slab serif typefaces, with their block-like appenditures, project solidity, style and confidence. We survey seven that are particularly well-designed, to help you select the best slab for the job.

Typography Checklist Our long-awaited typographic checklist is a simple way to ensure that your typesetting is both professional and appealing. We’ve included links to previously-published columns about each topic. Check them out!

ALL CAPS: To set or not to set? Setting blocks of text in all caps generally poses a risk to readability. Here’s our case for avoiding CAPITAL OFFENSES.

The Story Behind Zapf Chancery Almost everyone who uses a computer can identify the Zapf Chancery® typeface. Alphabetically, it’s at the very bottom of the font directory – but as a system font on both the Apple® and Windows® operating systems, it’s frequently top of mind in the calligraphy-inspired class.