Rockwell is a classic slab serif font that's perenially popular. But what if you don't want to use Rockwell itself, but you want something close to it? That's what this article is all about: we'll introduce you to some fonts like Rockwell that you can use in your next design project.
Wondering what font is most similar to Rockwell? Read on to find some great examples from Envato Elements and GraphicRiver. We'll also go through a quick history of Rockwell and some of its main characteristics.
Rockwell Font History
The Rockwell typeface dates back to 1934. It was created by Monotype, the company that also gave us iconic fonts such as Gill Sans and Times New Roman.
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The font was inspired by earlier slab serif fonts such as Litho Antique. In the years since its launch, Rockwell has enjoyed continued popularity thanks to its combination of high-impact uppercase and legible lowercase letters.
Rockwell Typeface Characteristics
The Rockwell typeface is a geometric slab serif. Notice that there's almost no variation in stroke width, giving Rockwell a uniform, consistent look.
The letter "o" and the bowls of letters like "g" and "p" are almost perfect circles. Its blocky characters and squared serifs make it perfect for display text. Although it's easy to read, it doesn't make great body text—it's best for headlines and short copy.
Common Uses for Rockwell Typeface
Like many slab serif fonts, Rockwell is primarily used as a display font. It's great for headlines, and its high-impact, easy-to-read characteristics also make it popular for signage and posters.
Rockwell has been used in the past by famous brands like the Guinness Book of Records, the Docklands Light Railway in the UK, and Malibu rum from Barbados.
Fonts Similar to Rockwell
Campfire Slab Serif (OTF, WOFF)
There's a solidity to this slab serif font that's reminiscent of Rockwell, while also having its own personality. It's a little thicker and bolder, so it could be a good choice if you're looking for fonts similar to Rockwell Bold font.
MartiniThai Neue Slab (OTF)
MartiniThai comes with six weights, from thin to black, so it covers a wide range. The black weight could be good if you need fonts similar to Rockwell Extra Bold. And there's also a Thai language version if that's what you need!
Slabien Slab Serif Font (OTF, WOFF)
Those rounded characters and squared-off serifs are so characteristic of fonts like Rockwell. Slabien would be a great alternative for use in headlines, logos, advertising, and more.
FALCON Hybrid Slab-Serif (OTF, TTF, EOT, SVG, TTF, WOFF, WOFF2)
As the image above illustrates, Falcon would be a great choice for packaging design, but it's also great for headlines, logos, and more. As you can see, the "O" is quite condensed, not round as in the original Rockwell font, but maybe this would be good if you're looking for fonts similar to Rockwell Condensed font.
Mightype 08: Slab Serif (OTF)
This is not so much a typeface as a full hand-lettering bundle. It comes with eight unique fonts, plus more than 240 hand-drawn bonus illustrations to use with your text. It's quite a package!
Woodman Slab Serif Font (OTF)
There's so much variation in this typeface. Woodman includes three weights, and each weight has four different styles: normal, rounded, press, and grunge. The heavy weight also has a fifth style: grunge outline. With all of that flexibility, you can be sure to create just the typographic effect you want.
Ferguson Slab Family (OTF)
If you're looking for fonts similar to Rockwell Extra Bold, Ferguson fits that bill perfectly. It also comes with six different weights and two widths, so it could also be a match for the regular Rockwell font or the Rockwell Condensed font. It also has 28 accents to support multiple languages.
Jerome Condensed Slab Serif (OTF, WOFF)
Here's a perfect alternative to the Rockwell Condensed font. Jerome has the strong, solid lines of Rockwell, with a very condensed look. There are three weights to choose from here.
Nordin Slab: Condensed Slab Serif Font (OTF, TTF)
Here's another condensed offering that would be a good alternative to the Rockwell Condensed font. Nordin Slab is elegant and full of impact, making it great for logos, posters, stationery, and more.
Hardora Slab Serif Display Typeface (OTF, TTF)
With its strong, bold slab serifs, Hardora is perfect if you're looking for fonts similar to Rockwell Bold font. There's also an element of college lettering about it, making it good for sports-related projects as well as logos and badges.
Alexside Slab Font LS (OTF, WOFF, TTF)
Slab serifs often emphasise the uppercase letters, but this one showcases the lowercase ones, and it does so to great effect. Use Alexside to grab viewers' attention on posters, social media posts, and more.
Shoreline (OTF)
Check out that beautifully gritty texture! Shoreline comes with added grit, plus a classic slab serif design that's clearly inspired by fonts like Rockwell. It comes in both regular and bold versions.
Wildstone: Wild Vintage Smallcaps Slab Serif (OTF)
Wildstone is getting a bit further away from the classic Rockwell look, but maybe that's what you're looking for. Sometimes, after all, you're not looking for a perfect match but for a font that has some of the feeling of the original while clearly going in its own direction.
Lev Serif (TTF, OTF)
Designer Leon Hulst may not have been directly inspired by Rockwell when he was creating Lev Serif, but he certainly ended up creating something similar. The thick, block-like serifs are very reminiscent of Rockwell, although there's plenty of individuality as well.
Kane (TTF, OTF)
Looking for similar fonts to Rockwell, but with more of a contemporary twist? Kane is the answer. This slab serif is fresh, innovative, and sure to make an impression.
Haytham Slab Serif Font Packs (OTF, TTF, WOFF, WOFF2)
Although the version shown here is quite light, Haytham comes in eight different weights, including a black version that would be ideal for those searching for Rockwell Extra Bold similar fonts. Try it on headlines, logos, advertising, and more!
Runboy Sport Slab Serif (OTF, TTF, WOFF, WOFF2)
Runboy has a sporty vibe that may be just what you need for your next project. It's great for a college or varsity font style, and its relaxed, slightly casual appearance makes it perfect for informal projects.
Monogram Holder Display Font (TTF, OTF)
Still wondering what font is most similar to Rockwell? Monogram Holder is a strong contender. It has many of the same characteristics, although the characters are a little more condensed and not quite so rounded and blocky.
Farhan Slab Serif 5 Font Pack (OTF, TTF, WOFF, WOFF2)
With its five weights, Farhan has plenty of versatility, so it could fall under the category of Rockwell Extra Bold similar fonts as well as matching the regular Rockwell font. With the full range of uppercase and lowercase characters, punctuation, special characters, and multilingual support, Farhan can meet all your design needs.
Naava: A Slab Serif Font Family (OTF, TTF, WOFF, WOFF2)
Finally, try Naava, an eye-catching slab serif that pays tribute to fonts like Rockwell while heading in a more contemporary direction. Try this elegant font on a magazine cover or a poster. It's sure to stand out and draw the viewer's eye.
Choose Your Favourite Rockwell Alternative
Now that you know a bit about the Rockwell typeface and have seen similar fonts to Rockwell, why not head on over to Envato Elements and/or GraphicRiver and download your favourite.
And if you want more awesome font inspiration, try some of these articles:
