What is a typeface in graphic design? Is a typeface the same as a font? What is the difference between font and typeface? If you're curious about the definition of a typeface or about fonts vs. typefaces, read on!
What Is a Typeface in Graphic Design?
Let's start with the basics: the definition of a typeface.
For example, Georgia is a typeface with characters that share common design characteristics. Likewise, Calibri is a different typeface with characters that share common design characteristics.
Fonts vs. Typefaces: What Is the Difference Between Font and Typeface?
Now, let's move on to the eternal struggle: fonts vs. typefaces. If you're unaware of the difference between font and typeface, worry not.
So, for example, the Georgia typeface contains four fonts: Georgia Regular, Georgia Bold, Georgia Italic, and Georgia Bold Italic.
You could think of typefaces as a family unit made up of fonts—in fact, in web development, the term typeface has been replaced by the class name: font-family. Each font in the family unit is related to the other but has its own unique characteristics which differentiate it from the others.
For example, you upload fonts to the Mac library, not typefaces, and both Adobe and Google offer font libraries, not typeface libraries.
All these factors serve to blur the line in the difference between font and typeface, so that in common usage, the terms are often used interchangeably. In the battle of fonts vs. typefaces, there's basically a tie.
Cool Premium Typeface Examples
So far, we've answered some of the most pressing typeface-related questions, like "what is a typeface" and "what are fonts vs. typefaces." Now, we'll get to see the definition of a typeface in action! Here are some cool options of premium typeface examples from Envato Elements.
Evirma: Futuristic Typeface Example (TTF, OTF, WOFF)
Check out Evirma, an awesome futuristic typeface that offers upper and lowercase characters, numbers, and symbols that'll bring your posters, title covers, and signage to life. An asset like this one defines typefaces and makes them easier to understand!
Bonwick: Modern Typeface Example (TTF, OTF, WOFF, WOFF2, EOT)
This is another option to understand what typeface means. Bonwick Typeface is a sans serif that offers eight different font styles. Use them to create stunning logos, headlines, signage, and more.
Maglony: Quirky Typeface Example (TTF, OTF, WOFF)
In this case, typeface means quirkiness. When you're looking for a typeface with a large personality, choose Maglony Typeface. Maglony is a serif typeface with beautiful curves that make it unique and irresistible. The typeface contains nine fonts, so you have plenty of styles to experiment with.
Bonoligt: Elegant Typeface Example (TTF, OTF, WOFF)
How about Bonoligt, a wonderful script that offers both upper and lowercase characters, numbers, and punctuation with beautiful alternates and ligatures that'll help you create your own one-of-a-kind text.
Nillota: Dynamic Typeface Example (TTF, OTF)
Nillota Typeface is an elegant and dynamic serif with a beautifully flowing style. The typeface contains 618 glyphs with tons of interesting alternatives, so it's a great font to experiment with to get unique results.
Breymont: Captivating Typeface Example (TTF, WOFF)
Breymont is a minimalist but elegant option. It's an all-caps typeface that's versatile. You can use it to draw attention to your logo, magazine, webpage, or other graphic design products. It comes with numerals, punctuation, and multilingual characters.
Lumber: Vintage Typeface Example (TTF, OTF)
Looking for a clean and modern font for your next project? How about Lumber Typeface? This example is the definition of typefaces that are versatile. It includes upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and over 40 glyphs.
Elosiam: Script Typeface Example (TTF, OTF)
When you want text that has a handcrafted feel, choose Elosiam Script Typeface. This elegant script could be a great choice for signatures, stationery, quotations, branding, and more.
Brighton Smith: Ornate Typeface Example (TTF, OTF)
Brighton Smith Typeface also offers a handcrafted feel but in a different way than Elosiam above. Brighton Smith offers two fonts in different weights so that you can mix and match to your heart's content. There is also an ornament pack included that you can use to enhance your text and design.
Bellyman: Groovy Typeface Example (TTF, OTF, WOFF)
How awesome is this typeface? With its unexpected curves, text created with Bellyman is bound to stand out from the rest. The typeface contains over 600 glyphs, including a unique swash alternative and a large selection of ligatures.
Choose Your Favourite Typeface
Now you know all about what a typeface is, as well as the difference between fonts and typefaces. You've also seen a great selection when you need them. So head on over to Envato Elements and select your favourites today.
If you want more information on fonts, check out these really helpful articles from Envato Tuts+:
