and a typeface?
A typeface is the typographic design that was created by an individual designer or a type foundry.
A font is the digital file equivalent of the typeface. A font is something you use when you're working on the computer, but the word "typeface" is generally used when referring to different typographic designs.
Most font files are copyright protected, which means if you didn't buy it, or if it didn’t come with your computer, you don’t own the rights to using it. Free font sites will tell you that you can use it without the license. You should be weary of using an unlicensed font file, just because you don’t have any money doesn't mean that a type foundry won’t try to sue you.
Not sure what font will work for you?Many type sites will allow you to preview words and sentences in the typeface you are interested. You can “take a picture” of the type preview and place it in your design mock-up. Once you know you need the font, you can buy it with confidence.
- Visit a type foundry website (listed to the right) and find a typeface you want to try out.
- Enter the word you want to sample into the "Sample Type" field provided.
- The word will appear in the sample typeface. Now take a screen shot of the word.
Mac Users: Hold down SHIFT + COMMAND + 4 then drag arrow over image.
Windows Users: Hold the ALT key down while pressing Print Screen to capture only the active window. You may need to open in image in Photoshop to crop it before next step.
- Once you have the "picture" of the type you want, open the file in Adobe Illustrator and use the "Auto Trace" Tool, it will automatically show up on the top menu bar. If the tool doesn't work, then trace the word using the pen tool.
- You now have a vector "image" of the typeface you want to sample. You can alter it for your design to see if it works, if it does you can now but the typeface with confidence.
Keep in mind that "tracing" a sample of the typeface is not legal if you use the typeface for a project you will professionally publish or profit from. If you're just using it for a school project, you'll be fine.
Finding a fontSome fonts are free, but most took a great deal of time to design and the type foundries need money in exchange for the file. Font files can cost $20 and up. Don’t be discouraged, a good, versatile typeface is worth the purchasing cost because you will use it often.
Free FontsThis is a good site for some funky typefaces, but don't go to crazy, these fonts should be used sparingly.
dafont.com
all-free-fonts.com (Under Construction)
This is the main "go-to" for any historical, popular and most used typefaces.
linotype.com
Have a files with a typeface that you can't recognize? This site has a link to upload the file and they'll try to identify the font for you.
myfonts.com
These are themed fonts, good if you're looked for something specifically from pop culture.
typenow.net
House Industries designs typefaces that are based on famous signatures to retro packaging. Their divineness comes with a price, these are the cheapest fonts.
houseind.com (House Industries)
Do you love retro fonts that you see in 1950s diners and old departments stores? This is the site for you. Plus they're affordable!
fontdiner.com (Retro fonts)
Veer is a big resource library on the web. It has photographs, illustrations, as well as type. Just search for a word that you think describes what you're looking for and see what Veer gives you.
veer.com
This is a great website of type collections, they are fun and somewhat affordable on a student's budget.
emigre.com
Can't find the perfect typeface for your project and tired of looking? Are you interested in designing your own typeface? Check out your options under
Type Tools.
