typography

An example of different font typefaces and sizes.

Design and layout of the printed word. Typography began with the invention of writing and developed as printing spread throughout Europe after the invention of metal moveable type by Johann Gutenberg about 1440. Hundreds of variations have followed since, but the basic design of the Frenchman Nicholas Jensen (about 1420-1480), with a few modifications, is still the ordinary (‘roman’) type used in printing.

Typography, for centuries the domain of engravers and printers, is now a computerized process, carried out by using specialist software.

Type sizes are measured in points (there are approximately 2.8 points to the millimetre); the length of a typeset line, called the measure, is measured in pica ems (1 pica em has a width of a little over 4 mm/0.15 in). The space between lines (known as leading) is also measured in points, although new photosetting and computer-assisted setting systems also work in metric sizes.

Ease of reading is sought in text typefaces; ornament is sought in display typefaces.