Letterforms
Letterforms are symbols, representing sounds, and at the same time are shapes. It is shapes of a set of letterforms which gives character (no pun intended) to a font, as well as providing unity. The design of a letterform is perhaps the smallest block on which a design is built.
Familiarity with the letterform itself, and an awareness of its components will increase your sensitivity to how a letterform and it’s font (and font family) may be used. Below are some of the major components of a letterform. (Roll over the term to see).
Stroke
A stroke is any line that defines the basic letterform.
Arm
Short strokes off the stem, either horizontal or upwardly inclined.
Ascender
Portion of the stem of lowercase letterform rising above the median.
Descender
Portion of the stem of lowercase letterform projecting below baseline.
Counter
Negative space either partially or fully enclosed by letterform.
Serif
Foot or flag at the end of a stroke.
Serifs may be bracketed, (connected with a curve), or unbracketed (connected with an angle).
