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{{short description|The art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and appealing}}
{{short description|The art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and appealing}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


'''Typography''' is the art and technique of arranging [[type]] to make written language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed. The arrangement of type involves selecting [[typefaces]], point sizes, line lengths, line-spacing (leading), and letter-spacing (tracking), and adjusting the space between pairs of letters (kerning). The term typography is also applied to the style, arrangement, and appearance of the letters, numbers, and symbols created by the process.
[[File:Trajan_typeface_specimen.svg|thumb|Specimen of the Trajan typeface]]
 
'''Typography''' is the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed. The arrangement of type involves selecting typefaces, point sizes, line lengths, line-spacing (leading), and letter-spacing (tracking), and adjusting the space between pairs of letters (kerning). Typography is performed by typesetters, compositors, typographers, graphic designers, art directors, manga artists, comic book artists, graffiti artists, and now, anyone who arranges words, letters, numbers, and symbols for publication, display, or distribution, from clerical workers and newsletter writers to anyone self-publishing materials.


==History==
==History==
The history of typography dates back to the first punches and dies used to make seals and currency in ancient times. The first known movable type system was created in China by [[Bi Sheng]] around 1040 AD, using ceramic materials. The oldest known book printed with movable metal type is the ''[[Jikji]]'', printed in Korea in 1377.


In Europe, the invention of the [[printing press]] by [[Johannes Gutenberg]] in the 15th century revolutionized the production of books and the dissemination of knowledge. Gutenberg's press used movable type made of metal, which allowed for the mass production of texts.
The history of typography is closely linked to the history of writing and printing. The earliest forms of typography were developed in ancient civilizations, where scribes would meticulously copy texts by hand.
 
===Movable Type===
 
[[File:Metal_movable_type.jpg|thumb|left|Metal movable type]]
 
The invention of movable type was a significant milestone in the history of typography. It allowed for the mass production of texts and revolutionized the way information was disseminated. The first known movable type system was created in China by Bi Sheng around 1040 AD, using ceramic materials. Later, in the 13th century, movable type made of wood and metal was developed in Korea.
 
[[File:Chinese_movable_type_1313-ce.png|thumb|Chinese movable type from 1313 CE]]
 
In Europe, movable type was independently invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century. Gutenberg's invention of the printing press and movable type in the 1440s is often credited with starting the Printing Revolution, which played a key role in the development of the Renaissance, Reformation, and the Scientific Revolution.
 
===The Printing Press===
 
[[File:Pressing-16th_century.jpg|thumb|16th-century printing press]]
 
The printing press allowed for the rapid production of books and other printed materials, making them more accessible to a wider audience. This led to an increase in literacy and the spread of knowledge across Europe.
 
===Typefaces and Fonts===
 
[[File:A_Specimen_by_William_Caslon.jpg|thumb|left|Specimen by William Caslon]]


===Development in Europe===
The development of typefaces and fonts has been a crucial aspect of typography. Early typefaces were designed to mimic the handwriting of scribes, but as printing technology advanced, new styles emerged. In the 18th century, type designers like William Caslon and John Baskerville created typefaces that are still in use today.
The development of typography in Europe was marked by the creation of new typefaces and the refinement of printing techniques. The [[Renaissance]] period saw the emergence of typefaces such as [[Garamond]] and [[Baskerville]], which are still in use today.


===Modern Typography===
===Modern Typography===
In the 20th century, typography evolved with the advent of digital typesetting and desktop publishing. The development of software like [[Adobe Illustrator]] and [[LaTeX]] has allowed for more precise control over typographic elements.


==Techniques==
In the 20th century, the advent of digital technology transformed typography once again. The development of desktop publishing software and digital fonts made it possible for anyone with a computer to create professional-quality typography.
Typography involves several techniques to ensure that text is both legible and aesthetically pleasing. These include:
 
[[File:Latex_example_type.svg|thumb|Example of LaTeX typesetting]]
 
==Typography in the Digital Age==


* '''Typefaces''': The design of the characters, which can be serif or sans-serif.
The digital age has brought about new challenges and opportunities for typography. With the rise of the internet and digital media, typography has had to adapt to new formats and devices. Responsive design, web fonts, and variable fonts are just a few of the innovations that have emerged in recent years.
* '''Point size''': The size of the type, measured in points.
* '''Line length''': The width of a block of text.
* '''Leading''': The vertical space between lines of text.
* '''Kerning''': The adjustment of space between individual letter pairs.
* '''Tracking''': The uniform adjustment of space between all letters in a block of text.


==Related pages==
==Related Pages==
* [[Typeface]]
* [[Font]]
* [[Printing press]]
* [[Printing press]]
* [[Movable type]]
* [[Graphic design]]
* [[Typeface]]
* [[Calligraphy]]
* [[Calligraphy]]


==References==
{{Typography}}
* Bringhurst, Robert. ''The Elements of Typographic Style''. Hartley & Marks, 1992.
* Meggs, Philip B. ''A History of Graphic Design''. John Wiley & Sons, 1998.
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Trajan typeface specimen.svg|Specimen of the Trajan typeface
File:Metal movable type.jpg|Metal movable type
File:Chinese movable type 1313-ce.png|Chinese movable type
File:JikjiType.gif|Type from the ''Jikji''
File:Pressing-16th century.jpg|16th-century printing press
File:A Specimen by William Caslon.jpg|Specimen by William Caslon
File:Oscar wilde english renaissance of art 2.png|Oscar Wilde's ''The English Renaissance of Art''
File:Latex example type.svg|Example of LaTeX typesetting
File:John Wilkes Booth wanted poster new.jpg|Wanted poster for John Wilkes Booth
File:Rydal Mount Plaque - geograph.org.uk - 895220.jpg|Plaque at Rydal Mount
</gallery>


[[Category:Typography]]
[[Category:Typography]]
<gallery>
[[Category:Graphic design]]
File:Trajan_typeface_specimen.svg|Typography
[[Category:Printing]]
File:metal_movable_type.jpg|Typography
File:Chinese_movable_type_1313-ce.png|Typography
File:JikjiType.gif|Typography
File:Pressing-16th_century.jpg|Typography
File:A_Specimen_by_William_Caslon.jpg|Typography
File:Oscar_wilde_english_renaissance_of_art_2.png|Typography
File:Latex_example_type.svg|Typography
File:John_Wilkes_Booth_wanted_poster_new.jpg|Typography
File:Rydal_Mount_Plaque_-_geograph.org.uk_-_895220.jpg|Typography
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 20:42, 26 April 2025

The art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and appealing


Specimen of the Trajan typeface

Typography is the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed. The arrangement of type involves selecting typefaces, point sizes, line lengths, line-spacing (leading), and letter-spacing (tracking), and adjusting the space between pairs of letters (kerning). Typography is performed by typesetters, compositors, typographers, graphic designers, art directors, manga artists, comic book artists, graffiti artists, and now, anyone who arranges words, letters, numbers, and symbols for publication, display, or distribution, from clerical workers and newsletter writers to anyone self-publishing materials.

History[edit]

The history of typography is closely linked to the history of writing and printing. The earliest forms of typography were developed in ancient civilizations, where scribes would meticulously copy texts by hand.

Movable Type[edit]

Metal movable type

The invention of movable type was a significant milestone in the history of typography. It allowed for the mass production of texts and revolutionized the way information was disseminated. The first known movable type system was created in China by Bi Sheng around 1040 AD, using ceramic materials. Later, in the 13th century, movable type made of wood and metal was developed in Korea.

Chinese movable type from 1313 CE

In Europe, movable type was independently invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century. Gutenberg's invention of the printing press and movable type in the 1440s is often credited with starting the Printing Revolution, which played a key role in the development of the Renaissance, Reformation, and the Scientific Revolution.

The Printing Press[edit]

16th-century printing press

The printing press allowed for the rapid production of books and other printed materials, making them more accessible to a wider audience. This led to an increase in literacy and the spread of knowledge across Europe.

Typefaces and Fonts[edit]

Specimen by William Caslon

The development of typefaces and fonts has been a crucial aspect of typography. Early typefaces were designed to mimic the handwriting of scribes, but as printing technology advanced, new styles emerged. In the 18th century, type designers like William Caslon and John Baskerville created typefaces that are still in use today.

Modern Typography[edit]

In the 20th century, the advent of digital technology transformed typography once again. The development of desktop publishing software and digital fonts made it possible for anyone with a computer to create professional-quality typography.

Example of LaTeX typesetting

Typography in the Digital Age[edit]

The digital age has brought about new challenges and opportunities for typography. With the rise of the internet and digital media, typography has had to adapt to new formats and devices. Responsive design, web fonts, and variable fonts are just a few of the innovations that have emerged in recent years.

Related Pages[edit]