Font vs. Typeface - On Typographic Definitions

The distinction between the terms font and typeface mirrors the dual nature of type. On the one hand, type is a tangible, moveable kit - a collection of forms that can be used to create words. On the other hand, it is something abstract: a design that is representable in many formats and sizes.

Font

A font originally referred to one specific set of metal type. A metal font type can of course not be made larger or smaller, or rendered in italic or bold. So a font of metal type is just one type of design, in one style, at one weight and at one size. 

The cast letters are related to the technique of letter press printing, as it goes back to the 15th century technique that was developed by the German font developer and printing inventor Gutenberg. In letter press printing, the letters from a font were usually physically arranged in a lock-up, which was subsequently inked and pressed to paper to make a print. This technique was used well into the 1960s, leaving us with the remnants of its vocabulary when we talk about type today.

Old font in suitcase.

In the 1960s and 70s, metal type setting was gradually replaced by phototype setting. Phototype fonts were essentially slides or reels that held letter forms that was projected in sequence on photo paper.

Example of prototype font on a diatonic plate showing a Futura font.

Today a font of type is a file with code that exists on your computer. Usually .otf or .ttf-files, these contain vector information describing the shapes of the letter forms as well as information on the space between different combination of letters. 

Font therefor refers to a physical manifestation of type in font, in photo or in code.

Typeface

In contrast to a font, typeface describes the visual design of a particular set of letter forms. They are complete design projects that hold a massive amount of individual drawings. 

A typeface includes drawings of upper case letters, lower case letters, figures, fractions and mathematical symbols, punctuation and special characters, accented characters in both lower and upper case, and ligatures. 

Furthermore, all of these individual drawings must be individually drawn in both regular and italic styles. And all these styles must be drawn once again in at least three different weights - or different degrees of boldness.