Black-letter

adjectiveStandard termPrinting

A dense, highly ornamented style of typeface based on medieval manuscript lettering.

A family of typefaces characterized by thick vertical strokes, sharp angular fractures, and elaborate serifs. It mimics the calligraphy used in Western Europe before the adoption of Roman type. Because the dense strokes make large blocks of text difficult to read, it is generally reserved for certificates, newspaper mastheads, and formal invitations.

Heard on the job

Set the diploma headline in a heavy black-letter, but keep the body copy Roman.

Also heard as

  • Gothic script
  • Old English
  • Textura