> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://hyperallergic.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# The Idiot's Guide to Typefaces … and Fonts
- URL: https://hyperallergic.com/idiots-guide-to-typefaces/
- Published: 2010-10-15T12:45:17.000Z
- Updated: 2025-11-24T16:19:40.000Z
- Description: This chart may be all you need to decide what font, I mean typeface, to use for a current or upcoming project. Design historian Steven Heller reminded me a few weeks ago that I use the terms font and typeface interchangeably, point taken (even though my mom was a graphic designer and I should know b
- Author: Hrag Vartanian
- Tags: Opinion, #image-position-hidden, Design, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2025-11-17 09:23 (2009-2011)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/51/f8/51f871d8-b6be-4a73-b958-0ca4fff0110a/content/images/hyperallergic-newspack-s3-amazonaws-com/uploads/2010/10/soyouneedatypeface-med.jpg)

Don't let the jungle of typeface choices get you down … here’s an easy guide! (image via Inspiration Labs) (click for a larger version)

This chart may be all you need to decide what font, I mean typeface, to use for a current or upcoming project.

Design historian Steven Heller reminded me a few weeks ago that I use the terms font and typeface interchangeably, point taken (even though my mom was a graphic designer and I should know better), but I have to admit to not being so concerned with the usage since I usually get blank stares when I use *typeface* with non-design people. Did desktop publishing ruin design terminology? Is the term *typeface* destined to be labeled arcane in the dictionaries of the near future? My guess is yes.

But before that happens, I thought I’d quote [Fontfeed’s excellent collection of explanations](http://fontfeed.com/archives/font-or-typeface/?ref=hyperallergic.com) for the difference between the two terms.

First up, Mark Simonson:

> … the physical embodiment of a collection of letters, numbers, symbols, etc. (whether it’s a case of metal pieces or a computer file) is a *font*. When referring to the design of the collection (the way it looks) you call it a *typeface*.

Nick Sherman’s take:

> The way I relate the difference between *typeface* and *font* to my students is by comparing them to *songs* and *MP3s*, respectively (or songs and CDs, if you prefer a physical metaphor).

And, lastly, Norbert Florendo:

> *… font* is what you use, and *typeface* is what you see.

Now back to this chart … I have to say I’m impressed by how effective it is. I just tried it for something I had to whip up last night and it worked. Long live the infographic! *Viva la desktop publishing revolución!*