Scroll to top

The more we communicate, the closer we become. Typography inspires us by reminding the world of a simpler time without connection. As designers and artists, we can carry that fascination into our work by studying the makeup of letters.

If you prefer video tutorials, you can start with the basics of typography anatomy with this quick video from the Tuts+ YouTube channel. Learn about the typography terms for letters and more!

Common Typography Terms

Next up, we'll cover some of the most common typography terms for letters. Familiarize yourself with these terms to get a better handle on typography.

What Is the Baseline?

The invisible line letters rest on.

Baseline - letter anatomyBaseline - letter anatomyBaseline - letter anatomy

What Is the Stem?

A single vertical stroke upwards to create letters like L or F. Connect one stem to another using a crossbar detail, like the letter H.

Stem and Crossbar - letter anatomyStem and Crossbar - letter anatomyStem and Crossbar - letter anatomy

What Are the Ascender and Descender?

Letters with downward strokes that extend past the baseline have Descender strokes. Alternatively, if the stroke moves upward and away from the main body of the letter, we call that the Ascender stroke. That's what we mean when we talk about the ascender in typography.

Ascender and Descender - ascender typography letter anatomyAscender and Descender - ascender typography letter anatomyAscender and Descender - ascender typography letter anatomy

What Are Uppercase and Lowercase Letters?

Uppercase letters are capital letters. Lowercase letters are smaller ones. Use uppercase letters for names and places, and lowercase letters for casual settings and more readability.

Upper and Lowercase Letters letter anatomyUpper and Lowercase Letters letter anatomyUpper and Lowercase Letters letter anatomy

What Is the X-Height?

For lowercase letters, the X-height is the main body of the letter.

X-height - letter anatomyX-height - letter anatomyX-height - letter anatomy

What Are the Counters and Spine?

Fully or partially closed spaces found in letters like O, A, and B. If the letter isn't fully closed, then it's an Open Counter.

Counter and Ear - letter anatomyCounter and Ear - letter anatomyCounter and Ear - letter anatomy

What Are the Ear and the Shoulder?

An Ear is a decorative detail that pokes out from letters like g. A Shoulder is a bumped curve seen in letters like m and n.

Ear and Shoulder - letter anatomyEar and Shoulder - letter anatomyEar and Shoulder - letter anatomy

What Is the Difference Between Serif and Sans Serif?

Serif types feature extended stroke details also known as feet. These details are missing in sans serif styles.

Serif Vs Sans Serif Typefaces letter anatomySerif Vs Sans Serif Typefaces letter anatomySerif Vs Sans Serif Typefaces letter anatomy

Learn More About Typography Anatomy and Terms

Typography is an art form every designer can admire. Continue exploring your interest in typography to build your skills over time. We've got some top videos for you from the Envato Tuts+ YouTube channel:

1. What Is Typography?

We covered typography anatomy and the parts of a font. But we haven't discussed what exactly typography is. Watch this video to learn more.

2. The Ultimate Guide to Basic Typography

If you enjoyed this quick letter anatomy tutorial, you'll like this complete guide with typography terms and more. The video clarifies a few misused terms, touches on figures and symbols, and explains some indispensable typesetting terminology.

3. Free Course: The Ultimate Guide to Typography

Feeling like taking a complete letter anatomy course? We've got the free course for you. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to confidently talk about typography and experiment with concepts and fonts as you hone your typography skills.

Get Amazing Design Resources

Want to create videos like this? Download the resources used in this video:

If you wish to continue learning or find more useful information, check out these amazing articles from the Envato Blog and Envato Tuts+: 

How to Make a Font: 10+ Typography and Font Tutorials for Beginners

Advertisement
Did you find this post useful?
Want a weekly email summary?
Subscribe below and we’ll send you a weekly email summary of all new Design & Illustration tutorials. Never miss out on learning about the next big thing.
One subscription. Unlimited Downloads.
Get unlimited downloads