Typography: The Anatomy of a Letter

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.

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.

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 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 anatomy

What Is the X-Height?

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

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.

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.

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 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: