An Introduction to Typeface Anatomy Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Software & Apps > Design 35 35 people found this article helpful

Letter Anatomy Basics

Typography uses a standard set of terms to describe letter forms

By Eric Miller Eric Miller Writer New York University Eric Miller is a former Lifewire writer, freelance graphic designer, and owner of a web development and graphic design studio established in 1998. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 24, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Design Graphic Design Photoshop Animation & Video 3D Design In typography, a standard set of terms is used to describe the parts of a character. These terms and the parts of the letters they represent are often referred to as "letter anatomy" or "typeface anatomy." By breaking down letters into parts, a designer can better understand how type is created and altered and how to use it effectively.

Baseline

The baseline is the invisible line on which characters sit. While the baseline may differ from typeface to typeface, it is consistent within a typeface. Rounded letters such as "e" may extend slightly below the baseline. Descenders of letters, such as the tail on a "y" extend below the baseline.

Mean line

The mean line, also called midline, falls at the top of many lowercase letters such as "e," "g" and "y." It is also where the curve of letters like "h" reach.

X-Height

The x-height is the distance between the mean line and the baseline. It is referred to as the x-height because it is the height of a lowercase "x." This height varies greatly among typefaces.

Cap Height

The cap height is the distance from the baseline to the top of uppercase letters like "H" and "J."

Ascender

The part of a character that extends above the mean line is known as an ascender. This is the same as extending above the x-height.

Descender

The part of a character that extends below the baseline is known as a descender, such as the bottom stroke of a "y."

Serifs

Fonts are often divided into serif and sans serif. Serif fonts are distinguishable by the extra small strokes at the ends of the character strokes. These small strokes are called serifs.

Stem

The vertical line of an upper case "B" and the primary diagonal line of a "V" are known as stems. A stem is often the main "body" of a letter.

Bar

The horizontal lines of an upper case "E" are known as bars. Bars are horizontal or diagonal lines of a letter, also known as arms. They are open on at least one side.

Bowl

An open or closed circular line that creates an interior space, such as found in the lower case "e" and "b" is called a bowl.

Counter

The counter is the empty space inside a bowl.

Leg

The bottom stroke of a letter, such as the base of an "L" or the diagonal stroke of a "K" is referred to as the leg.

Shoulder

The curve at the beginning of a leg of a character, such as in a lower case "m." Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Add Accents in Google Docs HPGL File (What It Is & How to Open One) How to Type on a Path in Illustrator How to Add Acute Accent Marks on Mac and PC The 10 Best Classic Serif Fonts for Print Projects An Introduction to Graphic Design What Are AirPods and How Do They Work? Defining Old Style, Lining, and Tabular Figures How to Make Your Own Audio Diffusers with Concrete Forming Tubes Change the Default Font in the Mac's Mail Program How to Type Umlaut Marks on Mac and PC Can You Find and Replace Words in Google Docs? HDDErase v4.0 Free Data Wipe Software Program Definition and Characteristics of Old Style Fonts Condensed Fonts Take up Less Space Horizontally Type Characters With Circumflex Accent Marks Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies