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phyllisj9
phyllisj9
Inspiring
February 25, 2011
Question

Should I mix oldstyle and lining figures?

  • February 25, 2011
  • 1 reply
  • 919 views

I love oldstyle numerals and have started using them in my design work.  What I'm wondering is:  If I have a heading or subheading or something that includes numbers, should I switch to lining figures for those?  I've heard lining figures are sort of the equivalent of capital letters (while the oldstyle ones are the equivalent of lower-case).  But I'm not sure I should mix them.  What's the usual practice for that?

Thanks, Phyllis

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    1 reply

    Jacob Bugge
    Community Expert
    Jacob BuggeCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 25, 2011

    Phyllis,

    The following is my opinion, with no claim to usual practice; I believe there is no (longer any) usual practice because users of old style figures are few and far between.

    If I have a heading or subheading or something that includes numbers,
    should I switch to lining figures for those?

    I believe you should, (especially) if the heading is in capitals, and especially if the capitals have no descenders.

    I've heard lining figures are sort of the equivalent of capital letters
    (while the oldstyle ones are the equivalent of lower-case).

    You may say so, also in terms of recognition/readability/speed of reading.

    But I'm not sure I should mix them.

    As I see it, you may mix them as freely as capitals/mixed letters.

    phyllisj9
    phyllisj9Author
    Inspiring
    February 26, 2011

    Thanks, I appreciate your thoughts.  I think I'll just try doing it that way.  A pity more people don't use oldstyle numerals -- they really add a nice touch to a design I think.

    So many people ignore typography!  Recently I had to hire a temp to help me at my job -- my opinion of him went way up when I saw that he used real prime marks in the work I gave him (instead of apostrophes).  :-)

    Thanks, Phyllis

    Jacob Bugge
    Community Expert
    Jacob BuggeCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 26, 2011

    You are welcome, Phyllis.

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