Skip to main content
saleemus
Known Participant
Jun 3, 2014 7:29 PM UTC
Question

Simple Explanation of Font Terms Medium, Semi-Bold etc

Hi there

I have been looking at different font options and i am slightly confused by some of the terms. Can any body tell me where the "Medium" and "Semi-Bold" fonts fall in relation to the terms: Display, Subhead, Body/Text, Caption. I have read the following article: Adobe - Fonts : Type topics: Optical Size but still don't know where they fit in.

Thank you

    This topic is closed to new replies. Start a new post to keep the conversation going.

    3 replies

    MiguelSousa
    MiguelSousa
    Participating Frequently
    Jun 3, 2014 10:34 PM UTC

    Optical Size terms are orthogonal to Weight terms, and thus have no relationship. Think of Optical Size as a different axis, similarly to how the Width axis (Compressed, Condensed, etc) is independent from the Weight axis.

    Translate
    saleemusAuthor
    Known Participant
    Jun 4, 2014 10:42 AM UTC

    Thank you Miguel.

    So, what would 'Medium' and 'Semi bold conventionally be used for? I'm just trying to figure out if i need to buy them or not.

    Best wishes

    Translate
    MiguelSousa
    MiguelSousa
    Participating Frequently
    Jun 4, 2014 9:36 PM UTC

    That's up to you. There's no prescription to when to use Medium, Semibold, or Bold. Use Medium or Semibold wherever Bold looks too heavy, I guess.

    Translate
    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices