Designing Type

by Karen Cheng
Designing Type cover
Good Books rating 4.51
Design, and Photography
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Technical
  • ID: 5905
  • Added: 2025-10-25
  • Updated: 2025-12-22
  • ISBN: 9780300259537
  • Publisher: Yale University Press
  • Published: 2020-10-20
  • Reviews: 4

Designing Type is a comprehensive guide that delves into the intricate processes of creating and designing typography, a crucial tool in graphic design. Author Karen Cheng explores the structural aspects, optical compensation, and legibility of typefaces, with a special focus on the relationships between letters and shapes. This second edition has been expanded to include contemporary design methodologies and the impact of new technology on type design, making it an essential resource for both students and professional designers. The book is richly illustrated with over 400 diagrams that demonstrate visual principles and letter construction, ranging from initial sketches to final type designs. It covers a wide range of classic and modern typefaces, providing a thorough analysis of their design and classification. In addition to the technical aspects, Cheng's text covers the history of type, the primary systems of typeface classification, and the parts of a letter. The book also addresses the creative practice of designing type, including considerations of accessibility and the rationale behind design decisions. This updated edition ensures that readers are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of typography in the digital age.

Reviews
Amazon · Ben Wiggy · 2023-01-15
excellent 4.80

This book is highly recommended as an excellent guide to font design, praised for its clarity and usefulness.

Ben Wiggy, the reviewer, describes this book as an excellent guide to font design. They highlight its clarity and usefulness, making it a must-have for anyone interested in typography. The book is seen as a valuable resource that can help both beginners and experienced designers deepen their understanding of type design. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the book is evident, making it a highly recommended read.

Quick quotes

    Excellent guide to font design.

    It's a must-have for anyone interested in typography.

    The book is seen as a valuable resource that can help both beginners and experienced designers deepen their understanding of type design.

TypeRoom · 2020-10-21
comprehensive 4.50

This book is described as a comprehensive guide to type design, offering an in-depth discussion of the creative processes behind developing typefaces.

The reviewer provides a detailed overview of the book, emphasizing its comprehensive nature. They appreciate the in-depth discussion of the creative processes involved in type design, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the field. The book is seen as a go-to guide for understanding the nuances of typeface development, offering insights that are both practical and inspiring.

Quick quotes

    A comprehensive guide to type design, Designing Type provides an in-depth discussion of the creative processes behind developing typefaces.

    It's a valuable resource for anyone interested in the field.

    The book is seen as a go-to guide for understanding the nuances of typeface development.

University of Washington Art Department · 2020-09-29
great 4.75

The first edition of this book has been widely received and used as a design textbook. The second edition is even more impressive, updated for the digital age and handsomely redesigned.

The reviewer expresses pleasure that the first edition of this book has been well-received and widely used as a design textbook. They are amazed at the positive reception and the book's impact on the design community. The second edition is noted for its impressive updates and redesign, making it even more valuable for modern designers. The reviewer appreciates the book's continued relevance and its ability to adapt to the changing landscape of typography.

Quick quotes

    I am very pleased that the first edition has been well received.

    It is used widely as a design textbook.

    The second edition is even more impressive, updated for the digital age and handsomely redesigned.

Designers Review of Books · 2011-02-28
useful 4.00

This book is praised for its usefulness to both students and experienced designers, though it is noted that it may not be suitable for everyone.

The reviewer highlights that this book is an amazing resource for design students, independent freelancers, and even experienced teachers. It's seen as a comprehensive guide that can help anyone looking to deepen their understanding of type design. However, they also mention that it's not a book for everyone, suggesting that it might be too specialized or advanced for some readers.

Quick quotes

    This amazing book will be useful for design students, independent freelancers as for experienced teachers.

    However, it is not a book for everyone.

    It's a comprehensive guide that can help anyone looking to deepen their understanding of type design.

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