From the course: Learning Type Design
Unlock the full course today
Join today to access over 22,400 courses taught by industry experts or purchase this course individually.
x-height
- [Instructor] The x-height is the top measure of the lower case x. Often the measurement can also be taken from the lower case z. Regardless, the x-height is a key measurement because it conveys the impression of size within the font. A short x-height will produce a small looking font, a tall x-height makes the font appear larger at smaller sizes. Typefaces for use at very small sizes have very large x-heights. As do signage typefaces, meant for legibility at distance. Old stype typefaces tend to have small x-heights. The x-height evolved to be higher over the course typographic history, culminating in very large x-heights in the 20th century and typefaces like Helvetica. There is a trade off for larger x-heights however, as the x-height gets larger, there is less space for the ascenders and descenders. Not only do the letters appear more cramped in extreme cases, but they can also cause lines of type to appear closer together. Old style typefaces with their small x-heights and long…
Practice while you learn with exercise files
Download the files the instructor uses to teach the course. Follow along and learn by watching, listening and practicing.