Falttyps

Falttyps is a term used to describe a specific characteristic found in certain fonts, particularly in digital typography. It refers to the tendency of a font to have an unusually narrow or compressed appearance, even when displayed at a standard point size. This compression can affect the overall legibility and aesthetic of the text.

The term "falttyps" is not a formally recognized typographic classification like serif or sans-serif. Instead, it is a more informal description that arises from the visual impact of certain font designs. Factors contributing to a falttyps appearance can include the x-height of the lowercase letters, the spacing between characters (kerning and tracking), and the overall width of the glyphs themselves. Some fonts are intentionally designed to be condensed for specific purposes, such as fitting more text into a limited space or for stylistic effect in headlines.

Conversely, a font exhibiting falttyps might be considered less readable in large blocks of text, especially at smaller sizes, if the compression is excessive. Designers and typographers need to carefully consider the intended use of a font when selecting one that might be described as falttyps. While some may find the compressed look appealing or practical, others may find it detrimental to the reading experience. The perception of whether a font is "falttyps" can also be subjective, influenced by individual preferences and cultural typographic norms.