Helvetica

Helvetica is a sans-serif typeface designed by Max Miedinger with Eduard Hoffmann in 1957 for the Swiss foundry Haas’sche Schriftgiesserei. Originally released as Neue Haas Grotesk, the typeface was renamed Helvetica in 1960 by Linotype to reflect its Swiss origins (Helvetia).

Helvetica is classified as a neo-grotesque sans-serif: neutral in character, with a tall x-height, uniform stroke width, and open, unbracketed shapes. Its letterforms emphasize legibility and practical versatility, making it widely used in signage, corporate branding, and user interfaces.

Since its introduction, Helvetica has undergone updates and expansions. Helvetica Neue, released in the 1980s, added a broader range of weights and widths for modern contexts. In the 2010s and 2020s, Monotype and partners issued Helvetica Now, a refreshed set of weights and features optimized for digital environments. The family now encompasses a wide array of weights, widths, and optical sizes.

The typeface has had a broad cultural impact and is one of the most recognizable fonts in the modern era. It is frequently associated with Swiss design principles of clarity and efficiency and is widely licensed for print, digital media, and corporate branding around the world.