Psitype

psitype is a term that refers to a specific aspect of typography, particularly within the context of personal computer systems and their operating systems. It is not a formal typographic term recognized by professional typographers or graphic designers in the same way as terms like "serif" or "kerning." Instead, "psitype" emerged as a way for users to discuss and differentiate the way fonts were displayed and handled by early personal computers, especially in contrast to the more traditional, professional typesetting used in print media.

The term likely arose from the early use of PostScript fonts, which were a significant advancement in digital typography. These fonts offered scalable outlines, allowing for high-quality rendering at various sizes, a feature that was revolutionary compared to the bitmapped fonts common in earlier systems. "Psitype" could have been used informally to describe the visual characteristics or rendering quality of fonts on these systems, often implying a certain digital aesthetic that was distinct from metal type or phototypesetting. It might also have been used to refer to the system's ability to handle and display these digital fonts, encompassing the software and hardware interactions involved.