Splitcaps

Splitcaps, also called split caps, is a typography and graphic design technique in which the strokes of each letter are divided into two distinct halves. The split is most commonly horizontal, creating an upper and lower portion that use contrasting colors, textures, or materials; vertical and diagonal splits are also used in some designs. The result is a bold, decorative effect typically reserved for display rather than body text.

Implementation and techniques: Designers realize splitcaps by layering two color or texture treatments, using clipping masks, or combining two shapes to form each letter. In digital workflows, effects can be achieved with text-fill gradients or stacked elements; in vector or raster programs, masks and path operations produce clean splits.

Usage: Splitcaps are employed primarily for logos, headlines, mastheads, and other display contexts where visual impact takes precedence over strict readability. They are generally avoided in long-form copy or small sizes, where legibility may be compromised. When used, splitcaps are often paired with a more readable secondary typeface to balance aesthetics and comprehension.

Origins and variations: The concept aligns with broader decorative typography traditions, including color typography and two-tone lettering. While not a standardized category, splitcaps remains a recognizable technique in branding, editorial design, and experimental typography.

See also: decorative typography, color typography, two-tone typography, gradient text, small caps.