Textart

Textart, or text art, is a form of visual art in which characters, symbols, and typographic arrangements are used to create images or decorative text. The practice includes ASCII art, Unicode art, and typographic compositions that rely on the visual arrangement of text rather than traditional drawing.

Artists create textart by composing on a grid using monospaced fonts. Shading and detail are achieved by selecting characters with different visual densities and by adjusting line length and spacing. In some traditions, color is added through colored text or, in terminal environments, ANSI escape sequences. More recently, designers use a broader set of Unicode glyphs and layout techniques to produce complex, scalable forms that still rely on text as the primary material.

Textart has roots in early computer culture, with ASCII art appearing in teletypes, bulletin boards, and early digital forums. It evolved alongside digital graphics and typography, gaining visibility in online communities, zines, and design projects. Although often associated with retro or meme culture, textart also intersects with contemporary typographic art and data visualization, where textual elements serve both legibility and ornament.

Usage and considerations: textart is valued for its portability, low bandwidth requirements, and distinctive aesthetic. However, its legibility and appearance depend on the viewing font and platform, and complex pieces may be less accessible to assistive technologies. As a result, creators often provide alternative representations or maintain simple, readable forms for wider compatibility.