kuvailtavatype
Kuvailtavatype is a concept in typography and font metadata describing a framework in which a typeface’s design characteristics are documented primarily through descriptive text rather than only by visual samples. The goal is to enable precise communication of what a font looks like and how it behaves in different settings, especially in catalogs, libraries, and accessibility workflows.
The term blends Finnish kuvailtava, meaning describable, with the English word type, reflecting its usage in
Descriptors typically cover structural and stylistic features, including classification (serif, sans, display), stroke contrast, x-height, cap
Applications include searchable font catalogs, accessibility tools, and design workflows that rely on textual briefing rather
Limitations include the difficulty of capturing subjective aesthetic judgments and dynamic behaviors, such as kerning in
Related topics include typography, font metadata, and accessibility in design.