monospaced

Monospaced, also called monospace or fixed-width, refers to a class of typefaces in which every character occupies the same horizontal space. This is in contrast to proportional or variable-width fonts, where glyph widths differ by character.

Historically, monospaced typefaces arose with mechanical typewriters and early digital displays, where consistent character width simplified alignment and tabulation. In computing, monospaced fonts became standard for source code and terminal emulation because they provide predictable character grids, straightforward column alignment, and easier scanning of syntax.

Characteristics include equal advance width for all characters, which facilitates monospaced tabular layouts and clear vertical alignment. Many monospaced fonts resemble typewriter output, though modern designs optimize readability for on-screen use. Some fonts include tabular figures for numeric alignment, and many code-oriented fonts avoid ligatures to preserve predictable spacing.

Use is widespread in programming environments, command shells, and text editors. They are also common in data tables, console output, and in some writing contexts like screenplay formatting where Courier-based styles have been traditional. Availability ranges from legacy fonts like Courier and Courier New to contemporary designs such as Consolas, Menlo, Monaco, Source Code Pro, and Liberation Mono.

Advantages include predictable alignment, easy columnar comparison, and clear distinction of characters in code. Disadvantages can include reduced readability at small sizes and a more mechanical feel compared to proportional faces.