squareended

Square-ended is an adjective describing objects whose ends are flat and perpendicular to their length, producing a square cross-section at the end. The term is commonly used across design, manufacturing, and typography to distinguish ends that are squared off from rounded, beveled, or pointed ends.

In graphic design and digital graphics, square-ended lines are achieved by square line caps, which extend ends by half the stroke width to create a squared termination. This produces crisp corners suitable for technical drawings, architectural plans, and geometric illustrations. Some software terms the appearance “square” or “butt” depending on the context.

In typography, square-ended can describe the terminals of strokes or the overall look of a letterform. Fonts that favor a geometric or industrial feel—such as geometric sans-serifs and slab serifs—often employ square-ended terminals, giving a stark, clean edge to letter strokes.

In manufacturing and machining, square-ended describes parts with flat, perpendicular ends. Square-ended milling cutters, drills, and shafts produce or mate with flat surfaces or square pockets and are common in contouring and milling operations. The concept is also used in joinery and hardware to describe pins, dowels, or connectors that present a square face at the end for alignment.

Overall, square-ended conveys a precise, perpendicular termination that supports alignment, flat seating, or a particular stylistic effect in various technical and design contexts.