Letter Anatomy

There is a standard set of terms to describe the parts of a character. These terms, and the parts of the letter they represent, are often referred to as "letter anatomy" or "typeface anatomy." By breaking down letters into parts, a designer can better understand how type is created and altered and how to use it effectively.

• Baseline
  The baseline is the invisible line on which characters sit. While the baseline may differ from typeface to typeface, it is consistent within a typeface. Rounded letters such as "e" may extend slightly below the baseline.
• Cap height
  The cap height is the distance from the baseline to the top of uppercase letters like "H" and "J."
• Serifs
  Fonts are often divided into serif and sans serif. Serif fonts are distinguishable by the extra stroke at the ends of the character, known as a serif.
• Meanline
  The meanline falls at the top of many lowercase letters such as "e," "g" and "y." It is also at the curve of letters like "h."
• X-height
  The x-height is the distance between the meanline and the baseline. It is referred to as the x-height because it is the height of a lowercase "x." This height can vary greatly between typefaces.

• Ascender
  The part of a character that extends above the meanline is known as an ascender. Note that this is the same as extending above the x-height.
• Descender
  The part of a character that extends below the baseline is known as a descender, such as the bottom stroke of a "y."
• Stem
  The vertical line of a "B" and the primary diagonal line of a "V" are known as the stem. The stem is often the main "body" of a letter.
• Bar
  The horizontal lines of an "E" are known as bars. Bars are horizontal or diagonal lines of a letter, also known as arms, and are open on at least one side.
• Bowl
  An open or closed circular line that creates an interior space, such as in "e" and "b."
• Counter
  The inside of a bowl.
• Leg
  The bottom stroke of a letter, such as the base of an "L" or diagonal stroke of a "K."
• Shoulder
  The curve at the beginning of a leg of a character, such as in an "m."

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