Typeface anatomy

Typeface anatomy is all the different parts of a letter, number, or symbol that make up a typeface. The typeface is the look of text, like a font.

Think of the anatomy of a typeface like the anatomy of a person. Just like people have noses, mouths, and eyes, typefaces have stems, bowls, and serifs.

Stems are the big, vertical lines in letters. They are also called stems because they look like the stem of a plant or flower.

Bowls are the curved parts. They look like the shape of a bowl.

Serifs are the little lines that change how the letter looks. They look like little feet from the side.

Knowing the different parts of typeface anatomy will help you to choose the right typeface, or font.