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Helvetica

Linotype · Max Miedinger, Eduard Hoffmann · 1957

View on Linotype
sans-serifNeo-grotesquecondenseditalic

The defining neo-grotesque sans-serif of the 20th century, originally designed for Haas and distributed globally by Linotype.

About

Helvetica began life as Neue Haas Grotesk in 1957, designed by Max Miedinger under Eduard Hoffmann at the Haas Type Foundry in Switzerland. Linotype licensed it and renamed it Helvetica in 1960, distributing it across typesetting machines worldwide. Its neutral, clean character made it the default corporate typeface of the late 20th century, used by brands, governments and transit systems across the globe.

Classification

Originated as Neue Haas Grotesk at Haas Type Foundry; Linotype licensed and renamed it Helvetica in 1960. One of the most widely used typefaces in the world. High x-height, tight spacing, horizontal stroke terminals.

Weights

ThinUltra LightLightRegularMediumBoldHeavyBlack

Optical sizes and widths

NormalCondensedCompressedExtended

Family

Neue HelveticaHelvetica RoundedHelvetica TextbookHelvetica Narrow

Languages

LatinCyrillicGreekArabicThaiGeorgianArmenian

Tags

neo-grotesquemodernistcorporateneutralswissubiquitoussignage