The script classification describes typefaces that are based on handwriting or calligraphy. In this way, it feels a bit like the geometric classification to me, since all type is based on handwriting or calligraphic forms. It’s not to be confused with the term “script” as it applies to writing systems.
In the Latin writing system, a script typeface generally takes on one of two sub-classifications: formal and casual. Quality digital script fonts should feature carefully designed ligatures, swashes, alternates, and other features so the quality of the type output looks calligraphic and handcrafted.
Most of our modern formal script fonts (think formal cursive invitations) are derived from a form of handwriting with a quill or a metal pen nib popular throughout the 17th, 18th and into the early 19th centuries. This style is called round hand, and many of the font names (Bickham, Snell) come from the names of the people who perfected this form of handwriting. Chancery hand is an earlier form of handwriting performed with similar technology, but much different letterforms.
Casual scripts were popularized in the 20th century, and the letterforms look as though they were executed by a brush, or sometimes a chiseled felt marker. There’s a lot of variety in this sub-genre of script. A few notable examples:
- Beverly Drive Right by Amy Hood
- Cortado by XYZ Type
- Lakeside by Mark Simonson
- Learning Curve by Jess Latham
- Relation by Jess Latham
- Voltage by Laura Worthington
There’s a lot more variety than these examples. Once again, I’m only scratching the surface in this post. One of my favorite sub-sub-genres is the baseball script, a kind of display script you usually see on athletic uniforms, usually with a decorative swash underlining the city or team name.
Scripts are good for display type, headings, or short lines of text, but can be a bit unwieldy and difficult to read at small text sizes or in paragraphs. Use your best judgment. Oh, and look out for stuff like this:
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