Univers

This article is about a typeface; for information about similarly spelled topics, see Universe (disambiguation).

Univers is a neo-grotesque, sans serif typeface designed by Adrian Frutiger in 1956 and released by the type foundry Deberny & Peignot in 1957.

It is similar to Helvetica, which was designed by Max Miedinger around the same time. These typefaces figure prominently in the Swiss Style of graphic design.

Different weights and variations within the type family, which consists of twenty-one typefaces in all, are designated by the use of numbers rather than names, a system since adopted by Frutiger for other type designs.

The Frutiger numbering system

Adrian Frutiger designed his unique classification system to eliminate font confusion. It was first used with Univers, and is also seen in Frutiger, Avenir, Helvetica Neue, and others.

Due to some font manufacturers’ failure to understand and implement the system correctly, however, things have actually become more confusing (some Helvetica Neue fonts are numbered, for example, and some are not).

The system, as simply stated as possible, consists of a prefix (the first numeral), and a suffix (the second numeral). The prefix indicates the weight, beginning with "2", as in Univers 25 (ultra light), and progressing up to "9", as in Univers 95 (black). Very infrequently, the weight will go up to "10".

The suffix indicates the width and/or angle (even numbers are always italic, odd numbers are always upright; numerals less than 5 indicate extended, and numerals greater than 5 are always condensed) of the font.

Prefixes

Ultra Light
Thin
Light
Normal, Roman, or Regular
Medium
Bold
Heavy
Black
Ultra or Extra Black

Suffixes

Ultra Extended
Ultra Extended Oblique (Italic)
Extended
Extended Oblique (Italic)
Normal
Oblique (Italic)
Condensed
Condensed Oblique (Italic)
Ultra Condensed

Usage

Keys featuring Univers from a PowerBook G4.

Univers enjoyed great popularity in the 1960s and 1970s. It became the sans-serif typeface most favoured by designers at that time and has been used in a modified version by the new Swiss International Air Lines (previously, Swissair used the typeface Futura), Deutsche Bank and for signage all over the world. General Electric used the font from 1986 to 2004 before switching to GE Inspira["A Website about Corporate Identity", entry for GE]. Apple Computer uses this typeface as well as its italic variant for the keycaps on many of its keyboards. It is known for its clear lines and legibility at great distances.

The Paris Metro and Frankfurt airport also makes extensive use of the font, as did General Electric until a 2004 redesign of its brand.

References

External links

[linotype.com: Univers font family overview & related information]
Univers [type sample] from Adobe

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