QMS 1660, Reference Manual, Page: 26 / 306

About
Typefaces and
Fonts
QMS 1660 Print System User's Guide 3-4
Typography Terms
Monospacing
The terms “monospaced” and “fixed-pitch” refer to a typeface whose
characters all have uniform and equal spacing. These typefaces are
useful for spreadsheets and other documents with columnar data.
Monospacing is the opposite of proportional spacing.
Proportional Spacing
The term “proportionally spaced” refers to a typeface in which the
width of each character varies. For example, the letter “i” is thinner
than the letter “m” and therefore takes up less space. Proportional
spacing saves page space and is easier on the eye. This manual’s
text uses the Helvetica font, a proportionally spaced typeface.
Pi or Symbol
Pi or symbol typefaces are
collections of assorted special-
purpose characters (for example,
decorative, graphic, math, or
Σ
ψµβολ
monetary characters). They are especially useful for highlighting items
in lists, providing graphics, and displaying symbols that might
otherwise have to be drawn in by hand. Many typefaces today include
a complement of the more commonly used pi characters. Symbol and
ITC Zapf Dingbats are pi typefaces.
Because proportionally spaced type-
faces place each character accord-
ing to its individual size, they
increase legibility and readability.
This example shows the difference
between a monospaced typeface (Courier) and a typeface (Times).
alphabet
alphabet