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Design Typography for Designers Introduction to Typography Different Types of Type

Denise Edwards
Denise Edwards
4,924 Points
Posted by Denise Edwards
Denise Edwards
4,924 Points

What is the difference between diagonal and vertical stress (visually)?

In the examples shown for each type of type, some are said to have "diagonal stress" and others "vertical stress"... I'm just not seeing it. I guess when I think of "diagonal stress" my mind comes up with something italic... which probably isn't correct! lol

Does anyone have any tips or are there any visual indicators I'm missing? Thanks!

1 Answer

Mahawa Sidibay
Mahawa Sidibay
5,444 Points

One key difference between diagonal and vertical stress is angle. If you were to fold the letter in half (think the letter "O"), is the stress evenly distributed down the middle. If so, then that's an example of vertical stress. If the stress seems to be at an angle, then it is diagonal.