How to Identify an Unknown Font

There are literally thousands of fonts in a world of graphic and computer-based design. Sometimes you may find a font you'd love to use, but have no idea how to locate the font because you don't know it's name. There are methods available for identifying an unknown font.

Things You'll Need

• Sample of unknown font

Instructions

1. Keep a sample of the font you're looking for. Maybe it was on a menu, a postcard or mailer, or in a magazine.

2. Ask a co-worker, friend or acquaintance--anyone who is a graphic designer or works with fonts regularly--for their opinion. Show them the font sample and see if it rings a bell.

3. Visit the Identifont website (see Resources below for link). This wonderful site asks you specific questions about the letters and numbers in an unknown font in order to help identify it. After leading you through a series of questions, it shows you which fonts are possible matches to your search.

4. Search font databases found on websites to scroll through the types of fonts that you are looking for. These categories will sometimes be serifs, san serifs, scripts, handwriting fonts, calligraphy and decorative fonts. Research these categories if you're unsure where this unknown font falls.

5. Settle for something similar if you are unable to find the exact font you were looking for.

Resources

• Identifont.com