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About

Typefaces and

Fonts

Pi or Symbol

Pi or symbol typefaces are collections of assorted special- purpose characters (for example, decorative, graphic, math, or

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.

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.

Because proportionally spaced type-

alphabet faces place each character according to its individual size, they

alphabet increase legibility and readability. This example shows the difference

between a monospaced typeface (Courier) and a typeface (Times).

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QMS 1660E Print System User's Guide