zero·style

Dictionary entry

counter

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The enclosed or partly enclosed empty space inside a letter, like the hole in an o, a, or e. The size and shape of counters strongly affect how open and readable a typeface feels.

Synonyms

  • aperture

Related terms

In plain words

  • the hole inside a letter like o
  • the empty space in the middle of a letter

Don't confuse with…

  • apertureA counter is the enclosed inner space; an aperture is the open gap where a counter isn't fully closed, as in a c or e opening.

Categories

  • Typography

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Directly related

Two hops away

  • Relatedcounter related of bowl
  • Relatedcounter related of glyph
  • Relatedcounter related of typeface
  • Relatedcounter related of x-height
  • Relatedx-height related of ascender
  • Relatedx-height related of baseline
  • Relatedx-height related of cap height
  • Relatedbowl related of counter
  • Relatedx-height related of descender
  • Relatedtypeface related of font
  • Relatedbowl related of glyph
  • Relatedglyph related of ligature
  • Relatedtypeface related of sans serif
  • Relatedtypeface related of serif
  • Relatedbowl related of serif
  • Relatedglyph related of typeface
  • Synonymtypeface synonym of type family
  • Relatedtypeface related of type family

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