What Your Go-To Typeface Says About You

Even if you don't think about it, you probably see dozens, if not hundreds, of typefaces each and every day. Whether you're reading from an ad, a book or your favorite social media app, every typed word has its own typeface (which you might mistakenly refer to as a "font").

This also applies when you're doing your own writing in any kind of document or email. Do you tend to stick to the default, or switch the typeface to one that's better suited to your style and the task at hand? We've outlined 10 of the most popular typefaces below, and what their regular usage might say about you.

Arial

Arial is a classic sans-serif typeface, meaning it lacks serifs, or little accent lines at the end of each stroke. It's rounded, clean and appealing, which may be why it's the default choice for so many applications. In fact, it's estimated that more than half of the text on all of the internet is written in Arial. It's neutral and inoffensive, though you can also argue it's a bit bland.

If your go-to typeface is Arial, that's probably because you can't be bothered to change it. Either you're easy-going, preferring to go with the flow, or you're the type who's often stressed and can't be bothered to waste time on insignificant details like what your text looks like. Regardless, you know your typeface doesn't define you, and you probably haven't thought much about it.

 

Times New Roman

Times New Roman was originally developed for The Times newspaper in the '30s, and it's been seen as a gold standard ever since. Its serifs guide the eye and make it easier to read a lot of text at once, making it useful for things like articles, books and essays. Many teachers also require that their students follow a number of formatting parameters, including the use of Times  New Roman in 12 point font.

If you prefer to always write in Times New Roman, chances are that you, too, come from some kind of academic background. You learned to do things a certain way and were told it was the correct way to do them, and now, it's difficult for you to move away from that mindset. You like its easy readability and crisp clarity, but we bet you haven't strayed to see what other typefaces might be able to offer.

 

Helvetica

Helvetica is a sleek and neutral sans serif typeface that was developed in the 1950s. It manages to be both minimalistic and balanced, with a wide appeal. It's also highly versatile and has been used in branding and typography since its inception, feeling somewhat timeless.

if you're a Helvetica lover, chances are that you're drawn to aesthetics. You like things that are both efficient and beautiful, and Helvetica manages to do both while also effectively communicating ideas. While some typeface snobs have come to see Helvetica as overrated and basic, you see no reason to try to resist its charms.

 

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Verdana

Verdana is a classic sans serif that was made specifically for home computer monitors in the '90s for Microsoft. It's friendly and clear, with lines and curves designed to be readable at even tiny fonts on fuzzy screens.

If Verdana is your typeface of choice, we bet that you, too, were born into the digital world. You appreciate it when things are made for your convenience and ease, with a human touch. You're likely technologically savvy, knowing a thing or two about coding and how to find precisely what you're looking for on the internet.

 

Garamond

Garamond is an old-school serif typeface that dates back to 16th century France. It's been around for centuries but hasn't lost any of its appeal, as it's formal without being overly stuffy or boring. It's another academic typeface, and though it's not nearly as popular or well-known as Times New Roman, it's considered more prestigious.

If you love to use Garamond, consider yourself in the know. You're willing to dig a little deeper to find hidden gems, and know how to express yourself without relying on the standards or blending in with the crowd. You may like to show off a little bit, but you've earned it.

 

Baskerville

Baskerville gets its name from designer John Baskerville, who created this typeface back in 18th century England. Clearly, it's stuck around as an elegant and clean serif typeface. It's sharp and classy, refined yet readable and has an elevated aesthetic without being too pretentious.

Fans of Baskerville tend to be into the classics. You're probably an avid reader who's seen this typeface all over, and its lines take you back to a different time. You probably love to travel and learn, and we bet that if you could travel back in time without influencing anything, you'd snap up the opportunity in a heartbeat.

 

Myriad

Myriad is yet another typeface developed specifically for computer use, created by Adobe in the early '90s. It's crisp, versatile and easy to read, which has made it popular in branding. In fact, in 2002, Apple made it their corporate typeface, remaining so until 2017.

If you can't get enough of Myriad, you may be an Apple stan. The tech company is built around products that make people's lives better, and this approachable and accessible typeface fits that ethos and aesthetic well. You may also see Myriad as comfy, familiar and nostalgic, since Apple mostly phased it out about eight years ago.

 

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Futura

Future goes back 100 years, created in the 1920s. The sans-serif typeface was designed to be sleek and futuristic, and while we wouldn't exactly say it looks "modern," it does have a certain timelessness. It has a pleasant geometrical roundness that makes it popular for logos and ads even today.

As a frequent user of Future, you probably like retro-futuristic aesthetics and mid-century styles. While others might focus on modernity and looking forward, you prefer to integrate elements of the past into your style and approach to life. You may be a little traditional in some ways, realizing that "newer" isn't always "better."

 

Comic Sans

Comic Sans was created in 1994, imitating hand-lettered comic book text, and it's since become one of the most divisive typefaces in history. It's meant to have a playful and jokey appeal for silly applications or stuff for kids, but more "serious" typeface aficionados have scoffed at its popularity and wide usage. Interestingly enough, it also happens to be a highly accessible typeface, as it's considered dyslexia-friendly and has even been shown to help people better remember what they study.

If you can't get enough of Comic Sans, either you're trolling or memeing, or you simply love how silly it is. While the other typefaces on this list are made for stylishness and readability, Comic Sans is for fun, and that's precisely what draws you to it. If you have reading or memory struggles, you may have also found it legitimately helpful in the past, too.

 

Papyrus

Papyrus was developed in the '80s and inspired by Ancient Egypt, imagining what Roman text might have looked like in biblical times. The result is a typeface with unusual curves and jagged edges that, at least today, is considered to be pretty corny by most. It's a meme at this point, but that doesn't stop many brands (and even James Cameron's Avatar) from utilizing it in an attempt to seem exotic and cultured.

If you happen to love Papyrus, you're probably leaning into the silliness, while recognizing what makes it so cheesy in historical and fantasy fiction contexts. You love that it's so polarizing, because few things are funnier to you than making someone mad over the use of a goofy typeface. You embrace the unusual and aren't afraid to have a different opinion.

 

For even more on our personality assessments, click HERE to learn what your favorite dessert might reveal about you.