Share
Arial vs Helvetica – Difference and Comparison
Question
Arial and Helvetica are both sans-serif typeface. They have similar characteristics, but they also have their differences. In this post, we will discuss what are the similarities between Arial and Helvetica, as well as their differences in detail so that you can choose the best font for your next project.
Introduction
Arial and Helvetica are both sans-serif typefaces, meaning they do not have any serifs. These two fonts are very similar in appearance, but there are some key differences between them. While Arial was created by Monotype Imaging in the 1980s as an alternative to Helvetica, it has become one of the most popular fonts used today. The original version was based on Akzidenz Grotesk Condensed and Neue Haas Grotesk (Helvetica). It was designed specifically for personal computers at a time when most people didn’t have access to professional design software like Photoshop or Illustrator; therefore it had to be easily readable at small sizes on screen while also being legible when printed out on paper documents such as memos or letters.
What is Arial?
Arial is a sans-serif typeface designed in 1982 by Robin Nicholas and Patricia Saunders. It was developed to be a bit more humanist than Helvetica, with slightly less pronounced angles and curves. Arial is one of the most common fonts available on computers today, making it an ideal choice for web designers who want their websites to look professional but not too formal or modern.
Arial was designed as part of the Microsoft Core fonts for use with Windows 3.1x; however, it’s now used by many other operating systems including macOS (MacOS), iOS (iPhone), Android and Chrome OS among others. Arial has also been included with every version of Microsoft Office since Office 97 onwards except for Word 2007 which came bundled with Calibri instead!
What is Helvetica?
Helvetica is a sans-serif typeface developed in 1957 by Max Miedinger and Eduard Hoffmann. It was originally released by the Haas’sche Schriftgiesserei (Haas Type Foundry). Helvetica has been one of the most popular fonts since it was first released and is still used today in many logos and branding.
Similarities between Arial and Helvetica
Arial and Helvetica are both sans-serif typefaces, meaning they don’t have serifs (the small lines at the end of strokes). They’re designed to be neutral, which means they work well in many different contexts. Both Arial and Helvetica have similar proportions (the relationship between x-height, cap height and baseline) and a similar x-height (the distance from bottom of lowercase “x” to top of ascender).
Difference between Arial and Helvetica
Arial is a sans-serif typeface, which means that it does not have any extra strokes or decorations on the letters. Helvetica is also a sans-serif typeface, but with different characteristics from Arial. The main difference between these two fonts is their appearance; Helvetica has more square shapes than Arial, while Arial has more rounded ones.
Takeaway:
Arial vs Helvetica – What’s the difference?
So what’s the difference between Arial and Helvetica? Both are sans-serif typefaces, but they have some significant differences. First, let’s look at their history:
- Helvetica was designed in 1957 by Max Miedinger with Eduard Hoffmann at the Haas Type Foundry. It was released in 1967 by Linotype as Neue Haas Grotesk (or simply “Helvetica”). The name comes from its origins in Switzerland–a region called “Helvetic Republic”–and means “Swiss”.
- Arial was designed in 1982 by Monotype Imaging and released by Linotype and Microsoft in 1982; it was intended to be a substitute for Helvetica when licensing problems arose due to copyright issues between Linotype and Adobe Systems Incorporated (the latter company owned the rights to use Helvetica).
The difference between Arial and Helvetica can be seen in many ways, but most importantly they both have their own unique look. Arial is based on the letterforms of Times New Roman while Helvetica is influenced by Akzidenz-Grotesk, so there are some similarities between them. However, these fonts each have their own unique style that makes them stand out from each other when used together or separately on any given project.
Answer ( 1 )
🤔Have you ever been confused between Arial and Helvetica? It’s quite common, considering they are closely related typefaces.
Arial and Helvetica are popular sans-serif typefaces that were both created in the late 1950s. They were both designed to be clear, legible, and efficient for use in a variety of contexts.
Although they share many similarities, there are some significant differences between the two typefaces, which can be important when making decisions about which one to use in your designs.
First, Arial was designed to mimic the look and feel of Helvetica, while also having a slightly wider character width and more open counters. This makes Arial more readable than Helvetica at small sizes.
Arial also has a slightly more angular, less organic feel than Helvetica. It has a more modern, geometric look, which can be helpful in creating designs that stand out.
Helvetica, on the other hand, has a more traditional look, with a softer, more organic feel. Its rounded edges and more closed counters make it more suitable for text-heavy designs.
In terms of character selection, Arial is more limited, offering fewer alternates and ligatures than Helvetica. This can be a drawback if you need a specific character or style of lettering.
Finally, Arial is more widely available than Helvetica due to its inclusion in the Windows operating system. Helvetica, on the other hand, is a premium typeface available for purchase from type foundries.
In conclusion, Arial and Helvetica are very similar typefaces, but have some important distinctions. When deciding which one to use for your design, consider the type of project you are working on, and what look and feel you want to achieve.
🤔Do you have a preference between Arial and Helvetica? Let us know in the comments below! 📝