Hey there! As an Open Type supplier, I've been getting a bunch of questions lately about how to use Open Type old - style numerals in text. So, I thought I'd put together this blog post to share some tips and tricks.
First off, let's talk about what old - style numerals are. Old - style numerals, also known as text figures, are a type of numeral design that mimics the way numbers were written in handwritten manuscripts. They have varying heights, with some digits sitting below the baseline and others rising above it. This gives them a more natural and harmonious look when mixed with regular text, compared to lining numerals which are all the same height and sit on the baseline.
Now, how do you actually use these old - style numerals in your text? Well, it depends on the software you're using.
Using Old - Style Numerals in Word Processors
If you're using a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, here's how you can access old - style numerals.
In Microsoft Word, you first need to make sure your font supports Open Type features. Most modern fonts do, but if you're using an older or very basic font, it might not. Once you've confirmed that your font has Open Type support, go to the "Home" tab. Then, click on the small arrow in the bottom - right corner of the "Font" section. This will open the "Font" dialog box. In this box, click on the "Advanced" tab. Scroll down until you see the "Numeral style" option. Here, you can select "Old style" from the drop - down menu. Voila! Your numbers will now be in old - style numerals.
Google Docs is a bit different. First, select the text where you want to use old - style numerals. Then, click on the "Format" menu at the top. Select "Text" and then "OpenType features". In the OpenType features menu, look for "Numerals" and choose "Old style figures".
Using Old - Style Numerals in Graphic Design Software
For those of you working in graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign, the process is also quite straightforward.
In Adobe Illustrator, when you have the Type tool selected and you're working on some text, go to the "Character" panel (you can usually find it under "Window" > "Type" > "Character"). In the Character panel, click on the small triangle in the top - right corner to open the panel menu. From there, select "OpenType" and then "Old Style Figures".
In Adobe InDesign, it's very similar. Select your text, and then go to the "Type" menu at the top. Choose "OpenType" and then "Old Style Figures".
In Adobe Photoshop, select the text layer you want to modify. Then, go to the "Character" panel. Just like in Illustrator, click on the triangle in the top - right corner of the panel, select "OpenType", and then "Old Style Figures".
Why Use Old - Style Numerals?
You might be wondering why you should bother using old - style numerals at all. Well, there are a few good reasons.
One of the main reasons is aesthetics. Old - style numerals blend in much better with regular text. When you're working on a long document, like a book or a magazine article, lining numerals can stand out too much and disrupt the flow of the text. Old - style numerals, on the other hand, have a more organic look that makes the text feel more cohesive.
Another reason is historical authenticity. If you're working on a project with a historical theme, like a reprint of an old book or a historical article, using old - style numerals can add to the overall authenticity of the piece.
Our Open Type Fonts and Old - Style Numerals
As an Open Type supplier, we offer a wide range of fonts that support old - style numerals. Our fonts are designed with high - quality and versatility in mind. Whether you're working on a corporate report, a creative poster, or a historical manuscript, our fonts can help you achieve the look you want.
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Tips for Combining Old - Style Numerals with Other Design Elements
When you're using old - style numerals, it's important to think about how they'll interact with other design elements in your project.
If you're using a bold or decorative font for your headlines, make sure the old - style numerals in your body text don't clash with it. You might want to choose a more neutral and simple font for the body text that still supports old - style numerals.
Also, pay attention to the color of your numerals. If you're using a colored text, make sure the color of the old - style numerals complements the overall color scheme of your design.
Troubleshooting
Sometimes, you might run into issues when trying to use old - style numerals. One common problem is that the font you're using doesn't support old - style numerals. If this happens, you'll need to find a different font. You can search online for fonts that specifically mention Open Type support and old - style numerals.
Another issue could be that the software you're using isn't displaying the old - style numerals correctly. In this case, make sure your software is up - to - date. Sometimes, software updates include bug fixes that can resolve issues with Open Type features.
Conclusion
Using Open Type old - style numerals can really take your text to the next level. Whether you're a writer, a designer, or just someone who wants to make their documents look more professional, old - style numerals are a great option.
If you're interested in our Open Type fonts or have any questions about using old - style numerals, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you with all your Open Type needs and can guide you through the process of finding the perfect font for your project.
Let's start a conversation and see how we can work together to make your text look amazing!
References
- "OpenType Features Explained" by Fonts.com
- Adobe Creative Suite documentation
- Microsoft Word user guide
- Google Docs help center
