A curated list of digital specimens
of the highest quality. Updated daily.

screenshot of Scilla

Scilla

There are many tihngs that users want that are not in this specimen: a list of glyphs, a type tester, features, language support. But, there are many specimens that don't deliver on what this one for Scilla does: beautifully typeset typographic illustrations demonstrating the beauty of the letterforms.

Published on 04 Feb 2021
screenshot of Garton

Garton

Derived from an old letter from Garton Brewery, Bristol, Garton is a typerwriter-inspired monospace from Colophon. The specimen has a couple of notable features: the animated typewriter style example, and the great copywriting.

Published on 04 Feb 2021
screenshot of Aerobik

Aerobik

A fairly standard looking specimen for a quirky typeface. The sense of humour is evident throughout, though, and works really well. I can't quite understand the replacement cursor illustration – but I like it!

Published on 04 Feb 2021
screenshot of Basel

Basel

Optimo's specimens work really well and present their typefaces in a functional, yet pleasing, way. What works particularly well is the stack of preset typetesters, each with slightly different content.

Published on 03 Feb 2021
screenshot of Resonay

Resonay

A really detailed one-page specimen for Resonay from Typemates. I may have outlined this specimen design before, but it works really well. Particularly as you move further down the page to how the opentype features and licensing information is displayed.

Published on 02 Feb 2021
screenshot of Build

Build

Another brilliant specimen from Extraset building on their previous designs featured here. The new typeface, build, has various states of design, so this specimen is about walking the user through those states whilst transporting them with a Bauhaus style of content and photography. Really effective specimen, both functionally and aesthetically.,

Published on 02 Feb 2021
screenshot of MFred

MFred

A solid looking specimen for a solid looking typeface from Buy Fonts Save Lives. Simple, designed panels in two colours precede some stacked type testers. All the basics, very well done.

Published on 28 Jan 2021
screenshot of News Serif

News Serif

NewsSerif was built for editorial and all typographic challenges – analogue or digital. A really useful specimen. Opening with a type tester, but then screen after screen of large example designs showing News Serif in context.

Published on 26 Jan 2021
screenshot of Marionette

Marionette

These single sheet specimens from Nick Sherman's foundry, Hex, are very effecitve. Multiple stacked panels of justified paragraphs are reminiscent of old single sheet printer's specimens.

Published on 26 Jan 2021
screenshot of Clarette

Clarette

Striking, but a bit perplexing, use of photography in the specimen. But the design certainly paints a picture of inspiration and possible intended usage. However, I find myself wanting to see more web fonts rather than lots of stacked svgs.

Published on 25 Jan 2021
screenshot of Grammato — Future is written

Grammato — Future is written

Not really a specimen. Not really a product page. More like a technology, or a service? Regardless, this page for Grammato is an interesting approach to displaying an interesting and complex problem being solved through type.

Published on 25 Jan 2021
screenshot of BC Baseliner

BC Baseliner

Ok, the specimen for this may be just one big svg but the design delivers on its purpose: to make you sit up and think 'hmmm, that's a cool typeface'. Sometimes that's all it needs.

Published on 25 Jan 2021