When was Identifont launched?

The Identifont Web site was launched in November 2000. It was updated in May 2006 to include a Fonts by Similarity feature.

How does 'Fonts by Appearance' work?

Identifont uses a patented expert system containing information about a large number of typefaces, and from this asks a series of questions about key features of the typeface. For example, one question is: "Does the upper-case J descend below the baseline?".

The system is adaptive, so at each stage the sequence of questions is chosen to identify the font in the smallest number of steps. A typical identification takes about 15 steps, after which it shows the matching font or fonts, together with character-set samples to allow the user to check the answers. Identifont also includes links to the main vendors of each typeface, so the user can order the typeface once they have identified it.

What if I can't answer a question?

While identifying a font by appearance, if you are unsure about any question click 'Not sure' to skip that question.

Why do the results sometimes include fonts that contradict my answers?

The questions in the Identifont system fall into two categories - general questions, such as "Serif or sans-serif", and detail questions, such as "The shape of the lower-case 'q'". The detail questions are usually used to distinguish between two typefaces that are generally similar in other respects.

All the fonts in the system are classified for the general questions. However, fonts are only classified for the detail questions where this is relevant in distinguishing them.

One side effect of this is that it is occasionally possible to have typefaces in the final list of suggestions that have features that are at odds with some of your answers. It doesn't, however, impair the system's ability to distinguish those typefaces, and usually only becomes noticeable when you have a very restricted sample of letters.

How do you obtain the fonts included in Identifont?

Foundries and designers have been extremely supportive in providing samples of their fonts for use by us in adding the information to Identifont. We do the work of training the expert system and creating the character-set GIF sample images ourselves, to ensure accuracy and consistency.

To submit your own fonts to Identifont click here: Submit fonts.

How is Identifont financed?

Since Identifont was first launched we have financed its development and expansion in two main ways.

Firstly, we receive commission from some of the font publishers and vendors on sales resulting from referrals from Identifont. Note that we don't exclude foundries who don't pay commission, but we give those that do a higher ranking in the list.

We also license the Identifont technology to font publishers and vendors who want to provide an identification service on their own Web sites. Currently we host font identifiers for the Linotype, Fonts.com, and ITC Web sites.

Do you sell fonts?

No. Identifont provides comprehensive, independent information about fonts, but we don't sell fonts; instead we provide links to the best publishers and vendors of each font.