Times New Roman

Definition

Times New Roman is a serif typeface designed for legibility in printed text, originally created in 1931 for the British newspaper 'The Times'. Its clean, classic look makes it widely used in both print and digital media, serving as a standard font in many word processing programs and publications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Times New Roman was developed by Stanley Morison and Victor Lardent, who aimed to improve the readability of newspaper text.
2. This typeface is commonly set at a 12-point size for professional documents, contributing to its reputation as a standard font for academic writing.
3. Due to its formal appearance, Times New Roman is often favored for business communications, legal documents, and academic papers.
4. The font's design balances aesthetic appeal with functional legibility, making it suitable for dense text passages without causing reader fatigue.
5. While Times New Roman is widely accepted, its ubiquity has led some designers to seek alternative fonts for a more modern or unique presentation.

Review Questions

• How does the design of Times New Roman contribute to its use in academic and professional settings?
  • The design of Times New Roman features serifs that enhance readability, especially in printed materials. Its classic and formal aesthetic makes it suitable for academic papers and professional documents, where clarity and a polished appearance are essential. The 12-point font size is commonly used to maintain a standard layout that is easy to read, ensuring that the information presented is accessible to a wide audience.
• In what ways can the characteristics of Times New Roman influence typography choices in digital versus print media?
  • Times New Roman's legibility and traditional style make it a preferred choice in print media; however, its effectiveness can diminish in digital formats due to varying screen resolutions. In digital media, other sans-serif fonts may be chosen for their cleaner appearance on screens. This reflects how designers consider the medium when selecting fonts—prioritizing readability and aesthetics based on whether the content is viewed on paper or a digital display.
• Evaluate how the historical context of Times New Roman's creation has impacted its ongoing relevance in today's typography standards.
  • Created in 1931 amidst a push for improved newspaper readability, Times New Roman became a benchmark for clear communication. Its design was influenced by the need for efficient typesetting and legibility in dense text, making it a staple font for many years. Today, while new fonts have emerged, the historical significance of Times New Roman as a reliable and familiar typeface continues to keep it relevant, especially in academic and professional environments where tradition and formality are valued.

Related terms

Serif: A typeface style that features small lines or decorative strokes at the ends of letters, which can enhance readability.

Font Size: The measurement of the height of the characters in a typeface, usually expressed in points (pt), which affects readability and presentation.

Kerning: The adjustment of space between individual letter pairs in a word to improve visual appearance and readability.