Samples of Script Typefaces: Casual vs. Formal

A typeface is a collection of a certain kind of font that includes variations - or attributes - of the typography. Often included are bold, italic, and bold italic. For some fonts, such as Arial, things like “black” or “narrow” may be included. A script typeface is a cursive-style based upon a fluid-stroke of handwriting, and has at least two (normally bold and italic) variations on the original font’s typography. Script fonts (and their typefaces) are divided into two different categories, formal and casual. If you’re looking to find different kinds of script fonts, there’s a great collection of free script fonts right here on Bright Hub.

Formal Script

Script typefaces that mimic the cursive writing of the 17th and 18th century called formal scripts. These fonts feel very storybook-esque, and traditionally were created with the use of a writing quill or a metal nib pen, much like those used to create calligraphy.

These fonts have been revived and are primarily used for formal occasions such as wedding invitations, anniversary cards, diplomas, and invitations to black-tie affairs. These are thought to be the most elegant and sophisticated typefaces available. Their inherent downside is that sometimes they are so elaborate that they become hard to read when using a lot of text.

If you’re going to use a formal script font or typeface, keep it simple. Don’t type a large paragraph of text with a script font - instead use it for important things such as names of events or people being honored. If you’re going to use a formal script font, it’s worth using it at a larger size to increase how easily it can be read.

In the example here, you can see Scarlet, a typeface collection that has a very classic script feel to it. Here are two places where you can download a similar font: https://fontzone.net/font-details/Scarlet/, and https://www.azfonts.net/load_font/scarlet.html.

Casual Script Typefaces

Casual script typefaces are similar to that of a person’s handwriting. Rather than following a strict format and look, these fonts can all look drastically different from each other while still being considered a casual script typeface or font.

Normally these fonts give a hand-written touch to projects, and are based off of a much less elegant form of cursive. Using casual script fonts can make a project feel more home made and more personal. You can easily use these fonts where you normally couldn’t use formal script fonts. You can use these for a decent amount of lettering in projects, such as thank you cards, invitations, scrap booking, and flyers. A word to the wise though, would be to use them as a larger font size. Script fonts, like cursive handwriting, become hard to read at a smaller size.

In the example to the right, you can see Segoe Script, a typeface collection that has a more casual, hand-written feel to it compared to Scarlet. Here is where you can download a similar font: https://www.myfonts.com/fonts/ascender/segoe-print/regular/.

Imaage Credits

All images contained within this article were created by the author of the content and are intended for educational and demonstrative purposes only.