Courier
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You need JavaScript enabled and the latest version of Flash Player to see this type sample.Credits
- Designer(s)
- Howard Kettler
- Foundry(ies)
- IBM , Adobe Systems , Bitstream , Monotype , URW++
- Release Year
- 1955
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Classification
- Serif, Slab Serif
- Original Format
- Strike on (Typewriter)
- Distributor(s)
- Ascender Corporation
Background
Courier is a monospaced slab serif typeface. The typeface was designed by Howard “Bud” Kettler in 1955. The design of the original Courier typeface was commissioned in the 1950s by IBM for use in typewriters, but they did not secure legal exclusivity to the typeface and it soon became a standard font used throughout the typewriter industry. As a monospaced font, it has recently found renewed use in the electronic world in situations where columns of characters must be consistently aligned. It has also become an industry standard for all screenplays to be written in 12 point Courier or a close variant.
It was reported on the Agfa/Monotype website (this is reported on the Wikipedia page as well) that Adrian Frutiger redrew Courier for the Selectric typewriter series, but this fact has not been verified. (see typophile link)
12 point Courier New was also the U.S. State Department’s standard typeface until January 2004, when it was replaced with 14 point Times New Roman. Reasons for the change included the desire for a more “modern” and “legible” font.
Kettler was once quoted about how the name was chosen. The font was nearly released with the name “Messenger.” After giving it some thought, Kettler said, “A letter can be just an ordinary messenger, or it can be the courier, which radiates dignity, prestige, and stability.”
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