Overview A clear and compact design, Hendrik Weber's Unitext is an adaptable and efficient sans serif that lives somewhere between grotesque and humanist styles. History of the typeface Unitext draws on extensive research into what design agencies need in a branding typeface, as well as Weber's own experience creating custom fonts for companies. Understanding the popularity of sans serif typefaces used for branding – but also their shortcomings – Weber set out to create something that could be adaptable across different environments, but without foregoing friendliness. It was essential that this new typeface could become a go-to for brands creating everything from logos and headlines, to body copy and signage. Readability was also an essential consideration. “The ideal font should work at every touchpoint,” says Weber. “And designers shouldn’t need an introduction or a set of rules on how to handle this typeface. Unitext allows designers to work without explanation.” About the designer After a successful career as a freelance type designer, which included working with major brands and design studios in Berlin and Amsterdam, Jan Hendrik Weber joined Monotype to advise clients on bespoke type and develop new markets in branding. Having discovered a passion for type while studying graphic design at the University of Applied Sciences in Potsdam, Weber completed a degree in type design at the Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst in Leipzig. His fascination with calligraphy and italic letterforms became part of a graduation thesis, which was released by Swiss publisher Niggli Verlag in 2010. Weber has designed several of his own fonts for European foundry OurType, and has worked with brands including Bentley Motors and Canyon Bikes as part of the team at brand agency KMS TEAM in Munich. Design traits The Unitext family has 14 fonts; seven weights of both upright and italics. It's available in OpenType CFF and TFF fonts formats, and offers extensive Western, Central and Eastern European language support, as well as OpenType typographic features like alternatives, ligatures and fractions. Its compact spacing is reminiscent of Helvetica, but its open shapes are in the style of Frutiger or other humanist designs. Designed to be highly legible in both print and on screen, Unitext's angled details also mean it offers companies a friendly and approachable tone of voice – perfect for taking a backseat to the branding message. “Unitext strives to strike a balance,” says the designer. “On the one hand, the narrow spacing makes it flexible and applicable in a lot of situations, while the open shapes and counters keep it legible and warm.” Usage Unitext's main selling point is its extreme versatility. Weber has designed the typeface as an ultra-functional tool – one that allows brands to use it across platforms and environments without having to compromise.