4 ms·
I have a question on this Helvetica issue actually. It's common knowledge that Helvetica is a better font than Arial, plain and simple. The issue is just that
by powrtoch 16y ago
I have a question on this Helvetica issue actually.
It's common knowledge that Helvetica is a better font than Arial, plain and simple. The issue is just that Arial is somehow optimized for screen display (hinting or whatever), whereas most or many Helvetica versions aren't. At least, that's my understanding, correct me if I'm wrong.
I've always suspected you could get around this handicap this way:
font-family:"Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;
That is, only use Helvetica if they've got the updated version Adobe has put out, otherwise prefer Arial. I know Helvetica Neue technically was created before the rise of the web, but for some reason I expect it would render better. I've never had a PC that had the font installed though, so I've been unable to test this.
- faramarz 16y agoHelvetica is a better font, only when it comes to print/signage or Heading H1/H2/H3 on the screen. Otherwise it becomes unbearable to read at standard body font size 11-13pt. See here http://trevordavis.net/play/helvetica/ http://trevordavis.net/play/helvetica/ Unfortunately for windows users, they don't get the pre-loaded collection and because the font isn't free, most people settle for downloading either one version/style as demo-copy or modified version of it. This is problematic because the CSS still recognizes that you have Helvetica and doesn't fall back to Arial.
- powrtoch 16y agoRight, this is what I was acknowledging. The question was whether Helvetica Neue might render better than ordinary Helvetica.
- faramarz 16y agoI would think so. But you'd have to import the font remotely and not depend on the local hierarchy for everyone to take advantage of that. Otherwise we're back to square one with the windows users left out. Typekit is the solution to that if you're willing to pay. I doubt open libraries will ever carry Helvetica. It costs too much. :P
- vetinari 16y agoOr worse - you get Helvetica bundled with HP print drivers, that is unsuitable for any kind of screen reading.
- thristian 16y agoMy experience has been that the Helvetica Neue shipped with OS X is better-adapted to on-screen rendering than the version available for print and graphic design from Adobe.
- mikeklaas 16y agoHelvetica Neue isn't that much better than Helvetica for the screen at small sizes. It is fantastic at larger sizes in lighter weights (I swoon for Helvetica Neue Light)