International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) Practice Exam

In typography, what is a typeface?

1. A specific size of a font

2. A specific design of an alphabet

3. A style of paper

4. A method of printing

The correct answer is: A specific design of an alphabet

A typeface refers to a specific design of an alphabet, which encompasses not only the letters but may also include numbers, punctuation marks, and other symbols that share a cohesive visual appearance. Each typeface has its own unique style characteristics, such as the thickness of strokes, the shape of the characters, and the overall aesthetic that can convey tone and context. For example, typefaces like Arial, Times New Roman, and Helvetica each have distinct designs that set them apart from one another, regardless of their size or weight. This understanding is crucial in typography, as it helps designers and typographers choose the appropriate typeface to ensure that their text is not only readable but also aligned with the intended message or branding. The other options don't align with this definition. A specific size of a font implies only one aspect of a typeface, while a style of paper and a method of printing do not pertain to typography in a direct sense regarding the design of the letters and characters.