Serif Normal Polab 5 is a bold, wide, very high contrast, upright, normal x-height font.
Keywords: headlines, editorial, book covers, branding, posters, formal, dramatic, classic, authoritative, impact, prestige, readability, heritage, bracketed, calligraphic, ball terminals, wedge serifs, transitional.
A high-contrast serif with pronounced thick–thin modulation and crisp, bracketed wedge serifs. Curves are generously rounded with compact apertures, while joins and terminals show a subtly calligraphic flare that reads as ink-like rather than purely geometric. Uppercase forms feel sturdy and slightly condensed in their interior space, with a broad, dark presence; lowercase features prominent bowls and a relatively compact rhythm, including single-storey a and g with rounded, ball-like terminals. Numerals follow the same contrast logic and maintain a sturdy, traditional text-like silhouette.
Best suited to headlines and larger text where its contrast and serif detailing can be appreciated, such as editorial titles, book and magazine covers, and premium branding. It can also work for short passages or pull quotes when generous size and spacing are available to preserve clarity.
The overall tone is confident and editorial, combining classical book-serifs with a slightly theatrical, high-drama contrast. It feels polished and traditional, with an assertive voice suited to serious or prestige-oriented messaging.
Likely designed to deliver a classic serif voice with heightened contrast for impact, balancing traditional proportions with expressive terminals to create an authoritative, display-forward text face.
The typeface produces a dense color on the line, with strong vertical emphasis and noticeable stroke contrast that becomes especially striking at display sizes. Small details—like the rounded terminals and flared serifs—add personality without tipping into novelty, keeping the texture consistent across uppercase, lowercase, and figures.