Serif Normal Milab 3 is a bold, narrow, high contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Bodoni' by Bitstream, 'Chronicle Display' by Hoefler & Co., and 'Mencken Std' by Typofonderie (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, editorial, book covers, magazines, posters, formal, authoritative, classic, literary, classic text, editorial impact, formal tone, space saving, bracketed, crisp, compact, vertical, stately.
A compact, bracketed serif with strong vertical stress and crisp, tapered serifs. Strokes show pronounced thick–thin modulation, with sturdy stems and finer hairlines that give the forms a sharp, print-like clarity. Proportions are tight and efficient, with relatively short extenders and a steady baseline rhythm that keeps lines looking dense and controlled. The roman is conventional and well-ordered, with clear counters and a slightly squared, disciplined finish across curves and joins.
Best suited to headlines, decks, and editorial typography where a compact serif can deliver impact without feeling decorative. It can work for book and magazine applications, particularly for titles and pull quotes, and for posters or announcements that need a classic, authoritative tone.
The overall tone is traditional and authoritative, evoking editorial typography and institutional publishing. Its compact, high-contrast construction reads as serious and composed, lending a sense of gravitas and formality. The texture feels deliberate and slightly dramatic, suitable for contexts where a classic voice is desired.
The design appears aimed at a conventional, publication-oriented serif voice with heightened contrast and compact proportions, balancing classic structure with a more emphatic, attention-holding weight for display and editorial settings.
In text, the dense set and strong contrast create a dark, emphatic color that favors larger sizes or generous leading. Numerals and capitals share the same sturdy, vertical rhythm, helping headings and display lines feel firm and composed.