Serif Normal Nylab 10 is a bold, normal width, high contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Candide Condensed' by Hoftype, 'ITC Cheltenham' by ITC, 'Ysobel' by Monotype, 'Selina' by ParaType, 'PF DIN Serif' by Parachute, and 'Abril Titling' by TypeTogether (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: book text, editorial, headlines, magazines, branding, formal, traditional, authoritative, literary, readability, classic tone, editorial voice, heritage styling, strong presence, bracketed, beaked, ball terminals, oldstyle figures, sculpted.
A sturdy serif with pronounced thick–thin modulation and crisp, bracketed serifs. The letterforms show a slightly calligraphic, sculpted construction: curved joins and tapered terminals are balanced by firm vertical stems, giving the design a stately rhythm. Capitals are wide and stable with generous serifs, while the lowercase maintains a moderate x-height with clear, open counters and relatively short, controlled ascenders and descenders. Numerals read as oldstyle figures with varying heights and extenders, reinforcing a bookish texture in running text.
This face is well suited to book typography and long-form editorial settings where a classic serif texture is desirable, and it can also carry strong magazine headlines and pull quotes at larger sizes. Its substantial weight and high contrast make it effective for formal branding, mastheads, and institutional communications that benefit from a traditional, authoritative feel.
The overall tone is classic and editorial, projecting authority and tradition. It feels suited to established institutions and print-minded design, with a confident, serious voice rather than a playful or experimental one.
The design appears intended to deliver a conventional, print-oriented serif with strong presence and a refined, classical structure. Its shaping and oldstyle numerals suggest an emphasis on literary or editorial credibility while remaining versatile for both display and text-driven layouts.
Details like beaked terminals (notably in forms such as C/G) and occasional ball terminals (as in the g) add a slightly humanist, historically informed character. Spacing appears even and the texture in paragraphs is dark and cohesive, favoring impact and presence over lightness.