Sans Superellipse Polak 1 is a bold, very narrow, low contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Premis' by Fenotype, 'Alternate Gothic' by Linotype, 'Prelo Compressed' by Monotype, and 'Alternate Gothic Pro' by SoftMaker (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, branding, packaging, wayfinding, condensed, assertive, industrial, modern, utilitarian, space saving, high impact, modern utility, blocky, rounded corners, compact, tight spacing, poster-like.
This typeface is a tightly condensed sans with heavy, uniform strokes and rounded-rectangle (superellipse) curves. Counters are compact and mostly vertical, with squared terminals softened by subtle rounding, creating a blocky but not harsh silhouette. The rhythm is narrow and columnar, with simplified joins and minimal modulation; round letters like O, C, and G read as tall superellipses, while horizontals (E, F, T) stay crisp and flat. Lowercase forms follow the same compact logic, with sturdy stems, small apertures, and short extenders that keep the overall texture dense.
Best suited to display contexts where space is limited but strong presence is needed, such as headlines, posters, cover lines, brand marks, and packaging panels. It can also work for wayfinding or signage-style applications when used at sizes large enough to preserve interior clarity.
The overall tone is forceful and no-nonsense, leaning toward industrial and editorial headline energy. Its compressed proportions and chunky shapes convey urgency and efficiency, with a contemporary, engineered feel rather than a friendly or delicate one.
The design appears intended to deliver maximum visual weight and legibility per horizontal unit, combining condensed proportions with softened, superelliptical geometry for a modern, engineered look.
In text, the tight apertures and condensed counters create a dark, continuous color that prioritizes impact over airiness. Numerals match the same compact, vertical stance, supporting consistent texture in mixed alphanumeric settings.