Serif Other Ilbuh 4 is a regular weight, narrow, medium contrast, upright, normal x-height font.
Keywords: headlines, editorial, book covers, posters, branding, vintage, bookish, formal, classic, tradition, authority, compactness, display impact, editorial voice, bracketed, pinched serifs, vertical stress, tall ascenders, compact spacing.
A compact, vertically oriented serif with medium stroke modulation and crisp bracketed serifs that often pinch into pointed terminals. The forms feel tall and slightly condensed, with a steady vertical rhythm and relatively tight internal apertures in letters like e, a, and s. Capitals are dignified and sturdy, with sharp apexes (A, V, W) and carefully controlled curves (B, R, S) that keep the color even in text. Numerals are sturdy and traditional, with clear differentiation and a slightly old-style, engraved flavor in their terminals and joins.
Well suited to headlines, subheads, and short editorial passages where a traditional serif voice is desired with a bit more bite than a neutral book face. It can work effectively for book and album covers, heritage-leaning branding, posters, and pull quotes where compact width and a strong typographic color are beneficial.
The overall tone is classic and bookish, evoking traditional print and editorial typography with a hint of vintage signage. Its sharp, slightly dramatic serif treatment adds authority and a mildly ornamental edge without becoming flamboyant.
The font appears intended to deliver a traditional serif foundation with sharpened, slightly decorative serifs to increase presence and character in display and editorial settings. Its compact proportions and controlled contrast suggest an aim for strong readability while retaining a distinctive, vintage-leaning identity.
The design leans on strong verticals and firm serif anchoring, producing a dark, confident texture at display sizes. Curves are kept taut and economical, and the narrow proportions help longer words fit neatly while maintaining a formal, composed presence.