Slab Square Afbav 1 is a light, narrow, monoline, upright, short x-height font.
Keywords: book design, editorial, magazines, headlines, pull quotes, refined, literary, classic, formal, elegance, readability, authority, definition, high contrast, bracketed slabs, crisp terminals, airy spacing, calligraphic stress.
This typeface presents a slender serif structure with a light overall color and clear modulation, where curved strokes show gentle thick–thin transitions while verticals remain crisp. Serifs read as slab-like and confidently squared off, often with subtle bracketing that smooths joins into stems. Capitals are tall and stately with generous counters (notably in C, G, and O), and the lowercase keeps a relatively small x-height with long ascenders and descenders, giving text an airy rhythm. Numerals follow the same refined logic, with open forms and restrained, flat-ended details that stay consistent with the serif treatment.
It suits editorial typography where a refined serif voice is needed—magazine features, book interiors, and cultured branding language. The tall proportions and crisp slabs also make it effective for headlines, pull quotes, and short-form display where its elegant rhythm can be appreciated.
The tone is poised and literary, combining classical bookish manners with a slightly modern, graphic sharpness. It feels formal without being heavy, lending a calm authority to headings and carefully set text.
The design appears intended to deliver a classic serif reading experience with a slimmer, more contemporary silhouette, using slab-like terminals to add definition and structure while keeping the overall impression light and composed.
Curves are drawn cleanly and tend toward circular geometry, while joins and terminals stay deliberate and squared, creating a distinctive contrast between soft bowls and crisp endings. The overall spacing appears comfortable, helping the light stroke weight maintain clarity in lines of text.