Slab Square Afmel 2 is a light, very narrow, low contrast, upright, normal x-height font.
Keywords: editorial, book text, magazine, headlines, branding, classic, literary, formal, bookish, space efficiency, editorial clarity, traditional tone, structural firmness, bracketed, crisp, condensed, vertical, restrained.
A condensed serif with sturdy, slab-like feet and mostly squared terminals, giving the design a firm, structured skeleton. Strokes stay fairly even, with only slight modulation and clear, sharp joins. The proportions are tall and narrow with generous vertical emphasis; counters are compact, and curves are drawn tightly, creating an economical rhythm in text. The lowercase is straightforward and legible, with compact bowls and a pragmatic, workmanlike feel, while figures follow the same narrow, upright construction for consistent color.
Well-suited to editorial layouts where space is at a premium—magazine columns, newspaper-style settings, and compact text blocks. It also works effectively for headlines, subheads, pull quotes, and branding that benefits from a classic, authoritative serif voice with a condensed footprint.
The overall tone reads traditional and editorial, like a contemporary take on book and newspaper typography. Its tight proportions and crisp slabs add a disciplined, authoritative voice without becoming ornate. The effect is serious and literary, suited to text that aims to feel established and dependable.
The design appears intended to deliver a compact serif with robust, square-shouldered details that stay clear at practical text sizes while still holding up in display use. Its emphasis on verticality and consistent stroke behavior suggests a focus on efficient, disciplined typography for editorial and titling contexts.
The design’s narrow set and assertive slab serifs create strong vertical texture and clear word shapes, especially in mixed-case settings. In display sizes it feels precise and slightly institutional; in longer text it maintains an even, steady cadence thanks to its restrained contrast and consistent detailing.