Distressed Emrob 9 is a very bold, very wide, medium contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Manufacturer JNL' by Jeff Levine, 'Neue Helvetica' by Linotype, 'Sztos' by Machalski, 'Europa Grotesk SH' by Scangraphic Digital Type Collection, 'Nu Sans' by Typecalism Foundryline, and 'Nimbus Sans' by URW Type Foundry (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: posters, headlines, merch, packaging, album covers, grunge, playful, rugged, handmade, rowdy, print wear, impact, texture, informality, attitude, chunky, blunt, roughened, inked, poster-like.
A heavy, blocky sans with broad proportions and compact counters, rendered with intentionally uneven contours. Strokes show roughened edges, small nicks, and occasional interior bite-marks that mimic worn ink or distressed printing. Terminals are mostly blunt and squared-off, with slight wobble and irregular curvature that keeps the rhythm lively. The lowercase is simple and sturdy, with a sturdy single-storey feel where applicable, and numerals are similarly chunky with softened, imperfect silhouettes.
Best suited for display typography such as posters, bold headlines, event graphics, and attention-grabbing packaging. It also fits merchandise graphics and album/playlist cover art where a rough, printed texture adds personality. For longer passages or small sizes, the distressed detailing and tight counters may reduce clarity, so it’s most effective in short, punchy lines.
The overall tone is loud and tactile—like stamped signage or screen-printed lettering that’s been scuffed over time. The distressing adds grit and attitude while the rounded, friendly proportions keep it from feeling harsh, landing in a spirited, rebellious space that reads as casual and energetic.
The design appears intended to deliver maximum impact with a worn, inked texture—capturing the feel of imperfect print processes while maintaining a clear, chunky letter structure. It prioritizes character and presence over refinement, aiming for a handcrafted, street-poster immediacy.
Texture is consistent across uppercase, lowercase, and figures, suggesting a deliberate, controlled distress rather than random noise. The dense weight and tight apertures make it strongest at display sizes, where the rough edge detail remains legible and contributes to the character.