Sans Contrasted Dala 5 is a regular weight, normal width, high contrast, upright, normal x-height font.
Keywords: book text, editorial, magazines, headlines, branding, refined, formal, literary, classic, readability, prestige, editorial tone, classic revival, typographic clarity, calligraphic, sculpted, crisp, bracketed, transitional.
A high-contrast text face with sharply modulated strokes and crisp, wedge-like serifs that read cleanly at display and body sizes. Curves are smooth and tightly controlled, with a relatively vertical axis and pointed terminals that give counters a slightly sculpted, engraved feel. Proportions are fairly traditional: capitals are stable and upright, lowercase is moderately compact with clear differentiation between straight and curved stems, and spacing appears balanced for continuous reading. Numerals follow the same contrast and serif treatment, mixing straight-sided forms with rounded bowls for a consistent rhythm.
Well-suited to editorial settings such as magazines, books, and cultural journalism where refined contrast adds sophistication. It also works for headlines, pull quotes, and brand typography that wants a classic, trustworthy presence while remaining crisp and modern in reproduction.
The overall tone is polished and bookish, suggesting seriousness and heritage without feeling overly ornate. Its crisp contrast and decisive terminals lend an authoritative, editorial voice suited to curated, high-quality typography.
The design appears intended as a versatile reading face with elevated contrast and carefully shaped serifs, aiming to combine traditional literary tone with clean, contemporary precision for print-like editorial use.
The italic-like motion is minimal; instead, the character comes from strong thick–thin transitions and tapered joins, especially visible in rounded letters and the ampersand. The design maintains a consistent sparkle in paragraph text, with distinct shapes for similar forms (e.g., I/l/1) aiding clarity.