Slab Contrasted Urze 2 is a bold, normal width, medium contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Raleigh' by Bitstream, 'Raleigh' by Linotype, 'Raleigh' by ParaType, and 'Raleigh' by URW Type Foundry (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, packaging, editorial, branding, retro, authoritative, collegiate, workmanlike, impact, legibility, heritage, headline voice, print feel, bracketed, chunky, ink-trap feel, rounded joins, soft terminals.
A sturdy serif with thick, bracketed slabs and a clear, slightly compact rhythm. Strokes show noticeable modulation, with confident vertical stems and heavier serifs that broaden the footprint of each letter. Curves are generously rounded and transitions into serifs feel cushioned rather than sharp, giving counters a robust, readable openness. Uppercase forms lean traditional and blocky, while the lowercase keeps straightforward, single-storey-style simplicity in several shapes and a solid, anchored baseline presence. Numerals are wide and weighty, matching the letters with consistent slab treatment and strong silhouettes.
Best suited to headlines and short blocks of text where its strong serifs and chunky modulation can read as intentional and characterful—magazine titles, posters, packaging labels, and brand wordmarks. It can also work for pull quotes and section heads in editorial layouts when paired with a lighter, simpler text face for contrast.
The overall tone is assertive and dependable, with a vintage, print-forward character that recalls headlines, posters, and old-school editorial typography. It feels practical and grounded rather than delicate, projecting confidence and a slightly nostalgic, collegiate energy.
The design appears intended to blend traditional serif structure with reinforced, slab-like terminals for impact and durability. It aims to deliver high legibility and a confident, vintage-leaning presence that holds up in bold display settings while remaining coherent in paragraph samples.
The heavier serifs and softened joins create a dark, even texture in text, especially at display sizes. Shapes remain highly legible due to generous interior space and clear differentiation between round and straight forms, though the weight gives it a strong typographic voice that will dominate quieter layouts.