Serif Normal Ibkew 9 is a regular weight, very narrow, medium contrast, upright, normal x-height font.
Keywords: editorial, book text, magazines, newspapers, headlines, bookish, formal, classic, historic, space saving, editorial tone, classic readability, traditional voice, bracketed, high-waisted, crisp, vertical, compact.
A compact serif with tall proportions and tight letterfit, built around strong vertical stems and a clearly modulated stroke. Serifs are bracketed and fairly fine, with sharp terminals and a crisp, engraved feel. The lowercase shows a two-storey “a” and “g,” a relatively narrow “e,” and short, restrained joins that keep counters small but clear. Numerals are similarly condensed, with simple, upright construction and consistent weight distribution across the set.
Well suited to space-conscious typography such as magazine columns, newspaper-style layouts, and editorial packages where a classic serif texture is desired without sacrificing too much horizontal space. It can also serve in headlines, subheads, and pull quotes that need a traditional, authoritative look with a compact footprint.
The overall tone is traditional and disciplined, leaning toward a literary, authoritative voice. Its narrow rhythm and sharp detailing give it a slightly old-style, print-era seriousness, suitable for content that needs to feel established and credible rather than casual or playful.
The design appears intended to deliver a conventional, literary serif voice in a condensed format, balancing crisp detailing with the steadiness needed for extended reading. Its proportions prioritize economy and vertical emphasis while maintaining familiar text-serif structures for predictable, professional composition.
The condensed width and fine interior spaces suggest it benefits from adequate size and leading, especially in dense settings. In display sizes, the crisp serifs and contrast read as elegant and precise, while in smaller text the tight apertures may require careful spacing and color management.