Distressed Tebu 5 is a regular weight, normal width, low contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'News Gothic BT' by Bitstream, 'News Gothic No. 2' by Linotype, 'News Gothic' by ParaType, 'Hamburg Serial' and 'Plymouth Serial' by SoftMaker, 'TS Franklin Gothic' and 'TS Plymouth' by TypeShop Collection, and 'News Gothic' by URW Type Foundry (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: posters, packaging, headlines, labels, branding, rustic, handmade, vintage, gritty, informal, add texture, evoke print, create grit, humanize type, rough, weathered, inked, textured, press-like.
A textured, print-like typeface with slightly uneven stroke edges and subtly wobbly contours, as if ink has bled into paper or the impression came from a worn form. The letterforms are broadly constructed and upright, with rounded bowls and simple, sturdy geometry, but the outlines remain intentionally irregular and organic. Corners are softened, terminals look blunted, and curves show mild lumpiness that creates a lively, imperfect rhythm across words. Numerals follow the same roughened treatment, maintaining clear silhouettes while preserving the distressed perimeter.
Works best in display settings such as posters, labels, and packaging where the textured edges can be appreciated. It can also serve for short blurbs or pull quotes when a rustic, analog feel is desired, especially in branding systems that want a printed-by-hand impression.
The overall tone feels handmade and timeworn, evoking utilitarian signage, old packaging, or a well-used print shop stamp. Its rough edges add grit and warmth, giving text a casual, human character rather than a polished corporate voice.
The design appears intended to simulate imperfect analog printing—capturing the character of worn letterpress, stamped marks, or ink spread—while keeping letterforms straightforward and readable. The goal is to add atmosphere and tactility without sacrificing basic clarity.
Despite the rough texture, counters stay open and shapes remain recognizable, helping it hold together in short paragraphs. The distressed treatment is consistent across caps, lowercase, and figures, producing a cohesive ‘inked’ surface rather than random damage.