Slab Square Afnem 2 is a regular weight, narrow, low contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Dietal' by Tour De Force (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, packaging, labels, signage, industrial, utilitarian, typewriter, western, sturdy, compact display, robust readability, retro utility, signage voice, condensed, slab-serif, rectilinear, boxy, mechanical.
A condensed slab-serif with a tall, vertical stance and largely uniform stroke weight. Serifs are bold, square-cut, and consistently applied, creating firm horizontal footing and a rectilinear silhouette. Curves are restrained and slightly squared off, with tight apertures and compact counters that keep the texture dense and even in paragraphs. Joinery is straightforward and mechanical, and the overall rhythm reads as structured and deliberate rather than calligraphic.
Best suited to headlines, posters, and short to medium text where a compact footprint and strong vertical emphasis are helpful. It works well on packaging, labels, and signage systems that benefit from a sturdy, no-nonsense voice and clear letter separation in condensed widths.
The tone is functional and workmanlike, with a hint of vintage display character. Its blocky slabs and narrow proportions evoke printed ephemera—labels, notices, and stamped headings—bringing an industrial, slightly rugged feel without becoming distressed or ornate.
The design appears intended to deliver a robust, space-saving slab-serif for practical display typography—one that reads clearly, holds its shape under bold reproduction, and communicates an industrial or retro-printed sensibility.
Uppercase forms feel particularly architectural, with uniform terminals and a consistent cap rhythm that suits all-caps settings. Figures are upright and tabular-looking in spirit, matching the font’s rigid, sign-like construction and maintaining strong legibility at display sizes.