Distressed Gove 7 is a regular weight, normal width, low contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Akzidenz-Grotesk Next' by Berthold, 'HF HySans' by HyFont Studio, 'Aplikazia MF' by Masterfont, 'Arial Nova' by Monotype, and 'Core Sans AR' by S-Core (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: posters, packaging, branding, headlines, signage, utilitarian, gritty, industrial, urban, workwear, add patina, convey wear, retain legibility, industrial tone, roughened, worn, inked, chipped, textured.
A clean, neo-grotesque-like sans with subtly distressed edges and occasional nicks that read like worn printing or imperfect inking. Strokes are largely monolinear with straightforward terminals, rounded bowls, and a stable, upright stance. Counters stay open and shapes remain simple and geometric, with only light irregularity along contours; the effect is consistent enough to hold together in text while still showing texture. Numerals are plain and readable, matching the same lightly abraded finish.
Works well for posters, labels, and branding where a subtle worn texture can add character without sacrificing clarity. It can also suit signage-style layouts, editorial display, and product graphics that aim for an industrial or workmanlike feel, especially at medium to large sizes.
The overall tone is pragmatic and slightly raw, suggesting utility signage, packaging, or equipment labeling that has seen use. The restrained distress keeps it from feeling theatrical, leaning more toward everyday grit than horror or novelty.
Likely intended to provide a familiar, highly legible sans foundation with a controlled distressed layer, giving designers an easy way to introduce patina and physicality while keeping proportions and rhythm neutral.
In the sample text, the texture becomes a soft, speckled roughness rather than dramatic fragmentation, so it reads as “printed and handled” more than “damaged.” The distress is most noticeable at larger sizes where small chips and roughened corners become part of the voice.