Slab Square Afnaj 12 is a bold, very narrow, low contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Gravtrac' by Typodermic (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, signage, packaging, labels, industrial, poster, western, no-nonsense, vintage, impact, space-saving, authority, heritage, blocky, compact, condensed, sturdy, bracketed slabs.
A compact, tightly set slab-serif with heavy, rectangular serifs and a strongly vertical, condensed build. Strokes are broadly even in weight, with minimal modulation, producing a dense, blocklike color on the page. Serifs read as flat and squared-off, often with small brackets that help the joins feel sturdy rather than sharp. Counters are relatively narrow and vertical, and the overall rhythm is upright and regular, emphasizing strength and economy of space in both caps and lowercase.
Best suited to headlines, posters, signage, and packaging where a compact, forceful serif can carry from a distance. It also works well for short callouts, labels, and masthead-style branding where a rugged, print-forward presence is desired.
The tone is assertive and utilitarian, with a distinctly old-style display flavor that can lean industrial or frontier depending on context. Its compressed proportions and bold slabs project authority and practicality, creating a strong headline voice with a vintage, print-era sensibility.
The design appears intended to deliver maximum impact in limited horizontal space, combining a condensed skeleton with strong slab serifs for confident, high-visibility typography. It prioritizes durability and graphic punch over delicacy, aligning with classic display uses in print and signage.
The narrow inner spaces and strong slabs make it visually powerful at larger sizes, while longer passages can feel dense due to the compressed width and heavy texture. Numerals match the same compact, sturdy construction and hold their weight well in display settings.