Sans Normal Ankum 12 is a regular weight, normal width, monoline, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Apercu', 'Apercu Arabic', and 'Apercu Thai' by Colophon Foundry; 'Gotham' by Hoefler & Co.; and 'TT Commons Classic' and 'TT Commons™️ Pro' by TypeType (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: ui text, branding, headlines, signage, editorial, clean, modern, neutral, friendly, versatility, legibility, clarity, neutrality, geometric, rounded, open apertures, low contrast, even color.
A clean, geometric sans with monoline strokes, round bowls, and smooth, continuous curves. Proportions are balanced with a steady cap height and a straightforward, low-contrast construction that keeps letterforms crisp at display sizes. Counters are generously open (notably in forms like C, G, e, and s), and terminals are primarily flat, giving the overall texture an even, predictable rhythm. The lowercase is simple and functional, with a single-storey a and g and a compact, readable set of numerals with near-circular 0 and 8.
Well-suited to interface typography, product branding, and clean headline settings where clarity and a consistent texture are important. The open counters and straightforward shapes also make it a good candidate for short editorial callouts, wayfinding, and marketing layouts that need a neutral, contemporary voice.
The tone is modern and neutral, with a friendly clarity that feels contemporary rather than stylized. Its rounded geometry and even stroke color project approachability while staying businesslike and restrained.
The design appears intended as a versatile, general-purpose geometric sans that prioritizes legibility and consistency. Its simplified lowercase and evenly weighted strokes suggest a focus on dependable everyday use across both display and text contexts.
The uppercase set reads sturdy and signage-like due to broad, clean shapes and consistent stroke behavior. Curves are slightly squared off in places by straight terminals and joins, producing a controlled, engineered feel without looking harsh.