Slab Normal Opba 5 is a very bold, normal width, low contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Paul Slab' and 'Paul Slab Soft' by artill (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, branding, packaging, signage, sturdy, friendly, retro, practical, editorial, impact, legibility, warmth, heritage, utility, blocky, bracketed, rounded, chunky, ink-trap lite.
This typeface is a heavy, slab-serif design with broad, squared serifs softened by rounded corners and subtle bracketing into the stems. Strokes are consistently thick with minimal contrast, producing a compact, dark typographic color. Counters are relatively tight and shapes are generously curved (notably in C, G, S, and the bowls of B/P/R), balancing the otherwise blocky structure. The lowercase shows sturdy, simplified forms with a single-storey a and g, a compact ear on r, and a short, solid t; figures are similarly weighty and geometric, with a prominent, open-top 4 and rounded 2/3/5/6/9 terminals.
Best suited to headlines, subheads, and short-to-medium runs where a bold, steady voice is desired. It will perform well in branding, packaging, labels, and signage that need high impact and clear letterforms, and can also work for editorial display where a grounded slab-serif presence is appropriate.
The overall tone is robust and dependable, with a warm, approachable finish from the rounded slab terminals. It reads as classic and slightly nostalgic—evoking utilitarian print and packaged-goods typography—while staying straightforward enough for everyday use.
The design appears intended as a no-nonsense, highly legible slab serif with extra weight and softened terminals to keep the voice friendly rather than harsh. Its consistent construction suggests a workhorse display style that prioritizes clarity, durability, and a familiar, traditional feel.
At text sizes it produces a strong, poster-like texture, with tightly packed interior spaces and firm horizontals that emphasize stability. The slab treatment is consistent across caps, lowercase, and numerals, supporting a cohesive rhythm in mixed-case settings.