Slab Square Ugmav 4 is a regular weight, normal width, low contrast, italic, normal x-height font.
Keywords: editorial text, book typography, magazines, essays, pull quotes, bookish, editorial, classic, scholarly, formal, text emphasis, readability, editorial tone, classic utility, bracketed serifs, slab serifs, ink-trap hints, open counters, generous spacing.
A right-leaning serif italic with sturdy, slab-like serifs and subtly bracketed joins. Strokes stay relatively even, with gentle modulation and crisp, square-ended terminals that keep the texture firm on the baseline and cap line. The italic construction favors smooth, calligraphic motion while maintaining a controlled, typographic rhythm; curves are broad and open, and the numerals align with the same steady, slightly compact proportions for a cohesive set.
This font is well suited to editorial and book settings where an italic needs to carry emphasis without becoming overly ornate. It works effectively for quotations, leads, sidebars, and longer italic passages, and can also serve as a distinctive voice for headings when a classic but sturdier italic texture is desired.
The overall tone is literary and composed, combining a traditional italic voice with a sturdier, more pragmatic serif presence. It reads as confident and slightly formal rather than decorative, with a calm, editorial cadence suited to longer passages.
The design appears intended to deliver a readable, workhorse italic that blends traditional proportions with robust slabs for stability and clarity. Its restrained contrast and firm terminals suggest a focus on consistent color in text and dependable emphasis within editorial typography.
The letterforms show a consistent slanted axis and clear differentiation between similar shapes, helping readability in running text. The slabs and firm terminals give the italic a more anchored feel than a purely calligraphic italic, producing a darker, more decisive texture in paragraphs.