Anatomy of Type
As in any profession, type designers have a specialized vocabulary to talk about the different parts of letters. It isn't necessary to commit the entire list to memory, but familiarizing yourself with this terminology will make it easier to communicate about typefaces and their characteristics. It will also help educate your eye to recognize the underlying structure of various designs and the differences among them.
Baseline
The baseline is the invisible line on which characters sit. While the baseline may differ from typeface to typeface, it is consistent within a typeface. Rounded letters such as "e" may extend slightly below the baseline.
Meanline
The meanline falls at the top of many lowercase letters such as "e," "g" and "y." It is also at the curve of letters like "h."
X-Height
The x-height is the distance between the meanline and the baseline. It is referred to as the x-height because it is the height of a lowercase "x." This height can vary greatly between typefaces.
Cap Height
The cap height is the distance from the baseline to the top of uppercase letters like "H" and "J."
Ascender
The part of a character that extends above the meanline is known as an ascender. Note that this is the same as extending above the x-height.
Descender
The part of a character that extends below the baseline is known as a descender, such as the bottom stroke of a "y."
Serifs
Fonts are often divided into serif and sans serif. Serif fonts are distinguishable by the extra stroke at the ends of the character, known as a serif.
Stem
The vertical line of a "B" and the primary diagonal line of a "V" are known as the stem. The stem is often the main "body" of a letter.
Bar
The horizontal lines of an "E" are known as bars. Bars are horizontal or diagonal lines of a letter, also known as arms, and are open on at least one side.
Bowl
An open or closed circular line that creates an interior space, such as in "e" and "b."
Counter
The inside of a bowl.
Leg
The bottom stroke of a letter, such as the base of an "L" or diagonal stroke of a "K."
Shoulder
The curve at the beginning of a leg of a character, such as in an "m."