Briem’s notes on type design: Easy capitals¶
First, the height¶
Most of the capitals are made of lettershapes that we have already defined.
![](https://i.fontlab.com/fl8/briem/gif/briem-4-05-ibt.gif)
The letter b between the letters I and T shows the difference in the height of capitals and ascenders. The caps are one horizontal lower than the ascenders, and one horizontal above the x-height.
![](https://i.fontlab.com/fl8/briem/gif/briem-4-05-oo.gif)
We have already created the letter o. A little stretching will turn it into a capital.
![](https://i.fontlab.com/fl8/briem/gif/briem-4-05-cuqlyj.gif)
Making the rounded letters O C U Q Y calls for little more than careful copying and pasting.
![](https://i.fontlab.com/fl8/briem/gif/briem-4-05-dgp.gif)
Adding corners to make the letters DGP is simplicity itself. You cut out a curve, and join the loose ends. In the letter G, the middle horizontal occupies half a vertical rectangle.
![](https://i.fontlab.com/fl8/briem/gif/briem-4-05-hsef.gif)
In these four, the middle horizontal doesn’t fit the grid. We will put it midway between top and bottom.
Here you may well point out that tradition calls for a bottom half that is slightly bigger than the top half. And you’d be right. The effect I have in mind breaks the rule.
The letters E and F have rounded corners for no good reason. Consider it style; a feature if you like.
![](https://i.fontlab.com/fl8/briem/gif/briem-4-05-n.gif)
To make the letter N, use the same diagonal as before.
![](https://i.fontlab.com/fl8/briem/gif/briem-4-05-av.gif)
In the letters A and V, two diagonals meet in the middle. The horizontal bar echos the letters H S E F.
Notes on type design. Copyright © 1998, 2001, 2022 Gunnlaugur SE Briem. All rights reserved. Republished with permission in 2022 by Fontlab Ltd.