Typography Terminology Visualizer
Interactive Visual Glossary • 188 Curated Concepts
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Outfit
100%
Specimen letters illustrating metric intervals: H (Cap Height), x (x-Height), d (Ascender), p (Descender).
Baseline
/ˈbeɪs.laɪn/
The foundational invisible horizontal line upon which letterforms sit and vertical metrics are benchmarked.
COMPREHENSIVE EXPLANATION
The baseline is the universal primary datum line in Western typography. Flat bottom strokes of capital and lowercase letters (such as H, E, x, n) rest directly upon it. Curved strokes (such as O, C, e) drop subtly below it via optical overshoot.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
• Aligning icons with adjacent body text so icons don’t appear visually sunken.
CSS: vertical-align: baseline;RELATED CONCEPTS
Mean Line (Midline)
x-Height
Cap Height
Descender Line
Optical Overshoot
CONNECTED LAB TOOLS