Typophile

Medium vs Regular Weight

Evan Brogan0 votes

When does one use the regular weight vs using a medium weight?

Are there fonts with medium weights but without regular?

Is one a better choice for long text?

I'm going to be creating a 8-or-so page brochure. If I wanted to increase the size of the long text, to give it more of a presence, and look less boring, say somewhere between 14-18 pts--is either a better option for that?

Could a medium weight at, I don't know, 14 point, accomplish what I might want a regular weight to do at 16? (which is to say, give more of a presence, but still come across as a weight meant for text)

Riccardo Sartori0 votes

Medium weight could be appropriate if you plan to print light text on dark background. Otherwise, instead of more presence you could risk to give less legibility.

James Montalbano0 votes

Medium weight could be appropriate if you plan to print light text on dark background. Otherwise, instead of more presence you could risk to give less legibility.

I think you are assuming way too much here.

One should choose a medium over a regular or book weigh if the typographic color of the medium is more appropriate for the job.

Some mediums are bolder than others. Test the medium you are thinking about using against the regular. Which one do you like better? Which one has better color? Use that one!

Stephen Coles0 votes

James is right. There is no industry standard when it comes to weight names (heck, even the order can differ!). It all depends on the type family in question and the task at hand.

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