what is font

A font is a particular size, weight, and style of a typeface, representing a set of characters sharing an overall design. In traditional printing, a font referred to physical metal or wood type, whereas in digital usage, it refers to the digital file containing the typeface style. Fonts include variations like regular, bold, italic, and come in different sizes and weights, affecting the thickness and style of the characters. The word "font" derives from a Middle French term meaning "cast iron," reflecting the original metal typecasting process. In digital typography, fonts are used to display and print text in various styles and emphases, with each style usually stored in a separate file.