29LT MAKINA: A Multilingual Typewriter Typeface

29LT Makina is a revival of Arabic and Latin typewriters. “Makina” in Arabic means “machine”. The fonts were created so as to faithfully replicate the original typewriter effect. The typeface mimics the rough ink prints of a typewriter machine and uses advanced font technology to impersonate the randomness and uniqueness of a typed text on paper taken out from the role of a typewriter. Arabic and Latin scripts share common features, such as the design approach, open counters, proportions, terminals and finials, weight and contrast. Both scripts were created based on Arabic and English typewriter from the same manufacturer. Although typewriters are known to be monospaced (i.e., all glyphs have the same width), this is not the case when it comes to Arabic. It has three different widths defined depending on the need of each letter — tight, normal, wide. This is echoed in Makina where the Latin glyphs are kept monospaced while the Arabic retains tri-spaced width. Due to the limited number of keys on the typewriter keyboard, the Arabic script needed to be simplified and letter variations were reduced except for complex letters, such as “Ain” and “Ha’”. Three glyph alternates were created for each letterform in the Arabic and Latin scripts to mirror the randomness of the print the typewriter leaves on paper. Basic ligatures were retained on the typewriter keyboard; advanced stylistic sets and contextual alternates were added to the fonts, allowing a random cycle of glyphs’ alternates representing the mechanics of the typewriter system.

Why It Is a Top Pick
29LT Makina is an evocative typewriter font arising from a series of experiments. It makes a retro statement that offers a standout vintage vibe with a cutting-edge hint.