The beak is the pointed or small serif-like ending that finishes certain horizontal or curved strokes. Inherited from engraving and calligraphy, it brings movement and precision to the drawing of a letter.
Where to see it
The beak is visible on capitals such as “C”, “G”, “S”, “E”, “F” or “T”, at the end of the arms or curves. It is found mainly in serif typefaces.
Why this detail matters
The design of the beak shapes the style and reading of a typeface:
- A pronounced beak heightens the classical, refined character of a font, in the tradition of serif typefaces;
- It guides the eye along the line and reinforces the horizontal flow of the text;
- Its shape, pointed, rounded or heavy, noticeably changes the personality of a typeface, from the most elegant to the most assertive.
Related term
The serif is the small stroke that finishes the ends of letters in so-called serif typefaces, of which the beak is a particular form.
Anatomy glossary
Ascender, Descender, Sidebearing, Joint, Axis, Bar, Beak, Bowl, Loop, Set width, Counter, Serif, Stem, Leg, Minim, Baseline, Eye, Belly, Foot, Point, Tail, Cross stroke, Terminal; X-height, X-height, Cap height, Body; Mean line, Ear, Spur, Ball terminal, Ligature, Apex, Vertex, Arm, Shoulder, Spine, Em dash, Thick stroke, Hairline, Bracket, Bounding box