The joint is the point where one stroke connects to another, for example where the curve of a letter meets its stem. It is a discreet area, yet decisive for the balance and refinement of a typeface.
Where to see it
The joint is visible on letters such as “n”, “m”, “h” or “r”, where the shoulder branches off from the stem. It also appears on “b”, “d” or “p”, where the bowl meets the vertical stroke.
Why this detail matters
The design of joints influences the clarity and texture of a typeface:
- A thinned joint prevents weight from building up at junctions, which would create dark spots in the text;
- At small sizes or in print, some typefaces cut into their joints with “ink traps” to keep a crisp shape;
- The height and thickness of the joint shape the style: a high, thin joint brings lightness, a low, thick one brings robustness.
Related term
The stem is the main vertical stroke of a letter, to which shoulders, bowls and arms connect by way of joints.
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, Cap height, Body; Mean line, Ear, Spur, Ball terminal, Ligature, Apex, Vertex, Arm, Shoulder, Spine, Em dash, Thick stroke, Hairline, Bracket, Bounding box