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Helvetica is a commercial sans-serif typeface. Max Miedinger designed it in 1957 for the Haas Type Foundry in Switzerland. Because it is commercial, check the license before you use it in a logo, a product or any paid work.
About the Helvetica font
Helvetica has clean, even letters. Its characters have no small decorative strokes at the ends, which is what makes it a sans-serif. The spacing is balanced, so text stays easy to read in small sizes and on screens.
The typeface has appeared on signs, documents, packaging and corporate logos for decades. Many designers still choose it when they want a neutral, professional look.
History of Helvetica
Helvetica began as a project for the Haas Type Foundry. The goal was a modern, legible sans-serif that could be an alternative to the older Akzidenz-Grotesk.
The first release came in 1957 under the name Neue Haas Grotesk. The name changed to Helvetica in the early 1960s, when the typeface was released more widely. The name comes from Helvetia, the Latin name for Switzerland.
Use of Helvetica
Helvetica shows up in many places. These are common uses:
- Body text in a business report or academic paper
- Headings and subheadings in a document or presentation
- Logos and branding materials
- Advertisements and promotional materials
- Signs and labels
- Menus and food packaging
- Website and app interfaces
- Transportation signage
- Film and television graphics
- Print and digital media products, such as magazines, newspapers, and books.
Its neutral look is the main reason it fits so many projects. Whether the job is a poster or a manual, it does not get in the way of the message.
Helvetica Fonts View
Font Details
| Full Font Name | Helvetica |
| Version | v-1 |
| Created & Modified Date | 2016 |
| Copyright | © 1990-2006 Apple Computer Inc. © 1981 Linotype AG © 1990-91 Type Solutions Inc. |
| Trademark | Helvetica is a trademark of Linotype AG |
| Designer | Max Miedinger |
| Unique Font Identifier | Helvetica; 10.0d4e1; 2015-04-16 |
| Glyphs | 2197 |
| Characters | 2006 |
| Classification | Sans-Serif |
| Type | TrueType and OpenType |
Download
Helvetica is a commercial font. Read the license before you download, install or use it in any project.
Helvetica font family
The Helvetica family has many styles, from Light to Black, plus condensed and rounded versions. The list below shows the names in this family.
- Helvetica Pro Light
- Helvetica Pro Light Oblique
- Helvetica Pro Roman
- Helvetica Pro Oblique
- Helvetica Pro Bold
- Helvetica Pro Bold Oblique
- Helvetica Pro Black
- Helvetica Pro Black Oblique
- Helvetica Pro Light Condensed
- Helvetica Pro Light Condensed Oblique
- Helvetica Pro Condensed
- Helvetica Pro Condensed Oblique
- Helvetica Pro Bold Condensed
- Helvetica Pro Bold Condensed Oblique
- Helvetica Pro Black Condensed
- Helvetica Pro Black Condensed Oblique
- Helvetica Pro Narrow Roman
- Helvetica Pro Narrow Roman Oblique
- Helvetica Pro Narrow Bold
- Helvetica Pro Narrow Bold Oblique
- Helvetica Pro Compressed
- Helvetica Pro Extra Compressed
- Helvetica Pro Ultra Compressed
- Helvetica Pro Inserat Roman
- Helvetica Pro Rounded Bold
- Helvetica Pro Rounded Bold Oblique
- Helvetica Pro Rounded Black
- Helvetica Pro Rounded Black Oblique
- Helvetica Pro Rounded Bold Condensed
- Helvetica Pro Rounded Bold Condensed Oblique
- Helvetica Pro Textbook Roman
- Helvetica Pro Textbook Oblique
- Helvetica Pro Textbook Bold
- Helvetica Pro Textbook Bold Oblique
- Helvetica Std Fractions
- Helvetica Std Fractions Bold
Helvetica vs Arial
Arial is often compared with Helvetica. It was designed to match Helvetica’s widths, so the two look alike at a glance. They are still different fonts.
The differences show up in small details. Helvetica’s R has a curved leg, and its G has a spur. Arial’s R has a straight diagonal leg, and its G has no spur. Arial comes with Windows, so many people use it without thinking about the choice.
How to use Helvetica font
On Windows, download the font file, right-click it and choose Install. On a Mac, double-click the file and select Install Font in Font Book. Restart your design app if Helvetica does not appear in its font list.
In Canva, check the font list first. Helvetica is not always listed there. If it is missing and your plan allows uploads, upload a file you are licensed to use. If not, pick a font that Canva already includes.
The license decides whether you can use Helvetica in a school report, a business logo or a product. Read it before you start the design.
Fonts similar to Helvetica
These pages on our site have a similar neutral style. Check each license before you use one:
- Arimo Font: a sans-serif with the same letter widths as Arial.
- Arial Font: the Helvetica look-alike that many people already have.
- Roboto Font: a clean, neutral sans-serif for titles and body text.
- Free Fonts Similar to Helvetica Neue: a roundup of other options.
Designers also compare Helvetica with these commercial families: Aktiv Grotesk, Univers, Untitled Sans, Acumin, VISIA Pro, Noirden Sans, Bw Nista International, Exensa Grotesk and Noveltica Nova Pro.
License Info
Helvetica is a commercial typeface. The license sets what you can do with it, personal or commercial. Before you use it on a logo, a product, an ad or any paid project, read the license and buy one if your project needs it.
Do not assume a font is free because it is easy to find online. Keep the license file with your project files.
FAQ
Is Helvetica a free font?
No. Helvetica is a commercial typeface. Check the license before you use it, and buy a license if your project needs one.
Who designed Helvetica?
Swiss type designer Max Miedinger designed it in 1957 for the Haas Type Foundry. It began as Neue Haas Grotesk.
Is Arial the same as Helvetica?
No. Arial was designed to match Helvetica’s widths, but the letters differ in small details, such as the R and the G.
Is Helvetica Now the same as Helvetica?
Helvetica Now is a separate, newer family with its own styles and license. Check its terms on their own before you choose it.