Definition: While roman typefaces are upright, italic typefaces slant to the right. But rather than being just a slanted or tilted version of the roman face, a true or pure italic font is drawn from scratch and has unique features not found in the roman face.
Most word processing and desktop publishing programs have an option to turn a roman font into italic. If a matching italic version is installed, this may work fine. However, if an italic version is not available, some programs will create fake italics by simply slanting the roman typeface.
Venetian printer Aldus Manutius and his type designer, Francesco Griffo are credited with creating the first italic typeface -- the term italic paying homage to Italy where the style originated.
Also Known As: oblique | tilted | slanted
Examples:
There are three kinds of italic type: Unrelated or pure italic is based on 15th Century handwritten scripts; Related italic is designed to accompany or blend with a similar roman face; and, Matching italic is created from the same design as a specific roman face. This also includes fake italic rendered by some software. Oblique generally refers to fake italic or to italic sans serif.
