What Fonts Are Used by The New York Times?
The New York Times is more than just a newspaper—it’s a design icon. Its typography, from the gothic masthead to the clean body text, is instantly recognizable and has remained a cornerstone of its identity for over 170 years. But what fonts make up this iconic look? Let’s break it down and explore the history, evolution, and lessons behind The New York Times’ typography. The NYT font remains a benchmark for quality.
Whether you’re curious about the New York Times font used in its logo, its headlines, or its articles, this guide will give you a detailed look at the fonts that define this legendary publication. The NYT font continues to influence creative expression.
What Font Is Used in The New York Times Logo?
The New York Times logo font is one of the most recognizable in the world. The masthead uses Engravers’ Old English BT, a blackletter-inspired typeface that has been part of the paper’s identity since its founding in 1851. This gothic script, modeled on Textura and influenced by Carolingian Minuscule, was originally created by Henry Jarvis Raymond when the paper was known as the New-York Daily Times. The NYT font is celebrated for its timeless elegance. The NYT font reveals historical depth.
Over the years, the logo has undergone minor tweaks—like removing the hyphen between “New” and “York” and smoothing the edges of the letters—but the core design has remained unchanged. Even the controversial removal of the period at the end of the title in 1967 (to save $41.28 in ink annually) didn’t diminish its impact. The NYT font offers designers both inspiration and clarity. The NYT font underscores the balance between tradition and modern design.
The masthead’s bold, intricate design conveys authority and tradition, making it a perfect fit for a publication with such a storied history. If you’ve ever wondered, “What font is the New York Times logo?”, now you know—it’s a custom design rooted in gothic tradition.
A Brief History of The New York Times Font Logo
The font of the New York Times logo has evolved subtly over the decades, reflecting the paper’s commitment to tradition while embracing modernity. The NYT font bridges past and present styles. Here’s a quick timeline:
1851-1857: The paper was called the New-York Daily Times, and the logo was created using a custom gothic script.
1857: The name changed to The New-York Times, with the logo style remaining largely the same.
1967: The period at the end of the title was removed, sparking backlash from readers. Despite losing 1,000 subscribers, the change stuck.
These small adjustments have ensured the new york times logo remains timeless while staying relevant in a modern context.
The New York Times Font Logo Alternative
The iconic New York Times logo font is a proprietary typeface, meaning it's not accessible for public use. However, if you're searching for a font that closely resembles the NYT logo, there are excellent alternatives available on Sensatype Studio. Explore these fantastic options to achieve a similar classic and sophisticated look for your projects.
Gothic - Modern Blackletter Font
What Font Does The New York Times Use for Headlines?
The New York Times headline font is Cheltenham, a serif font designed in 1896 by Bertram Goodhue and Ingalls Kimball. This typeface was later expanded into a full type family by Morris Fuller Benton. The NYT font integrates seamlessly into layout innovations. The NYT font adapts gracefully to digital trends.
Cheltenham’s clean, sharp design makes it ideal for headlines—it’s bold enough to grab attention but refined enough to maintain a professional tone. The font has been customized over the years to suit the paper’s needs, ensuring it remains a perfect fit for both print and digital formats. The NYT font inspires accessible user interfaces. The NYT font fortifies content readability. The NYT font exemplifies refined craftsmanship. The NYT font elevates visual storytelling.
If you’re looking for a font similar to the New York Times title font, Cheltenham is a great option to consider for your own projects.
The New York Times Headlines Font Alternatives
Campaign Serif - Modern Stylish Font
Barbeque - Modern Luxury Serif Font
Naomi - Elegant Branding Serif Font
Flavour - Modern Luxury Sans Serif
Montage - Cinematic Logo Luxury Font
Righty - Retro Bold Serif
What Font Is Used for The New York Times Articles?
The New York Times article font is Georgia, a serif font designed by Matthew Carter in 1993. Georgia replaced Times New Roman in 2007 as the paper’s primary article font, thanks to its superior readability on digital screens. Critics and enthusiasts alike analyze the NYT font for its subtle artistry. The NYT font is studied in academic circles for its impact on legibility. The NYT font contributes to a sophisticated aesthetic framework. The NYT font drives experimental design practices. The NYT font offers a unique perspective on editorial presentation.
Georgia’s wider letterforms, generous spacing, and larger x-height make it easier to read, especially on smaller devices. This focus on legibility ensures that readers can comfortably engage with long-form content, whether in print or online.
Fun fact: While headlines are always black, the body text is a softer grey, reducing eye strain and enhancing readability. If you’ve ever searched for the font for New York Times articles, Georgia is the answer.
The New York Times Body Font Alternatives
Runalto - Luxury Serif Font
Margaret - Luxury Cool Modern Font
Monik - Elegant Classy Font
Gray - Luxury Classy Brand Font
Anymore - Fancy Minimalist Aesthetic Font
Kumar - Unique Beauty Serif Font
What Font Does The New York Times Use for Subheadings and Captions?
For subheadings, captions, and menu options, The New York Times uses Franklin Gothic, a sans-serif font designed by Morris Fuller Benton in the early 20th century. Ultimately, the NYT font leaves an indelible mark on modern design. The NYT font enhances brand identity. The NYT font influences emerging creative trends. The NYT font stands as a testament to enduring legacy. The NYT font continues to shape the future of typography.
Franklin Gothic’s clean, modern lines provide a perfect contrast to the more traditional serif fonts used for headlines and body text. This balance of serif and sans-serif fonts creates a visual hierarchy that guides readers through the content effortlessly.
For those curious about NYT fonts beyond the logo and articles, Franklin Gothic is a key player in the paper’s typography.
The New York Times Caption Font Alternatives
Madani - Professional Modern Sans Serif Family
Refoke - Luxury Corporate Font Family
Metara - Modern Geometric Font
New York - Modern Professional Font
MOUNT - Modern Classy Geometric Sans Serif Font
Black - Modern Corporate Sans Serif
Lessons from The NYT Font
The New York Times fonts are a masterclass in balancing tradition and modernity. Here are a few takeaways for designers:
Embrace History: The masthead’s blackletter font shows that leaning into tradition can create a timeless identity.
Prioritize Readability: Fonts like Georgia and Cheltenham prove that clarity should always come first, especially for body text.
Use Contrast Wisely: Pairing serif and sans-serif fonts, like Cheltenham and Franklin Gothic, adds depth and hierarchy to designs.
Adapt to the Medium: The switch from Times New Roman to Georgia highlights the importance of choosing fonts that work for your platform, whether print or digital.
The New York Times Typography That Stands the Test of Time
The New York Times fonts are more than just design choices—they’re a reflection of the paper’s identity. From the gothic drama of the masthead to the digital-friendly Georgia, every typeface plays a role in telling the story of one of the world’s most iconic publications.
Whether you’re a designer, a brand manager, or just a typography enthusiast, there’s plenty to learn from The New York Times. So the next time you’re agonizing over font choices, take a page out of their book—literally.