In a move that the publisher says will not only improve the reading experience but contribute to its sustainability efforts, HarperCollins has announced the creation of HC Arc, a new font designed exclusively for the publisher by design company 2K/Denmark. According to HC, the “font has a dynamic sense of motion” designed to improve readability while also reducing the amount of paper used per title by up to 20%.
HC will begin using the font in July on select non-English titles published by the company’s European and South American businesses. At a later date, a spokesperson said, HC will explore the possibility of using HC Arc more broadly. The typeface has a darker texture, higher x-height, and low contrast aesthetic than a typical font, the company said.
“We are very excited about the introduction of HC Arc,” says Chantal Restivo-Alessi, CEO of HC's international foreign language business and chief digital officer. “Translations in Europe can be extremely lengthy. This new font is a creative way to publish shorter books while accommodating the longer text, all while ensuring the reader’s experience is actually improved. It is elegant and dynamic, and we look forward to bringing it to market this year.”
