Ad Lib (typeface)

Ad Lib
CategoryDisplay
DesignerFreeman Craw
FoundryATF
Date released1961
Re-issuing foundriesBitstream Inc.
Design based onthe work of title designer and calligrapher Harold Adler

Ad Lib is a display typeface designed in 1961 by Freeman Craw for American Type Founders. The typeface was allegedly inspired by Harold Adler's design for the 1958 film Bonjour Tristesse. Filmotype also designed a narrow variant, Filmotype Pioneer and a wider variant, Filmotype Moose.

Originally released with two variants for many characters, the digital versions seen today offer only one variant.

References

  1. ↑ Bradley, Susan (January 26, 2016). Harold Adler talks about title design & film production for Saul Bass. Vimeo (Video).
  2. 1 2 "Ad Lib in use". Fonts In Use. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
  3. ↑ "Filmotype Pioneer in use". Fonts In Use. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
  4. ↑ "Filmotype Moose in use". Fonts In Use. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
  5. ↑ McGrew 1993, p. 3.

Further reading