FontBook App

The FontBook app for the iPad opens up a new chapter: it turns the bulky print compendium of the FontBook into an electronic collection of maps that allows 700,000 typeface samples to be intuitively spread out, searched, layered, moved, scrolled and combined. The practical and well-designed tool for the world’s most comprehensive lexicon on digitised fonts – the definitive source documenting and classifying the typefaces of past centuries until today – uses live, over-the-air updates to add new content releases on a regular basis. Direct links and five gateways invite users to browse the world of typography visually, categorised by class, foundry, designer, year or name. In addition, a quick text search takes users directly to the font families, foundries or designers. Further new features are a specially curated font lists and two types of bookmarks that serve as tools for compiling lists and comparing chosen typefaces. The easy-to-operate tool allows mailing FontBook samples directly from the app, saving them in personal photo albums or posting them to Twitter or Facebook. Statement by the jury »This iPad app is characterised by a very clear and simple design, as well as a user interface that is entirely self-sufficient in terms of form and function. The app is easy to navigate, distinctly structured and, as a whole, presents priceless added value for designers.«