Arial vs. Helvetica — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 23, 2023
Arial is a sans-serif typeface designed by Robin Nicholas and Patricia Saunders in 1982, commonly used in Microsoft products. Helvetica, created by Max Miedinger in 1957, is a Swiss typeface widely used in professional design. Both are similar but have su
Difference Between Arial and Helvetica
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Key Differences
Arial is a typeface that was created in 1982 by Robin Nicholas and Patricia Saunders. Helvetica was designed in 1957 by Max Miedinger with Eduard Hoffmann. Arial is often considered a cost-effective alternative to Helvetica and was initially developed to be metrically compatible with Helvetica, meaning that the characters occupy the same space.
While both Arial and Helvetica are sans-serif fonts, meaning they lack decorative "feet" at the ends of strokes, their geometry and spacing have notable differences. Helvetica has a more uniform and tight spacing, which gives it a more modern aesthetic. Arial, on the other hand, has looser spacing and more rounded shapes, contributing to a less formal appearance.
In terms of availability, Arial is commonly found on Microsoft operating systems and is considered a standard font in the Windows environment. Helvetica is more commonly found on Apple computers and is widely used in the design and advertising industries due to its clean and neutral look.
Usage-wise, Arial is often employed for more casual or corporate communications. Helvetica is frequently used in branding and professional design work, including logos and signage. While Arial is sometimes criticized for being a "knock-off" of Helvetica, both fonts have their own merits and appropriate uses depending on the context.
Comparison Chart
Year of Creation
1982
1957
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Designers
Robin Nicholas, Patricia Saunders
Max Miedinger
Spacing
Looser
Tighter
Commonly Found On
Microsoft Systems
Apple Systems
Typical Use
Casual, Corporate
Professional, Branding
Compare with Definitions
Arial
A sans-serif typeface created in 1982.
Arial is a standard font on Windows computers.
Helvetica
A Swiss sans-serif typeface created in 1957.
Helvetica is a popular choice among professional designers.
Arial
Standard font in Microsoft operating systems.
You'll find Arial pre-installed on most Windows PCs.
Helvetica
Known for its tight spacing and modern aesthetic.
Helvetica is often used in branding and logo design.
Arial
Commonly used for casual and corporate communications.
The company uses Arial for its internal memos.
Helvetica
Widely used in the design and advertising industries.
Many high-profile companies use Helvetica in their branding.
Arial
Designed to be metrically compatible with Helvetica.
Arial was created to occupy the same space as Helvetica characters.
Helvetica
Commonly found on Apple computers.
If you own a Mac, Helvetica is likely among your font options.
Arial
Often criticized for being similar to Helvetica.
Some designers consider Arial to be a less refined version of Helvetica.
Helvetica
Considered clean and neutral, suitable for various contexts.
Helvetica is versatile enough for both print and digital media.
Arial
Arial, sometimes marketed or displayed in software as Arial MT, is a sans-serif typeface and set of computer fonts in the neo-grotesque style. Fonts from the Arial family are packaged with all versions of Microsoft Windows from Windows 3.1 onwards, some other Microsoft software applications, Apple's macOS and many PostScript 3 computer printers.
Helvetica
Helvetica or Neue Haas Grotesk is a widely used sans-serif typeface developed in 1957 by Swiss typeface designer Max Miedinger with input from Eduard Hoffmann. Helvetica is a neo-grotesque design, one influenced by the famous 19th century (1890s) typeface Akzidenz-Grotesk and other German and Swiss designs.
Helvetica
A typeface in which characters have no serifs
Common Curiosities
Who designed Arial?
Arial was designed by Robin Nicholas and Patricia Saunders.
Who designed Helvetica?
Helvetica was designed by Max Miedinger with Eduard Hoffmann.
What is Arial commonly used for?
Arial is often used for casual and corporate communications.
When was Helvetica created?
Helvetica was created in 1957.
What type of font is Helvetica?
Helvetica is a sans-serif typeface.
What is Helvetica commonly used for?
Helvetica is frequently used in professional design and branding.
When was Arial created?
Arial was created in 1982.
Which one is better for professional use?
Helvetica is generally preferred for professional design work.
Which is the default font in Microsoft Word?
Arial is often the default font in Microsoft Word.
Is Arial a clone of Helvetica?
Arial is similar but was designed to be metrically compatible with Helvetica.
Are both fonts good for readability?
Both Arial and Helvetica are considered readable, but Helvetica is often deemed more aesthetically pleasing.
What's the main difference in their spacing?
Helvetica has tighter spacing compared to Arial's looser spacing.
Is Helvetica available on Windows?
Helvetica is less commonly found on Windows but can be installed.
Is Arial available on Mac?
Yes, Arial is also available on Mac computers.
Do both fonts come in different weights and styles?
Yes, both Arial and Helvetica come in various weights and styles.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
