Cursive vs. Italic — What's the Difference?

Cursive writing is designed to facilitate speedy handwriting through the connection of letters, often with loops and flourishes. It is taught primarily in the early years of schooling to improve writing speed and fluidity. On the other hand, italic typeface is a style of printed letters that slant to the right, distinct from regular, upright text. Italic is often used to provide emphasis, denote titles, or distinguish certain words or phrases within a block of text.

While cursive is a handwriting style aimed at enhancing writing efficiency and artistry, italics in typography serve a more functional role in text organization and emphasis. Whereas cursive writing can vary significantly in appearance based on individual handwriting styles, italic typefaces are consistent and standardized across various fonts and publications.

The development of cursive writing was influenced by the need for quick and efficient writing techniques, particularly before the advent of typewriting and digital text. Italic typeface, however, originated in the early days of printing as a way to mimic the style of handwriting and to fit more text on a page, but it has evolved to serve various purposes in printed and digital media.

In digital writing and online content, the use of italics is straightforward and uniform, allowing for easy emphasis of text across different platforms and devices. Cursive writing in digital form is less common, typically appearing in specific contexts like digital signatures or stylistic choices in graphic design, where the personal touch or aesthetic of cursive is desired.