OpenType Guide · OpenType Panel

Swashes

swsh

A swash replaces a letter with a version whose strokes reach out into a tail, a loop or a sweep. Used on a first or last letter, a swash frames a word. Used everywhere, they tangle.

See it in Ozelot

Flip the switch to see what changes.

Where to find it

  1. Character panel
  2. Panel menu ☰
  3. OpenType
  4. Swash

Or select a single letter: the alternates for it appear right underneath.

How to use it

  1. Select only the letter you want to swash, usually the first or the last of a word.
  2. Switch on Swash.
  3. Check the space around it: a swash can reach into the line above or below.

Good to know

  • One or two per line is plenty.
  • Leave room in the text frame so long tails are not cut off.

Our fonts with Swashes