Handwriting Fonts For Personal Correspondence

Handwriting fonts allow people to add a personal, human touch to their digital communication. With the increasing use of email, texting, and social media, handwritten fonts help convey warmth and connection in an online setting. This article provides an overview of the history and use of handwriting fonts for personal correspondence.

Handwritten fonts emulate the look and feel of handwriting using digitally created letterforms. They come in a wide variety of styles, from formal cursive scripts to stylized “handwritten” prints. While early digital fonts were clean and uniform, handwriting fonts emerged in the 1990s and gained popularity for their ability to add character and individuality to designs and communications (Source: https://designmodo.com/handwriting-webfonts/).

In personal correspondence like letters, emails, cards, and social media posts, handwriting fonts help convey the warmth and sincerity of a handwritten message. They allow people to add a personal touch to digital communication with family, friends, and loved ones. This article explores the history and use of handwritten fonts for invitations, thank you notes, love letters, holiday cards, and everyday messages.

History of Handwritten Correspondence

Handwritten letters have been an important form of communication for thousands of years. According to ancient sources, the first known handwritten letter was sent by Persian Queen Atossa around 500 BC (https://sites.bu.edu/cmcs/2018/09/14/handwritten-letters-as-a-revolutionary-communication-tool/). In ancient times, letters were written on materials like papyrus, clay tablets, parchment, and bamboo strips. Famous handwritten letters include those exchanged by Pliny the Younger and Emperor Trajan in the early 2nd century AD.

In the Middle Ages, letter writing further evolved with the advent of paper manufacturing in Europe. Letters were an important means of communication between royalty, nobility, government officials, and clergy. During the Renaissance era, handwritten letters were seen as an art form and a display of education and culture.

By the 19th century, letters became more accessible to the emerging middle class. The development of national postal systems, affordable postage, and mass production of paper enabled more people to engage in personal correspondence. But the use of handwritten letters declined in the late 19th century with the invention of the telephone and typewriter.

Today, handwritten letters are less common due to the prevalence of instant electronic communication. However, many people still value them as a way to convey sincerity, thoughtfulness, and sentimentality that digital messages may lack.

Benefits of Handwritten Letters

In an age of instant digital communication, the time taken to handwrite a personal letter can provide many benefits. Handwritten letters feel more thoughtful, meaningful and intimate than emails or texts (Source 1).

The care put into handwriting a letter strengthens bonds between friends and family by showing loved ones they are special (Source 2). Unlike texts or social media, handwritten letters are a standalone keepsake to treasure and re-read. The permanence of the physical letter allows the recipient to hold onto the emotions felt while reading over and over again (Source 3).

Popular Handwriting Fonts

Handwriting fonts come in a variety of styles including cursive, print, and calligraphic. Each style has unique characteristics and is suitable for different uses.

Cursive handwriting fonts mimic the flowing, connected letters of cursive handwriting. They create a graceful, elegant look perfect for wedding invitations, love letters, and other formal correspondence. Some popular cursive fonts include Great Vibes, Dancing Script, and Satisfy.¹

Print handwriting fonts imitate the distinct, unconnected letters of print handwriting. They have a more casual, friendly appearance ideal for personal letters, cards, and other informal uses. Some popular print fonts are Reenie Beanie, Noir et Blanc, and Coolvetica.²

Calligraphic handwriting fonts have thick and thin strokes like those made by a calligraphy pen. They create an elegant, classy look perfect for wedding invitations, logos, certificates, and formal stationery. Some popular calligraphic fonts include Oleo Script, Allura, and Pinyon Script.¹

When selecting a handwriting font, it’s important to consider the style of writing and the intended use. Cursive scripts work well for romantic or formal messages, print scripts create a casual friendliness, and calligraphic fonts convey elegance and sophistication.

Choosing a Font for Recipient

When choosing a handwriting font for a letter or card, it’s important to consider the recipient and select a font style that matches their personality and preferences. For example, an elegant, looping script font like Belluccia may be well-suited for a letter to a close friend or family member who appreciates classic style. For a fun-loving recipient, a bouncy, childlike print like DP Dork Diary could help convey a playful, lighthearted tone.

More mature recipients may appreciate a neat, legible font like Hanley that mimics tidy handwriting. Choosing a font that evokes the recipient’s era can also make a letter more meaningful; someone who came of age in the 1980s might enjoy seeing a font like Bayshore that calls to mind that decade. Most importantly, select a font that feels like an authentic representation of you and your relationship with the recipient.

Fonts for Different Relationships

When choosing a handwriting font for personal correspondence, it’s important to consider the nature of your relationship with the recipient. Fonts can convey different tones and meanings that may be appropriate for some relationships but not others.

For romantic partners, cursive, flowing fonts like Moonlight, Hearts Astray, or Love Letters add a sense of elegance, romance, and thoughtfulness.

For family members, relaxed, casual script fonts like KC Causal, Grand Hotel, or True Lies feel warm, familiar, and down-to-earth.

For friends, playful, youthful handwriting fonts like Harry P, The Girl Next Door, or Janda Stylish add a fun, conversational vibe.

In professional correspondence, formal handwritten fonts like Etiquette, Griffith Script, or Lavanderia Script project professionalism and class.

Matching Font to Message

Choosing the right handwriting font can help set the tone for your message or letter. The style of font you select conveys certain emotions and meanings to the recipient. For example, a casual, bubbly script font like Fredericka the Great expresses a more lighthearted, conversational message. Meanwhile, an elegant, flowing script like Sublime March can lend a sophisticated, formal style.

Here are some font recommendations for different message tones:

• For a friendly, warm letter, try playful, rounded fonts like Aquarelle.
• For a sincere, heartfelt message, select a neat, tidy script like Grand Hotel.
• For a serious, professional letter, go with a refined, calligraphic font like Castellar.
• For an elegant, formal invitation, cursive calligraphy fonts like Invitatation add flair.

Take the time to browse font samples and visualize how each one conveys the emotions you want to share. With an abundance of stylish handwriting fonts available today, you can find the perfect match for your personal correspondence.

Formatting Tips

When formatting a handwritten letter, there are some key elements to include:

• Date – Write the date in the upper right corner. Spell out the day, month, and year. For example: January 18, 2023.
• Greeting – The greeting should be about 2-3 lines below the date. Use “Dear [Name],” and end with a comma. For a less formal letter, you can simply write the recipient’s first name.
• Body – Skip 2-3 lines after the greeting and begin the body of the letter. Write in complete sentences using paragraphs. Leave a space between each paragraph. Align text to the left margin.
• Closing – End the letter with an appropriate closing such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Yours truly.” Skip 2-3 lines and type your name.
• Signature – After typing your name, leave space to handwrite your signature. Make sure to sign in ink.
• Spacing – Leave equal margins on all sides and ample line spacing for readability. Avoid crowded or cramped formatting.

Following traditional formatting creates a polished, professional handwritten letter. For more examples, see this guide on how to write a letter.

Modern Usage

Digital handwriting fonts have become increasingly popular in the digital age. One of the most common uses is in e-cards and social media graphics.

E-card companies like Blue Mountain, Hallmark, and American Greetings offer a variety of handwriting fonts to personalize digital greeting cards for birthdays, holidays, and other occasions. The casual, handwritten look helps give a more personal touch to digital communication. According to a survey by Marketing Society, 41% of consumers read a product review or newsletter more thoroughly when it uses handwritten fonts.
https://www.wix.com/studio/blog/handwritten-typography

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest have seen a rise in handwriting fonts for inspirational quotes, event announcements, and other graphics. The visual appeal of a flowing, handwritten script can help catch the eye on busy social feeds. Over 64% of social media users report feeling more connected to brands that use handwriting fonts in posts according to Sociality. The fonts help give social media content a more authentic, human touch.
https://medium.com/the-write-brain/the-psychology-behind-the-fonts-you-use-is-important-and-heres-why-1b65a51d1e9

Conclusion

In summary, handwriting fonts can add a personal, human touch to digital communication. Choosing a script that matches the recipient and your message shows care and consideration. With the decline of handwritten correspondence, a handwriting font helps convey warmth. This allows you to connect with loved ones in an increasingly digital world.

While typed communication is convenient, handwriting better conveys emotion. The flourishes of script fonts add character. This reminds people of a handwritten note’s charm. Using a handwriting font for a print project or card can make it feel special. With all the fonts available, you can find the perfect script for any occasion.

In closing, handwriting fonts breathe life into digital text. They turn plain words into hand-crafted messages. So consider using a script font for your next email, e-vite, or letter. With some thoughtful font choices, you can craft correspondence as unique as your relationships.