Lineto is an independent Swiss type foundry founded in 1993 by Cornel Windlin and Stephan Müller, later joined by Jürg Lehni. Based in Zurich, Lineto is internationally respected for its role in shaping contemporary Swiss and minimalist typography. Their fonts are widely used in branding, publishing, and digital design, admired for their clarity, precision, and timeless aesthetic.
Design Philosophy & Style
Lineto’s philosophy is deeply rooted in the Swiss graphic design tradition: clear, functional, and modernist. The foundry is known for:
- Geometric and grotesque sans-serifs with sharp precision.
- Minimalist aesthetics that emphasize neutrality and functionality.
- Collaborative projects with renowned designers and studios.
- Typefaces that bridge heritage Swiss modernism with digital-first usability.
Their library is a favorite among designers who value rational, understated typography with long-lasting appeal.
Notable Font Families
Some of Lineto’s most influential typefaces include:
- Akkurat – A modern workhorse sans serif with neutral clarity.
- Circular – A friendly geometric sans, one of their most globally popular fonts.
- Replica – A grotesque with subtle quirks, balancing rationality with warmth.
- Brown – A contemporary sans serif with geometric roots.
- Simple – A stripped-down sans serif, true to its name.
- LL Moderne – A serif inspired by modernist traditions, refined for digital use.
Visual Preview
| Font Name | Sample Preview (The quick brown fox…) |
|---|---|
| Akkurat | The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog |
| Circular | The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog |
| Replica | The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog |
| Brown | The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog |
| Simple | The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog |
Popular Pairings
- Akkurat + LL Moderne – A Swiss sans paired with a refined serif.
- Circular + Brown – Friendly geometric mixed with clean rationalism for branding.
- Replica + Akkurat – Neutral sans with subtle quirks for editorial systems.
Premium Alternatives (Outside Lineto)
- Helvetica Neue (Monotype) – Comparable to Akkurat; more ubiquitous; price $$–$$$.
- Avenir (Linotype) – Alternative to Circular; softer geometric feel; price $$–$$$.
- Neue Haas Grotesk (Commercial Type) – Neutral grotesque similar to Replica; price $$–$$$.
Free Alternatives (Outside Lineto)
- Montserrat (Google Fonts) – A free geometric sans alternative to Circular.
- Work Sans (Google Fonts) – Neutral sans with Akkurat-like clarity; free.
- DM Sans (Google Fonts) – A minimal geometric sans with similar versatility; free.
Recommendation Summary Table
| Font Family | Style | Best Use Case | Availability | Similarity Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akkurat | Sans Serif | Branding, editorial | Paid | 95% |
| Circular | Geometric Sans | Digital, corporate | Paid | 98% |
| Replica | Grotesque | Editorial, branding | Paid | 92% |
| Brown | Sans Serif | Corporate identity | Paid | 90% |
| Simple | Sans Serif | Minimalist design, UI | Paid | 85% |
Conclusion
Lineto embodies the Swiss spirit of modern typography: clarity, neutrality, and timeless function. With iconic releases like Circular and Akkurat, the foundry has shaped the identity of countless global brands, while maintaining a distinctive commitment to minimalist design.
Typeface Similar to Font 