Agrandir, designed by Alex Slobzheninov, is a contemporary sans-serif that embraces quirkiness, experimentation, and personality. Unlike rigid geometric sans fonts, Agrandir feels playful yet modern, with unexpected proportions, wide shapes, and lively character details. It’s particularly loved in editorial design, fashion branding, and experimental digital projects where a neutral sans just won’t do.
Visual Comparison
| Font Name | Preview (AaBbCc123) |
|---|---|
| Agrandir | AaBbCc123 |
| ABC Monument Grotesk | AaBbCc123 |
| Whyte | AaBbCc123 |
| Neue Haas Grotesk Display | AaBbCc123 |
| GT Walsheim | AaBbCc123 |
| Suisse Int’l | AaBbCc123 |
| League Spartan | AaBbCc123 |
| Inter | AaBbCc123 |
Premium Alternatives
1. ABC Monument Grotesk – Dinamo
- Style: Neo-Grotesk Sans
- Why it’s similar: Wide proportions and bold structure align with Agrandir’s experimental feel.
- Key difference: Cleaner, stricter grotesk style.
- Price: Paid; Dinamo.
2. Whyte – Dinamo
- Style: Contemporary Grotesk
- Why it’s similar: Shares Agrandir’s playful oddities and unique detailing.
- Key difference: Slightly more serious, with more balanced proportions.
- Price: Paid; Dinamo.
3. Neue Haas Grotesk Display – Linotype
- Style: Classic Grotesk Sans
- Why it’s similar: Bold display use echoes Agrandir’s commanding presence.
- Key difference: Rooted in Helvetica’s heritage, less quirky.
- Price: Paid; Monotype.
4. GT Walsheim – Grilli Type
- Style: Geometric Sans
- Why it’s similar: Round geometry and modern display personality.
- Key difference: More geometric, less unconventional than Agrandir.
- Price: Paid; Grilli Type.
Free Alternatives
5. Suisse Int’l Trial – Swiss Typefaces
- Style: Modern Grotesk
- Why it’s similar: Neutral grotesk with bold headline strength.
- Key difference: More conventional and polished.
- Price: Free trial; Paid full family.
6. League Spartan – The League of Moveable Type
- Style: Open-Source Sans
- Why it’s similar: Strong, bold geometry similar to Agrandir’s display weight.
- Key difference: Lacks the quirky proportions.
- Price: Free; Open Source.
7. Inter – Rasmus Andersson (Google Fonts)
- Style: Workhorse Sans
- Why it’s similar: Balanced sans-serif that can approximate Agrandir’s clean lines in text.
- Key difference: Optimized for screens, far less experimental.
- Price: Free; Google Fonts.
Why Designers Love Agrandir
Designers love Agrandir because it breaks away from the monotony of safe sans-serifs. Its quirky proportions and wide shapes make it feel expressive while still remaining functional. It’s a statement-making typeface perfect for fashion campaigns, editorial spreads, or digital platforms where character and creativity are key.
Recommendation Summary Table
| Font Name | Similarity Score | Price | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABC Monument Grotesk | 8/10 | Paid | Stricter grotesk structure |
| Whyte | 8/10 | Paid | More balanced, less quirky |
| Neue Haas Grotesk Display | 7/10 | Paid | Helvetica-rooted, less experimental |
| GT Walsheim | 7/10 | Paid | Geometric and friendlier, less unusual |
| Suisse Int’l Trial | 6/10 | Free | Neutral grotesk, more conventional |
| League Spartan | 6/10 | Free | Bold but lacks quirky proportions |
| Inter | 5/10 | Free | Workhorse sans, too neutral |
Conclusion
Agrandir is for those who want a sans-serif with attitude and creativity. While classics like Neue Haas Grotesk Display or GT Walsheim can step in as polished alternatives, those who want to keep some of Agrandir’s character might lean toward ABC Monument Grotesk or Whyte. For free options, League Spartan and Inter bring accessibility while still giving bold sans-serif impact.
