Cormorant Upright is part of the Cormorant type family designed by Christian Thalmann (Catharsis Fonts). Inspired by Claude Garamond’s 16th-century calligraphy, this free Google Fonts release blends historic elegance with modern readability. The “Upright” variant is unique for its slanted stress and tall, narrow proportions, which give it a sense of refinement perfect for editorials, book titles, logos, and high-end branding.
Why Designers Love It
Designers love Cormorant Upright because it bridges calligraphy and digital typography. Its sharp serifs, tight spacing, and high stroke contrast create a dramatic impression. Compared to more restrained serif fonts, it feels ornamental yet accessible, making it excellent for fashion, luxury packaging, or classical-inspired editorial layouts.
7 Fonts Similar to Cormorant Upright
1. EB Garamond (Free Alternative)
- Style: Garamond revival serif
- Why It’s Similar: Shares historic calligraphic DNA and graceful serifs.
- Key Difference: More conservative proportions, less ornamental.
- Price & Availability: Free, Google Fonts.
2. Playfair Display (Free Alternative)
- Style: Transitional/Didone serif
- Why It’s Similar: Elegant, high contrast with refined serifs.
- Key Difference: More modern and geometric than Cormorant.
- Price & Availability: Free, Google Fonts.
3. Crimson Pro (Free Alternative)
- Style: Transitional serif
- Why It’s Similar: Balanced proportions and classical detailing.
- Key Difference: More suited to body text than dramatic titles.
- Price & Availability: Free, Google Fonts.
4. Tiempos Headline
- Style: Editorial display serif
- Why It’s Similar: Shares upright elegance and dramatic contrast.
- Key Difference: Designed for bold headlines with sturdier hairlines.
- Price & Availability: Paid, Klim Type Foundry.
5. Canela
- Style: Contemporary serif
- Why It’s Similar: Similar delicate elegance with calligraphic undertones.
- Key Difference: Warmer, softer character compared to Cormorant.
- Price & Availability: Paid, Commercial Type.
6. Noe Display
- Style: High-contrast editorial serif
- Why It’s Similar: Strong vertical stress, elegant hairlines.
- Key Difference: More modern geometric influence, less historic.
- Price & Availability: Paid, Schick Toikka.
7. Austin
- Style: Modern Didone serif
- Why It’s Similar: High contrast and fashion-focused refinement.
- Key Difference: More exaggerated Didone contrast than Cormorant.
- Price & Availability: Paid, Commercial Type.
Visual Comparison
| Font Name | Preview |
|---|---|
| Cormorant Upright | CORMORANT UPRIGHT |
| EB Garamond | CORMORANT UPRIGHT |
| Playfair Display | CORMORANT UPRIGHT |
| Crimson Pro | CORMORANT UPRIGHT |
| Tiempos Headline | CORMORANT UPRIGHT |
| Canela | CORMORANT UPRIGHT |
| Noe Display | CORMORANT UPRIGHT |
| Austin | CORMORANT UPRIGHT |
Recommendation Summary Table
| Alternative | Similarity Score | Best For | Price & Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| EB Garamond | 95% | Classic book typography, heritage branding | Free (Google Fonts) |
| Playfair Display | 92% | Modern editorials, magazine covers | Free (Google Fonts) |
| Crimson Pro | 88% | Balanced editorial layouts with body text | Free (Google Fonts) |
| Tiempos Headline | 91% | Editorial headlines & bold titles | Paid (Klim Type Foundry) |
| Canela | 89% | Elegant fashion & luxury branding | Paid (Commercial Type) |
| Noe Display | 87% | High-contrast contemporary editorials | Paid (Schick Toikka) |
| Austin | 85% | Luxury branding & high-end magazines | Paid (Commercial Type) |
Conclusion
Cormorant Upright is a free yet ornamental serif that captures the spirit of Garamond’s calligraphy with a modern twist. If you’re looking for open-source substitutes, EB Garamond and Playfair Display are the closest in terms of refinement and versatility. For high-end projects, Canela, Tiempos Headline, and Austin offer professional-grade alternatives that push the same luxurious aesthetic even further.
Typeface Similar to Font 