Miller, designed by Matthew Carter for Font Bureau in 1997, is a Scotch Roman–inspired serif. It revives the 19th-century Scottish typefaces known for their clarity, elegance, and robustness in print. With multiple versions like Miller Text and Miller Display, it has become a mainstay for editorial design, magazines, and books where sophistication meets readability.
Why Designers Love It
Designers love Miller for its timeless charm and versatility. It combines the authority of historical Scotch Romans with the refinements of modern typography, making it an ideal choice for newspapers, literature, and high-end branding. Its balance of tradition and usability gives designers a font that feels classic yet relevant in contemporary publishing.
7 Fonts Similar to Miller
1. Georgia
- Style: Transitional / Scotch-inspired serif
- Why It’s Similar: Shares a robust Scotch Roman influence with excellent on-screen readability.
- Key Difference: Broader proportions, optimized for digital.
- Price & Availability: Free (System font).
2. Scotch Roman MT
- Style: Historical Scotch Roman serif
- Why It’s Similar: Nearly identical roots in 19th-century Scottish type design.
- Key Difference: Less refined for modern use, more faithful to original cuts.
- Price & Availability: Commercial (Monotype).
3. ITC Charter
- Style: Transitional serif
- Why It’s Similar: Clean, highly legible, designed for text-heavy publishing.
- Key Difference: Lighter, more minimal aesthetic compared to Miller’s decorative Scotch tone.
- Price & Availability: Commercial (ITC / Monotype).
4. Freight Text
- Style: Transitional serif
- Why It’s Similar: Warm, readable, and versatile for both print and digital.
- Key Difference: More contemporary, less historical flair.
- Price & Availability: Commercial (Darden Studio).
5. Tiempos Text
- Style: Transitional serif
- Why It’s Similar: Balances readability and modern editorial needs like Miller.
- Key Difference: Slightly sharper edges, built for contemporary magazines.
- Price & Availability: Commercial (Klim Type Foundry).
6. Century Schoolbook
- Style: Transitional serif
- Why It’s Similar: Shares Miller’s robust body text qualities.
- Key Difference: Rounder shapes and wider spacing, designed for children’s books and legibility.
- Price & Availability: Commercial (Monotype / ITC).
7. Crimson Pro
- Style: Transitional / book serif
- Why It’s Similar: Scholarly tone, optimized for long reading.
- Key Difference: Lighter touch, more academic look.
- Price & Availability: Free (Google Fonts).
Visual Comparison
| Font Name | Preview Text |
|---|---|
| Miller | CLASSIC SCOTCH ROMAN STYLE |
| Georgia | CLASSIC SCOTCH ROMAN STYLE |
| Scotch Roman MT | CLASSIC SCOTCH ROMAN STYLE |
| ITC Charter | CLASSIC SCOTCH ROMAN STYLE |
| Freight Text | CLASSIC SCOTCH ROMAN STYLE |
| Tiempos Text | CLASSIC SCOTCH ROMAN STYLE |
| Century Schoolbook | CLASSIC SCOTCH ROMAN STYLE |
| Crimson Pro | CLASSIC SCOTCH ROMAN STYLE |
Recommendation Summary Table
| Alternative | Similarity Score | Best For | Price & Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 92% | On-screen readability, web use | Free |
| Scotch Roman MT | 95% | Historical authenticity, publishing | Commercial |
| ITC Charter | 88% | Academic or corporate publishing | Commercial |
| Freight Text | 90% | Editorial, book typography | Commercial |
| Tiempos Text | 89% | Magazines, contemporary print | Commercial |
| Century Schoolbook | 87% | Educational, legibility-focused text | Commercial |
| Crimson Pro | 86% | Scholarly free alternative | Free |
Conclusion
Miller is one of the most respected revivals of Scotch Roman, bridging 19th-century elegance with modern publishing needs. If you want a faithful historical companion, Scotch Roman MT is the closest. For digital work, Georgia provides a free, accessible option. And for editorial design, Freight Text and Tiempos Text are perfect professional stand-ins. Whether your project is literary, digital, or magazine-focused, these alternatives capture the enduring beauty of Miller.
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