Optima, designed by Hermann Zapf in 1958, is a unique sans-serif with the elegance of a serif. Its flared strokes, calligraphic roots, and clean lines make it a favorite for luxury branding, book covers, memorial inscriptions, and corporate identities. Optima balances classic sophistication with modern clarity — a rare combination.
However, Optima’s licensing costs and limited free availability may lead designers to seek similar typefaces with a comparable graceful-yet-minimal feel.
Here’s our curated list of 7 typefaces similar to Optima, including both premium and free alternatives.
Visual Comparison
Sample Text: The Quick Brown Fox Jumps Over The Lazy Dog
| Font | Preview |
|---|---|
| Optima | Image preview here |
| Albertus | Image preview here |
| Palatino Sans | Image preview here |
| Candara | Image preview here |
| Segoe Print | Image preview here |
| Forum | Image preview here |
| Alegreya Sans SC | Image preview here |
| Cinzel | Image preview here |
Premium Alternatives
1. Albertus (Berthold Wolpe, 1932)
- Style: Flared Sans
- Why It’s Similar: Shares Optima’s semi-seriffed look with flared terminals.
- Key Difference: More geometric and engraved feel.
- Price & Availability: Paid — Monotype.
2. Palatino Sans (Hermann Zapf, 2006)
- Style: Humanist Sans
- Why It’s Similar: Designed by Zapf himself, this is a spiritual sibling to Optima.
- Key Difference: Slightly warmer proportions and gentler curves.
- Price & Availability: Paid — Linotype.
3. Candara (Gary Munch, 2005)
- Style: Humanist Sans
- Why It’s Similar: Soft stroke modulation recalls Optima’s flared design.
- Key Difference: More informal tone for digital screens.
- Price & Availability: Paid — Microsoft.
Free Alternatives
4. Segoe Print (Microsoft)
- Style: Humanist Sans
- Why It’s Similar: Smooth stroke contrast hints at Optima’s elegance.
- Key Difference: More casual, handwritten influence.
- Price & Availability: Bundled free with Windows.
5. Forum (Denis Masharov, 2011)
- Style: Serif-inspired Display Sans
- Why It’s Similar: Flared stroke endings and classical proportions.
- Key Difference: More decorative uppercase style.
- Price & Availability: Free — Google Fonts.
6. Alegreya Sans SC (Juan Pablo del Peral, 2013)
- Style: Small Caps Sans Serif
- Why It’s Similar: Elegant modulation and old-style charm similar to Optima.
- Key Difference: All-small-cap design.
- Price & Availability: Free — Google Fonts.
7. Cinzel (Natanael Gama, 2012)
- Style: Flared Serif-Inspired Sans
- Why It’s Similar: Strongly flared terminals echo Optima’s Roman elegance.
- Key Difference: More classical inscriptional feel.
- Price & Availability: Free — Google Fonts.
Recommendation Summary Table
| Font Name | Similarity Score (1–5) | Free/Paid | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albertus | ★★★★★ | Paid | Classical branding and signage |
| Palatino Sans | ★★★★★ | Paid | Elegant corporate identity |
| Candara | ★★★★☆ | Paid | UI design with warmth |
| Segoe Print | ★★★☆☆ | Free | Casual display headings |
| Forum | ★★★★☆ | Free | Elegant title work |
| Alegreya Sans SC | ★★★★☆ | Free | Classical small-cap text |
| Cinzel | ★★★★☆ | Free | Monumental display typography |
Conclusion
If you want a premium match, Albertus and Palatino Sans channel Optima’s elegance beautifully. For free alternatives, Forum and Cinzel offer striking, flared styles perfect for display use.
Typeface Similar to Font 