Typeface Similar to Reforma 1918: 7 Look-Alike Alternatives

Reforma 1918, designed by PampaType, is a transitional serif typeface that merges the clarity of classical humanist proportions with the functional needs of modern editorial design. Inspired by the cultural and political transformations of early 20th-century Latin America, Reforma conveys authority, elegance, and intellectual strength. Its crisp serifs, balanced proportions, and high readability make it suitable for academic publishing, editorial layouts, and corporate identity.

Why Designers Love It

Designers admire Reforma 1918 for its serious yet graceful tone—a font that communicates trust and sophistication. Its adaptability across print and digital formats makes it a go-to for newspapers, magazines, and book design, while its unique Latin American heritage gives it an identity distinct from traditional European serifs.

7 Fonts Similar to Reforma 1918

1. Tiempos Text

Style: Transitional serif
Why It’s Similar: Shares Reforma’s balance between sharp detail and functional readability.
Key Difference: Tiempos has slightly wider proportions, tuned for fast-reading editorial work.
Price & Availability: Paid, Klim Type Foundry.

2. Plantin

Style: Transitional serif
Why It’s Similar: Both fonts carry a bookish, scholarly authority with sturdy serifs.
Key Difference: Plantin is heavier and warmer, while Reforma is sharper and more contemporary.
Price & Availability: Paid, Monotype.

3. Mercury Text

Style: Transitional serif
Why It’s Similar: Designed for high-performance editorial settings, like Reforma.
Key Difference: Mercury is optimized for small sizes and newspaper conditions, Reforma is slightly more refined.
Price & Availability: Paid, Hoefler & Co.

4. Publico Text

Style: Transitional serif
Why It’s Similar: Matches Reforma in authority and editorial tone.
Key Difference: Publico is slightly darker on the page, with heavier color.
Price & Availability: Paid, Commercial Type.

5. Garamond Premier Pro

Style: Old-style serif
Why It’s Similar: Shares humanist roots and elegance with Reforma.
Key Difference: Garamond is more calligraphic, while Reforma is more rational and sharp.
Price & Availability: Paid, Adobe Originals.

6. EB Garamond (Free Alternative)

Style: Old-style serif
Why It’s Similar: Like Reforma, it carries Renaissance refinement with academic authority.
Key Difference: EB Garamond is softer and less rigid in construction.
Price & Availability: Free, Google Fonts.

7. Crimson Pro (Free Alternative)

Style: Transitional serif
Why It’s Similar: Designed for long-form editorial and academic work, with Reforma’s readability.
Key Difference: Crimson Pro has a more neutral design and less personality.
Price & Availability: Free, Google Fonts.

Visual Comparison

Font Name	Preview
Reforma 1918	Reforma 1918
Tiempos Text	Tiempos Text
Plantin	Plantin
Mercury Text	Mercury Text
Publico Text	Publico Text
Garamond Premier	Garamond Premier Pro
EB Garamond	EB Garamond
Crimson Pro	Crimson Pro

Recommendation Summary Table

Alternative	Similarity Score	Best For	Price & Availability
Tiempos Text	93%	Newspapers, magazines	Paid (Klim)
Plantin	90%	Scholarly publishing, books	Paid (Monotype)
Mercury Text	89%	Newsprint, small text	Paid (Hoefler & Co.)
Publico Text	87%	Editorials with strong presence	Paid (Commercial Type)
Garamond Premier Pro	84%	Classical publishing, refined books	Paid (Adobe Originals)
EB Garamond	81%	Free academic/elegant projects	Free (Google Fonts)
Crimson Pro	78%	Long-form editorial, free use	Free (Google Fonts)

Conclusion

Reforma 1918 offers a blend of authority, elegance, and sharp readability, making it a cornerstone for serious editorial and publishing projects. For professional alternatives, Tiempos Text and Plantin are closest in purpose, while Mercury Text and Publico Text excel in news-oriented contexts. Garamond Premier Pro gives a softer historical tone, while EB Garamond and Crimson Pro provide excellent free substitutes.