17 Fonts Similar To Papyrus That You Can Use As An Alternative

Imagine this: Your words dancing across the screen, wrapped in a font that whispers tales of ancient times. Drift back to an era when papyrus reeds rustled along the Nile, yet you’re here, in the now, seeking that perfect typeface with a hint of antiquity.

Enter the realm fonts like Papyrus, fonts that echo its enigmatic charm without being its shadow.

This isn’t about the overplayed or the clichéd. It’s about discovering those hidden gems, the understated alternatives that speak of old worlds with a modern twist.

You’re about to embark on a typographic journey, diving into the depths of script fonts and hieroglyphic-inspired characters.

By article’s end, you’ll emerge armed with a treasure trove of options that go beyond your usual Papyrus.

Expect to explore the typography landscape, where font design merges with legibility, and each stroke tells a story.

From web-safe selections to print-worthy picks, get ready to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.

Fonts Similar to Papyrus

Font	Style/Theme	Readability	Usage	Distinctive Features
Plato	Hand-crafted, rustic	Moderate	Decorative headings, logos	Irregular contours, earthy feel
Humana Sans ITC	Humanist, sans-serif	High	General print and web design	Open apertures, friendly appearance
ITC Tempus Sans	Informal, sans-serif	High	Casual text, friendly contexts	Soft edges, approachable design
Yummy Cupcakes font	Playful, decorative	Moderate	Food branding, children’s content	Whimsical, dessert-inspired
Myriad Tilt	Sans-serif, tilted	High	Modern print and digital design	Slight slant, clean lines
G&G	Grotesque, geometric	Moderate	Logos, titles	Blocky design, contemporary feel
Lithos	Stone carving, Greek	Moderate	Headings, logos, posters	Chiseled appearance, all caps
Smooth Papyrus	Handwritten, exotic	Moderate	Special occasions, decorative	Smoother than Papyrus, less textured
Wheat	Natural, organic	Moderate	Organic products, eco branding	Stalks of wheat in letterforms
Nelson	Hand-drawn, playful	Moderate	Children’s books, casual design	Quirky, uneven character shapes
Oxida	Grunge, textured	Low	Music albums, alternative branding	Heavy, corroded look
Origins	Primitive, tribal	Moderate	Historical themes, exhibitions	Rough edges, tribal motifs
Baker Signet	Classic, calligraphic	High	Invitations, formal text	Elegant, flowing script
Mont Rose	Decorative, sans-serif	Moderate	Feminine branding, wedding invites	Floral elements, soft feel
Duffy Script	Calligraphy, script	Moderate	Signage, retro design	Cursive, dynamic strokes
Inkster	Indie, handmade	Moderate	Music, art, indie projects	Irregular, inked quality

Film Cryptic

Dive into the typographic landscape with Film Cryptic, a versatile typeface stepping away from the worn path of Papyrus. A solid alternative for those creative projects needing a dash of uniqueness.

Plato

Plato stands tall among fonts similar to Papyrus. Unleash the potential of this robust typeface, enhancing digital typography in your personal or commercial endeavors.

Humana Sans ITC

Crafted by a well-known British designer, Humana Sans ITC offers a calligraphic touch to diverse design concepts. Timothy Donaldson’s broad-tipped pen creation is famous for its broad application in print and web design.

ITC Tempus Sans

From the skilled hand of Phil Grimshaw comes ITC Tempus Sans. Reflecting the rugged edges of roman capitals viewed in a modern lens, it’s an enigmatic choice for those desiring to incorporate a timeless vibe into their font pairing.

Yummy Cupcakes font

Infuse playfulness into your projects with Yummy Cupcakes font. Vanessa Bays designed this handwritten style font as an artful departure from Papyrus yet maintaining the charm for your captivating editorial designs.

Myriad Tilt

Embrace the polished and distinct Myriad Tilt, enriching your repertoire with its versatility and desktop publishing prowess, adding a nuanced tilt to your font aesthetics.

G&G

Step into the bygone era of the early 20th century with G&G. It weaves the historical penmanship of notable architects into your canvas. This typeface is a nod to heritage in modern typographic practices.

Lithos

A homage to the Greek pantheon, Lithos presents a geometric harmony fit for the gods. Its classical roots grace your typography in graphic design, bestowing a visual hierarchy that commands attention.

Smooth Papyrus

Here’s a font design that smooths out the edges, presenting a modernized version of Papyrus. Smooth Papyrus enhances font readability and breathes new life into the script fonts genre.

Wheat

Wheat offers a crusty texture reminiscent of Papyrus while emanating a wholehearted handwritten presence. This comforting aesthetic elevates print media and digital landscapes alike with its approachable vibe.

Nelson

Evoke the untamed spirit of the Wild West with Nelson, the rustic and sophisticated typeface. Its application stretches from restaurant menus to branding, adding a vintage flair wherever it roams.

Oxida

Oxida’s calligraphic elegance presents a blend of artistic lettering with a touch of rusticity. Consider it for any digital typography pursuit that requires a pairing of finesse and earthiness.

Origins

Navigate through historical and travel projects with Origins, the sophisticated font that scribes its story with a human touch. This handwritten beauty, reminiscent of the Papyrus texture, is impeccably suited for projects needing a classic feel.

Baker Signet

Experience a classical resonance with Baker Signet, a typeface with subtlety that grants a nod to iconic brands. It’s the understated elegance in typographic distinction we often seek.

Mont Rose

Mont Rose is the epitome of feminine typography, with over 600 glyphs supporting a multitude of languages. Its refined nature brings sophistication to any project, a testament to its versatility.

Duffy Script

Duffy Script, with its many variations, stands as a vivid alternative to Papyrus. It sheds its strokes with an illustrator’s grace, fit for diverse applications in modern design.

Inkster

Inkster is a quirky contender amidst fonts similar to Papyrus, with a unique texture that teases the line between whimsical and professional. It’s a go-to for those character-filled projects that call for a touch of personality.

How Papyrus Became Popular

Papyrus and Costello can mainly thank Microsoft and their type director, Robert Norton, for the implementation of Papyrus into Microsoft Office. This started in 1997 when Papyrus was introduced into Microsoft Office’s growing list of interesting fonts. Norton was, at the time, looking to extend the library of fonts, and Papyrus was seen as an interesting font that would widen the choice pallet within Office. Papyrus came pre-installed with Microsoft Office, and that still remains the case until today.

This gave Papyrus a platform to rise in popularity. It is today used in thousands of interesting projects and is available to almost a billion of different users. That means that fonts similar to Papyrus have also grown in popularity; we will take a look at some of them here.

In addition to Microsoft, Papyrus was also implemented in some projects of MacOS, which makes it even more popular – an additional 130 million users can use it nowadays. Papyrus has become so popular due to its ability to remain artistic while also having the natural quality to it. It has also been used in Avatar, but in a large variety of different projects, especially with businesses that want that natural feeling to their projects.

It’s worth mentioning that Papyrus was also the subject of an SNL sketch. Check it out:

maxresdefault 17 Fonts Similar To Papyrus That You Can Use As An Alternative

FAQs about fonts similar to Papyrus

Why do designers look for alternatives to Papyrus?

People often seek out fresh font alternatives that haven’t been overused. Papyrus has a certain vibe, sure. But sometimes, you crave that new, untapped aesthetic. Typography moves fast, and staying ahead with unique font designs just makes your work stand out more.

What fonts convey a similar ancient feel without being Papyrus?

Fonts like ‘Noto Sans Egyptian Hieroglyphs’ or ‘Segoe Script’ give you that ancient feel with a cleaner, less worn-out look. They’re perfect for adding a touch of history without the all-too-familiar Papyrus typeface.

How can I choose a font that is both unique and readable?

Readability and legibility are your true north. Always. Start by considering where your text will live. Is it for print, or is it digital? This guides you. Then, test a bunch, seeing which ones are easy on the eyes yet carry their own spice.

What are some script fonts that resemble the handwritten style of Papyrus?

‘Brush Script’, ‘Lucida Handwriting’, and even ‘Kaufmann’ tap into that handwritten style charm. Each is distinct, with a calligraphic touch that whispers the same intimate “this was made just for you” feeling that Papyrus can.

Absolutely. For web use, think ‘Google Fonts’ like ‘Cormorant Garamond’ or ‘PT Serif’. They’re web-safe and they bring an exotic touch without the heavy baggage.

Are there any free fonts similar to Papyrus I can use for commercial projects?

For sure, you’re looking for fonts with a holy grail combination: free and commercial-use friendly. Check out Font Squirrel or Google Fonts. ‘Cardo’, ‘EB Garamond’, and ‘Merriweather’ are some stellar choices that won’t cost you a penny.

Do any font libraries offer a broader selection of Papyrus-like fonts?

Step into the world of Adobe Fonts and MyFonts. These libraries are like your own personal candy store, packed with font styles and types that satisfy that Papyrus craving, yet push the creative envelope.

What makes a typeface similar to Papyrus appropriate for logo design?

When you’ve got a logo design project on your hands, finding a font style that speaks the brand’s soul is key. Simplicity, authenticity, and a dash of character hit that sweet spot, much like Papyrus.

How do newer font technologies impact the choice of Papyrus-like fonts for modern designers?

Typography is in an evolution spurt, thanks to new tech. Digital typography tools allow for more customization and scalability. This means endless possibilities to tweak and finesse fonts until they serve your project’s exact needs.

What’s the importance of font licensing when using Papyrus alternatives in projects?

Let’s not mess around here. Font licensing is vital. It’s the difference between a smooth-sailing project and a potential legal storm. Always check the license before using a font, especially for commercial projects. It’s just good practice, and it keeps you clear of any unwanted trouble.

Conclusion On Papyrus Alternatives

So, we’ve scrolled past the last pixel of our little expedition through the world of fonts similar to Papyrus, huh? Quite the journey. We dipped our design brushes into the inkwell of history, typography, and pure font aesthetics. It’s been a real treasure trove of alternates, each with its own secret handshake, its own wink and nudge to the past.

Got to say, our creative tool belts feel a bit heavier now, packed with these new typeface pals. From the script fonts that echo handwritten notes to the geometric precision akin to ancient stones, they all have their own stories to whisper on the screen.

We’ve peered into the nooks and crannies of digital typography, grabbed a fistful of web-safe and print design beauties.

They’re ready to jazz up those projects waiting back in our digital studios. Remember, your design is your voice—choose a font that lets your words sing loud and clear. Keep creating, keep exploring, and most importantly, keep the text alive.

If you enjoyed reading this article about fonts similar to Papyrus, you should check out these articles with fonts similar to Proxima Nova, Avenir, Lato, Comic Sans, Old English, Century Gothic, Minion Pro, Gill Sans, and Eurostile.

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Bogdan Sandu

Bogdan Sandu, a seasoned designer with 15 years of diverse experience, has been designing websites since 2008.

Renowned for his expertise in logo design and visual branding, Bogdan has developed a multitude of logos for various clients.

His skills extend to creating posters, vector illustrations, business cards, and brochures. Additionally, Bogdan's UI kits were featured on marketplaces like Visual Hierarchy and UI8.