About
EK Baumer Grotesk is a contemporary sans-serif rooted in the neo-grotesque tradition. Low contrast, controlled proportions, and a calm rhythm form the basis of a neutral and dependable typeface. A broad set of stylistic alternates allows subtle adaptation while preserving consistency and readability across applications.
The Uniwidth Family
Anatomical Details
The soft curves of Baumer Grotesk are accompanied by subtle straight terminals. These soft shapes reflect the overall round appearance and help communicate a friendly expression.
The capital letters are slightly heavier than the lowercase, and the digits are balanced between the two, resulting in a consistent, well-weighted look.
Weights & Alphabets
The four defined weights are designed for optimal compatibility. While larger type families with extensive weight options certainly have their merits, many designers find that a more streamlined approach is sufficient for most projects.
Family Constellation
A setup that enables switching between weights without affecting the overall set width / tracking.
With a “tight but not touching” spacing, intended for headlines and large sizes.
The monospaced version, with consistently fixed character widths—including italics.
[available soon]
Recommended weight
combination
Optical Size Mapping
This feature enables automatic optical sizing: the type is adjusted depending on the used size, from 8 to 72 pt. In the process, both families—Baumer Grotesk (uniwidth) and the extremely tight-running Headline version—are aligned and harmonized with each other.
The illustration shows the adjusted spacing at the same set size; from top to bottom: 72 pt, 48 pt, and 8 pt.
The multi-part circled digits come in two variants: positive and negative. These digits can be displayed individually or grouped. A custom size was developed specifically to balance the digits within the circles, distinct from ordinal numbers.
Stylistic Alternates
Various alternative letterforms deliver flexibility, especially for brand design.
Alternative glyphs were developed to ensure legibility according to DIN 1450.
Punctuation
Originally featuring square punctuation, which remains the default style, Baumer Grotesk offers an option for round punctuation to complement the typeface’s overall roundness and enhance its character.
These stylistic sets are not just aesthetic; they also serve a functional purpose.
Three “R” variants allow you to set the right accent.
Space-harmonizing
Ligatures
To improve the appearance of text in today’s dynamic setting, sequences such as “ff,” “tt,” “ft,” “rt,” and “rf” are modified, with the left arm of the “t” and “f” cut off. In words like “Arte,” “Craft,” or “Affiche,” this creates more uniform white space between letters.
Today, type spacing is handled dynamically, but ligatures are not designed for such flexibility. In strongly tracked or kerned text, ligatures are usually disabled, as they are constrained by fixed spacing.
Bi-Form Characters
This function, which brings certain lowercase characters to the size of capital letters.
Inspired by the typeface Folio, where Bi-form characters were initially available only as special figures in extended styles.
The Collaboration
Baumer Grotesk marks the first project where Erkin Karamemet was supported by design assistance. Gregor Maria Sahl contributed significantly and continues to be involved in expanding the Baumer family.
Selection of accented letters
Baumer Grotesk includes 1,294 glyphs per style. A large part consists of language-specific characters. The accented characters cover Latin-scripted languages spoken across 212 countries, providing complete support for all Latin-based languages such as French, Spanish, Turkish, Icelandic, Vietnamese, and more.
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