Typographer’s Quotes, also known as Smart Quotes or Curly Quotes, are a style of quotation marks that are aesthetically pleasing and add a touch of elegance to written text. These quotation marks are curved or angled, as opposed to the straight quotes that are typically found on a keyboard.
The use of typographer’s quotes is considered the standard in professional typography and publishing. They are used to enclose a direct quotation or to indicate dialogue in written works. These quotes come in pairs: an opening quote and a closing quote, which visually indicate the beginning and end of the quoted text.
Typographer’s quotes are known for their distinct shape, with the opening quote resembling a backward apostrophe (‘) and the closing quote resembling a forward apostrophe (’). These quotes are often referred to as “curly quotes” due to their curved appearance. They are different from straight quotes (‘ and “), which are primarily used for technical purposes such as coding or plain text writing.
One of the key advantages of using typographer’s quotes is that they enhance the overall visual appeal of the text. They add a level of sophistication and professionalism to written materials, making them more visually engaging for readers. Additionally, typographer’s quotes help to create a clear distinction between quoted text and regular text, improving readability and comprehension.
It is important to note that typographer’s quotes are not limited to quotation marks alone. They also include other punctuation marks such as apostrophes and dashes. For example, instead of using a straight apostrophe (‘) in contractions or possessives, typographer’s quotes employ a curved apostrophe (’). Similarly, dashes are replaced with longer and more elegant en dashes (–) or em dashes (—).
The use of typographer’s quotes is especially important in professional publishing, such as books, magazines, and newspapers. It is considered a best practice to use these quotes to maintain consistency and uphold the highest standards of typography.
Typographer’s quotes are a stylistic choice in typography where curved or angled quotation marks are used instead of straight quotes. They add elegance and sophistication to written text, enhancing the overall visual appeal. By using typographer’s quotes, writers and designers can elevate the quality of their work and ensure a professional and polished presentation.