Monotype’s new app uses AI to detect mystery typefaces

Monotype have developed a new app for iOS and Android which harnesses AI technology to allow users to identify fonts.

The app, which is made by MyFonts — Monotype’s font delivery service — is called WhatTheFont. As it’s name suggests, WhatTheFont enables the user to find out which typeface is used in any piece of design. Using the smartphone camera, WhatTheFont matches typefaces to their closest match from MyFonts’ database.

The service, which is also available through a web version where users can upload typographic images, comes with a forum of typeface enthusiasts to help identify even the most obscure of fonts.

The forum already contains thousands images of instances of type uploaded by users, from obscure branding (think unofficial Arsenal merch) to Anthony Burrill’s highly recognisable “Work hard and be nice to people” poster.