The Evolution of Helvetica: Neue Haas Grotesk Text Pro on Typekit

The world of typography is constantly evolving, with new fonts and typefaces emerging all the time. One font that has recently gained popularity is Neue Haas Grotesk Text Pro, a revival of the original 1957 cut of Helvetica. In this article, we'll explore the history of Helvetica, its various iterations, and why it's not available on Typekit.

New Haas Grotesk Display, which ranks #14 in MyFonts' Top 50 list of Best Sellers, is part of a family that includes New Haas Unica, a cross between Helvetica and Univers. Both fonts are available to sync at Adobe Fonts, but why isn't Helvetica itself included?

The answer lies in the ownership of the Helvetica typeface. Linotype had the rights to Helvetica many years prior to Monotype's acquisition in 2006. As a result, Monotype owns the Helvetica typeface, and it's not up to them to 'cut out' Helvetica from Adobe Fonts.

So, why isn't Helvetica available on Typekit? The reason lies in the agreement between Adobe and Monotype. For any versions of Helvetica to be carried on the Adobe Fonts service, both companies need to come to an agreement. This means that even if Adobe wanted to include Helvetica, it would require a deal with Monotype.

Many designers and clients have grown accustomed to using Helvetica as their brand font, and switching to an alternative wouldn't be acceptable. In fact, Neue Haas Grotesk Text Pro is a close imitation of the original Helvetica cut, making it a popular choice among designers who want to replicate the classic look without breaking the bank.

In recent years, Monotype has developed and released static and variable versions of Helvetica Now. To include any version of Helvetica on Typekit, Adobe would need to make a deal with Monotype, which could be a lengthy and complex process.

For now, Neue Haas Grotesk Text Pro remains a popular choice for designers looking for a Helvetica-like font that's available on Adobe Fonts. With its unique history and evolution over the years, it's no wonder this font has gained such popularity in the design community.

Neue haas grotesk Text Pro typekit