QMS 2425 Reference page 24

Pi or symbol typefaces are
collections of assorted special-
purpose characters (for example,
decorative, graphic, math, or
monetary characters). They are especially useful for highlighting items in
lists, providing graphics, and displaying symbols that might otherwise
have to be drawn in by hand. Many typefaces today include a
complement of the more commonly used pi characters. Symbol and ITC
Zapf Dingbats are pi typefaces.
The terms "monospaced" and "fixed-pitch" refer to a typeface whose
characters all have uniform and equal spacing. These typefaces are
useful for spreadsheets and other documents with columnar data.
Monospacing is the opposite of proportional spacing.
The term "proportionally spaced" refers to a typeface in which the
width of each character varies. For example, the letter "i" is thinner
than the letter "m" and therefore takes up less space. Proportional
spacing saves page space and is easier on the eye. This manual's
text uses the Helvetica font, a proportionally spaced typeface.
alphabet
alphabet
between a monospaced typeface (Courier) and a proportionally
spaced typeface (Times).
Because proportionally
spaced typefaces place each
character according to its
individual size, they increase
legibility and readability.
This example shows the dif-
ference