OpenType panel options
Last updated on
Sep 11, 2025
Get to know more about the OpenType panel in Illustrator to access advanced typographic features available in supported fonts.
Select Window > Type > OpenType to access the OpenType panel. This panel controls how alternate characters are applied in OpenType fonts. For example, you can specify that you want to use Standard Ligatures for both new and existing text.
OpenType fonts vary in the features they support, so several options in the OpenType panel may not be available for every font. You can view the characters in a font using the Glyphs panel.
A. Standard Ligatures B. Contextual Alternates C. Discretionary Ligatures D. Swash E. Stylistic Alternates F. Titling Alternates
A. Figure B. Position C. Ordinals D. Fraction E. Stylistic Sets
Note
Asian OpenType fonts may include additional typographic features.
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Function |
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Standard Ligatures |
Displays common letter combinations as single, combined glyphs for improved readability. |
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Contextual Alternates |
Modifies glyph shapes based on surrounding characters to ensure smooth visual flow. |
|
Discretionary Ligatures |
Applies optional, often more decorative ligatures for enhanced typographic style. |
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Swash |
Adds decorative flourishes or extended strokes to specific characters, typically for stylistic use. |
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Stylistic Alternates |
Offers alternate character designs to provide stylistic variation within the font. |
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Titling Alternates |
Substitutes characters with versions optimized for use in large, uppercase titles. |
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Figure |
Sets the numeral style depending on font support. |
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Position |
Adjusts the vertical alignment and sizing of characters, such as superscripts or subscripts. |
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Ordinals |
Formats letter and number combinations as ordinals. |
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Fractions |
Converts numbers separated by a slash into true typographic fractions. |
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Stylistic Sets |
Applies predefined groups of alternate glyphs, each offering a unique stylistic treatment. |
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