What are dingbats in typography?

Dingbats in typography refer specifically to typefaces that consist of symbol characters, which typically do not correspond to standard letters or numbers. These symbols often include a variety of decorative elements, icons, and pictograms that can be used to enhance visual communication in printed materials or digital formats. They serve various purposes, such as providing visual accents, decorative touches, or even conveying information in a non-textual format.

For instance, many dingbat fonts contain arrows, stars, or ornamental designs that graphic designers and typographers can use creatively in layouts to achieve a particular aesthetic or thematic effect. This distinguishes dingbats from typefaces that feature traditional alphanumeric characters or those designed for specific contexts, such as academic writing or purely digital use.

Understanding this definition is essential for recognizing how different types of fonts can be effectively utilized in design to fulfill distinct communicative roles.