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Convincing-looking 90s fonts in modern browsers (vistaserv.net)

774 points by hmhhcycbtsc557 · 2341 days ago · 172 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses the recreation of 90s fonts in modern browsers, using FontForge to recreate old-looking fonts. The discussion revolves around the challenges of achieving a retro look, including font rendering, hinting, and anti-aliasing. The article's website features a retro scrollbar and other design elements from the 90s. The recreation of 90s fonts and design elements is a complex task due to the differences in technology and design principles between the 90s and modern times.

Main themes

  • 90s web design
  • font rendering
  • retro aesthetics
  • technical limitations
  • design principles
  • modern web development

What commenters say

  • Some commenters appreciate the attention to detail in recreating 90s fonts and design elements, including the use of FontForge and CSS pseudo selectors.
  • Others argue that the 90s web design was not as bad as it is often made out to be, and that there were many well-designed websites during that time.
  • The use of raster graphics and drop shadows in 90s web design is seen as a product of the technical limitations of the time, but also as a distinctive aesthetic element.
  • There is disagreement about the responsiveness and latency of old computers, with some arguing that they were slower and more prone to lag, while others claim that they were more responsive and interactive.
  • The complexity of modern web development, including the use of JavaScript frameworks and libraries, is seen as a major difference from the simplicity of 90s web design.
  • Some commenters note that the recreation of 90s fonts and design elements can be a challenging task due to the differences in technology and design principles between the 90s and modern times.
  • The discussion also touches on the topic of design principles and how they have evolved over time, with some arguing that modern design is more tasteful but also more bland.
  • The use of vector fonts and high-DPI displays in modern computers is seen as a major improvement over the technology available in the 90s.