Letterforms refer to the distinct shapes and designs of individual letters in a typeface. Each letterform is crafted to convey specific visual characteristics, such as style, weight, and proportion. These elements play a crucial role in typography, influencing readability and the overall aesthetic of written communication. Different styles of letterforms can be categorized into various typefaces, such as serif, sans-serif, and script. Each category has unique features; for example, serif letterforms have small lines or embellishments at the ends of strokes, while sans-serif letterforms are clean and modern without these extra details. Understanding letterforms helps in choosing the right typeface for different contexts.