Spector could be the ultimate tool for type fans - the prototype can recognise and name fonts just by looking at them.
Identify real-life fonts with the help of Spector
One of the chores in the life of a designer is identifying a font. With so many subtle variations – including handwriting fonts and cursive fonts – it's no easy feat. However with the help of Spector, recognising fonts could be set to become a whole lot easier.
A prototype student-made device, Spector appears too good to be true. Capable of snapping a photo of text and cross-referencing the font's shape, weight and kerning with information on a typography database, Spector acts like a real-life eyedropper tool. But for words.
Although it's still in its early stages, Spector can identify several different font families and ever detect CMYK/RGB colours. At the moment it is not for sale, but if Spector ever becomes capable of identifying any font and colour, it's bound to become a must-have tool for typographers and graphic designers.
Dom Carter is a freelance writer who specialises in art and design. Formerly a staff writer for Creative Bloq, his work has also appeared on Creative Boom and in the pages of ImagineFX, Computer Arts, 3D World, and .net. He has been a D&AD New Blood judge, and has a particular interest in picture books.
