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Calisto MT

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description Calisto MT Overview

Calisto MT is a serif typeface designed by Ron Carpenter for Monotype and released in 1986. Its letterforms combine calligraphic influence with humanist proportions, moderate stroke contrast, and broad, gently bracketed serifs, producing a comparatively warm texture on the page. The family was conceived for both continuous text and display settings, making it applicable to books, editorial layouts, correspondence, and other typography requiring a traditional Roman serif face.

help Calisto MT FAQ

Who designed Calisto MT, and when?

Ron Carpenter designed Calisto for Monotype in 1986. Font references often list the commercial release as 1987, so the design date and release date are not always shown as the same year. [Microsoft Typography](https://learn.microsoft.com/it-it/typography/font-list/calisto-mt)

What kind of typeface is Calisto MT?

Calisto MT is an old-style serif typeface with calligraphic influence, humanist proportions, moderate stroke contrast, and broad bracketed serifs. Its warm, even texture makes it suitable for both body text and display use. [Microsoft Typography](https://learn.microsoft.com/it-it/typography/font-list/calisto-mt)

Why does Calisto MT work well at small text sizes?

Its construction is designed to maintain an even color on the page, while its sturdy letterforms remain readable at smaller sizes. That was part of Ron Carpenter's goal when designing the Monotype face for text as well as display typography. [Microsoft Typography](https://learn.microsoft.com/it-it/typography/font-list/calisto-mt)

Which typefaces are often compared with Calisto MT?

Calisto MT is often compared with Palatino and Belwe because of its angled terminals, humanist shapes, and bracketed serifs. It is not a copy of either face, and its proportions give it a distinct, softer page texture. [Calisto MT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calisto_MT)

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