Cursive Vs. Script: What’s The Difference?

Handwriting or typography sounds simple, but there are many variations that others may not know, such as cursive and script, and if both are similar.

Cursive can be synonymous with a script, and they are often used interchangeably. A script can be described as a person’s handwriting. On the other hand, cursive is a style of writing where the letter within the word is connected. Although, cursive is considered a type of script.

Form of writing or a style of writing, let’s look at the definitions of cursive and script.

Uses and Types Of Script

Script has many classifications when you search for it. In films or plays, it can be described as a document that contains the plot, characters, scene, and dialogue. But in writing, a script can be defined as a technique or a person’s handwriting, even if it is messy.

A script in writing is constructed around hand lettering, which consists of a unique fluidity. It’s writing where you connect letters, and it’s commonly used for signages or packaging. A script type embodies elegance and style and is generally categorized into two types.

Formal Scripts & Casual Scripts

Formal scripts will remind you of a professional’s handwriting; it looks very fancy with its connecting strokes. It is mainly used for invitations, decorative initials, or any event requiring a classy tone.

There are various formal fonts you can find, such as Allura, Greyhound Script, Commercial Script, and more.

Compared to formal scripts, casual scripts are intended to convey a friendly, warm, or more personal tone. The strokes can either be connected or not. They are looser that it looks like it’s been quickly written using a pen or brush.

Casual scripts are the modern version of formal scripts, and it’s commonly used on brochures, ads, or banners. Berolina, Pristina, Pendry Script, and Swing are examples of casual scripts.

Due to its distinctive characteristics, big brands have included script fonts within their logo. It’s a bit risky since it can go outdated over time, but it has been tested by brands like Coca-Cola, Ford, Johnson & Johnson, Instagram, and Cadillac.

Scripts are very adaptable, and if you need to add elegance to any of your designs, scripts will help you evoke that tone.

Where To Use Cursive Writing?

Cursive has been taught in school as early as in grade school, and this is handwriting that we all learned at such a young age.

Cursive is a style of handwriting where letters are connected at the bottom rather than at the top. In cursive writing, letters are connected by lines that overlap. Cursive is similar to calligraphy, but cursive is always a script; not all calligraphy is considered a script.

Cursive is a casual style of writing where the letters are joined together, resulting in fluid and flowing lines.

Cursive writing has been around for centuries. It was invented to help people write more quickly and more neatly. Modern handwriting, or script, was invented in the 18th century. It is meant to be easier to read than other types of handwriting, such as print writing or manuscript writing.

There are various reasons why cursive writing is still used, such as:

• To communicate quickly. The purpose of writing in cursive is to write swiftly and readably, so cursive is mostly used to do handwritten letters.

• As mentioned above, with script typeface, cursive is linked to sophistication, which evokes these emotions.

• Cursive is handwriting that can be associated with art. Since in handwriting, you can see finer details like stroke changes.

• Cursive handwriting can’t be easily copied. That’s why it is preferred to use for important documents

When is it best to use cursive writing?

• It is best for brands that cater to the luxury niche to use this type of font because of its sophisticated look.

• Cursive fonts are best for titles and headers and not recommended for body text since they can sometimes be hard on the eyes.

• These fonts are great for formal situations like diplomas, certificates, and invitations for weddings, conferences, and others.

Similarities and Differences Of Script And Cursive

For hundreds of years, cursive fonts have been referred to as script lettering. The script is stimulated by the cursive handwriting used centuries ago, where this writing style is written using a quill and ink.

Cursive is not usually compared to the script because most use them interchangeably. Cursive is often compared to calligraphy because of its looks, but both are entirely different. If you define a script, cursive and calligraphy are included.

In typography, the minor difference between the script and cursive fonts is that script fonts are more similar to handwriting due to their fluid strokes, while cursive fonts illustrate brush lettering. Both cursive and script can be in calligraphic form, and both contain swashed details and highly decorated uppercase letters.

These two forms of writing are used to inject class and feminine feel, which is best to use carefully for large-size designs to achieve its goal of evoking emotions. But if used too much, it can affect the readability, especially if it’s very stylized.

We mostly see the script and cursive fonts used in wedding invitations, digital ads, and branding in the modern era. After all, it adds style and authenticity to a certain design or project and personal touch because it emulates one’s handwriting.

Conclusion

These forms of writing have evolved, and various forms of cursive and script fonts are available today.

When asked to write in script, you may need to ask if it’s a formal or casual script they need since both types differ in how letters are connected. Small letters in a cursive font are often not attached to each other compared to script fonts.

There are different interpretations of the terms cursive and script, thus the confusion. Some may refer to script as a print, where letters aren’t connected, but for most, it is writing where letters are joined together using cursive, calligraphy, or other formats.