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End Marks

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An end mark is a small graphic element placed at the end of a chapter, article or story. It provides a visual cue to the reader, signifying the end of a topic, section or piece. End marks are commonly used in magazines, newsletters, journals, and other publications containing multiple articles whose end point is not necessarily apparent to the reader. They serve the same purpose in the digital realm as in print media – at the end of eBooks as well as at the conclusion of blocks of text or articles.

An end mark can be as simple as a solid square. Adding color livens it up.


Whether on the Web or a printed page, an end mark can be decorative as well as informative. End marks can be as minimal as a circle, square, or other simple geometric shape; or as elaborate as a logo or wordmark, either of which can serve to reinforce a brand identity. The dingbats included with most operating systems – such as the ITC Zapf Dingbats®, Webdings™ and Wingdings™ fonts – are a good source of graphics that work well as end marks. Additional options can be found among the ornaments and other decorative glyphs included in some OpenType® fonts. Design fonts, stand-alone image files, and even clip art may provide functional and attractive elements. Basically any small graphic that will retain its clarity at the required size and resolution can make an effective end mark. (B&C)

The end mark used here is from the assortment of ornaments contained in the ITC Golden Cockerel™ typeface.

Using a logo as an end mark can work well if the design is simple enough to maintain its readability when reduced.

When choosing and using end marks:

  • Select a mark that is uncomplicated in design.
  • Experiment with flipping or rotating a mark to enhance its appearance.
  • Size the end mark in relation to the text directly preceding it. It might optically match the cap or x-height, or it might be more pleasing at a smaller scale.
  • Consider using color for contrast.
  • Adjust its spacing and alignment (both horizontal and vertical position) to be optically balanced. (D)
Sources for end marks are diverse, as illustrated by these dingbats and ornaments from (top to bottom) the ITC Zapf Dingbats® font, Webdings™, Wingdings™ and the ITC Bodoni™ Ornaments typeface.

End marks, whether playful or sophisticated, are an effective way to cue the reader to the end of an article, as well as to add a bit of visual interest. Be sure to keep your chosen mark clean and clear for the best effect.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Additional information regarding Monotype’s trademarks is available at monotype.com/legal. Fontology is a trademark of Monotype Imaging and may be registered in certain jurisdictions.

Ilene Strizver
  • Editor’s Note:Ilene Strizver, founder of The Type Studio, is a typographic consultant, designer and writer specializing in all aspects of typographic communication. She conducts Gourmet Typography workshops internationally. Read more about typography in her latest literary effort, Type Rules! The designer's guide to professional typography, 4th edition, published by Wiley & Sons, Inc. This article was commissioned and approved by Monotype Imaging Inc.
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