OpenType fonts come packed with powerful typographic features, and one of the most creative among them is the Stylistic Set. These sets allow you to access alternate letterforms and glyph styles that give your typography a distinctive voice—without changing the font.
Adobe InDesign gives you full control over stylistic sets, making it easy to apply them to specific characters, words, or entire paragraphs.
🧠 What Are OpenType Stylistic Sets?
Stylistic sets are predefined alternate styles for glyphs in an OpenType font. For example:
- A swash alternate for the letter Q
- A rounded tail on the letter g
- A geometric version of a
Each set is labeled ss01, ss02, etc., and can vary by font.
📝 Not all fonts include stylistic sets. Look for OpenType fonts with these features—like Adobe Caslon Pro, Bickham Script, or many variable display fonts.
🧭 How to Apply Stylistic Sets in InDesign
✅ Method 1: Character Panel (Quick & Manual)
- Select the text you want to style
- Go to Window > Type & Tables > Character
- In the Character panel menu (top-right corner), choose:
OpenType > Stylistic Sets > Set 1 (ss01), Set 2 (ss02), etc. - If the font supports it, you’ll see the changes instantly
✅ Method 2: Use the OpenType Panel
- Select the text or entire text frame
- Go to Window > Type & Tables > OpenType
- Click the desired Stylistic Set button (ss01–ss20)
- The feature is applied live to your selected text
This panel also shows if a set is unavailable (grayed out) for the chosen font.
✅ Method 3: Use Paragraph or Character Styles (For Consistency)
For longer documents or design systems, apply stylistic sets via styles:
- Create or edit a Character Style
- Under OpenType Features, select a Stylistic Set
- Apply this style across your layout
🔁 This method ensures consistency and makes global updates easier.
🎯 Use Cases for Stylistic Sets
- Branding typography with unique letterforms
- Editorial design where a different “tone” is needed for pull quotes or subheads
- Display typography with swashes or geometric alternates
- Switching from serious to playful variations in fonts like Proxima Nova, Futura PT, or Quiche
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind
- Preview fonts in Adobe Fonts or Glyphs panel to see what sets are included
- Stylistic Sets ≠ Stylistic Alternates – Alternates can be applied glyph by glyph; sets apply entire collections of changes
- If you export to PDF, embed fonts to preserve alternate glyphs
- Use InDesign Preflight to ensure compatibility and no missing font warnings
🧠 Summary
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Stylistic Set 01–20 | Alternate glyph styles by group |
| Easy toggle | Use Character panel or OpenType panel |
| Style-based control | Automate via Character/Paragraph styles |
OpenType stylistic sets let you unlock expressive variations in your typography—perfect for designers who want control and flair at once.
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