This is a common hybrid:
Why “OpenType TrueType” in metadata?
Microsoft and Adobe defined OpenType as a wrapper that can contain either:
So “OpenType TrueType” is correct but confusing to end users. It simply means: OpenType tables + TrueType glyphs.
Arial Normal (often shipped as Arial Regular) is a widely used humanist/neo-grotesque sans‑serif family distributed in OpenType (OTF) and TrueType (TTF) flavors. Version 701 indicates a specific font build/release that affects glyph set, metrics, and feature support. This feature-focused guide highlights what matters for designers, developers, and typographers working with the Western (Latin) script and top-level OpenType/TrueType features. arialnormal opentype truetype version 701 western top
Let’s break down the phrase into its five atomic parts:
When combined, they describe a specific font file: Arial (Regular) in OpenType with TrueType outlines, build 7.01, configured for Western top-level preference.
Version 7.01 is a significant milestone in the Arial timeline. It superseded the older version 2.xx (standard in Windows XP) and preceded the current version 7.5x/10.xx found in newer Windows updates. This is a common hybrid:
The keyword begins with "Arialnormal." In standard typography, "Arial" is the family name. Arial is a neo-grotesque sans-serif typeface designed by Robin Nicholas and Patricia Saunders for Monotype Typography in 1982. It was created as a cheaper, more versatile alternative to Helvetica, with subtle differences in stroke endings, terminal cuts, and overall spacing.
The appended "normal" typically refers to one of two things:
Why it matters: When your operating system sees "Arialnormal," it knows to load the regular version of Arial, not the bold or italic variants. This prevents a document from accidentally substituting the wrong style. Why “OpenType TrueType” in metadata
Let’s debunk three myths about this keyword:
Myth 1: "OpenType and TrueType are opposites." Reality: As explained, OpenType is a container. Version 701 uses TrueType outlines inside an OpenType wrapper. It's like saying "a book (OpenType) written in English (TrueType outlines)."
Myth 2: "The word 'Top' means this is the highest quality version." Reality: No. "Top" refers to a specific metric or build branch, not quality. Arial Version 8.0 and 9.0 have superior hinting and more glyphs.
Myth 3: "This font is outdated and useless." Reality: It is critical for backward compatibility. Millions of legal contracts, medical records, and technical drawings use this exact version. Changing it could invalidate digital signatures or alter line breaks in legally binding documents.