A creator-described ligature system
In the original author note, Shaped Fonts describes Sequel as an attempt at a multifunctional typeface and specifically identifies ligatures for “The” and “of.” The note instructs users to type the lowercase sequences “the” and “of” to invoke those forms. It also distinguishes the personal-use release from additional light and italic styles available through the creator. This is a different project from OGJ Type’s Sequel Sans; the shared word in their names does not make them interchangeable.
Test whole-word substitutions deliberately
Make one proof containing “the art of the city” and another containing the actual project title. In the target application, compare the text with supported ligature settings enabled and disabled. Check whether the special forms appear in the intended words and whether copying or editing the text preserves the spelling. Do not replace the word with a screenshot just to hide an unexpected substitution. First confirm the installed release, feature settings and exact typed sequence against the creator’s note.
Balance a small linking word against the main title
Build a poster title in two arrangements: one with the linking words in the same line as the main words, and one with them on a short separate line. Compare the visible spaces around each ligature rather than centering its text box mechanically. Keep date, venue and booking instructions outside the title experiment. View the poster at its smallest delivery size to judge whether the special word remains readable or looks like an unexplained ornament.
Choose the correct Sequel product and package
For this release, consult Shaped Fonts’ original author note and current creator contact for package details and usage terms. Do not apply the rights or style inventory of Sequel Sans to the Shaped Fonts product. Bebas Neue, Anton and Oswald provide independent headline comparisons here; none is an embedded Sequel preview. Reuse the complete title across them to decide whether a special linking-word treatment adds value, then return to the original specimen for the exact design.
Your questions, answered.
Is Sequel the same family as Sequel Sans?
The documented creators are different. This guide covers the Shaped Fonts release with word ligatures; the linked Sequel Sans guide covers OGJ Type’s separate family.
Why might typing “the” or “of” change the lettering?
The creator explicitly designed ligatures for those sequences. Compare the supported ligature settings in the application and inspect the complete title rather than assuming ordinary letters are missing.
Sources & background
Sources supporting this page’s explanations. Practical examples are our editorial suggestions.