Terminus is a bitmap monospace classic for terminals, consoles and low-resolution displays. Its characters are drawn for a pixel grid rather than softened outlines, so the result stays deliberate and high-contrast where a vector face can look blurry.
When Terminus is the right tool
Use Terminus when terminal clarity matters more than proportional flexibility. It belongs in the same practical conversation as Spleen, while Cozette offers a smaller pixel voice for compact UI labels.
How to use Terminus
- Select the native BDF size that matches your display or terminal configuration.
- Use the browser preview to compare the bitmap texture before installing the source package.
- Keep the native pixel size whenever possible; arbitrary scaling changes the intended rhythm.
License and source
The archive contains official BDF sources, configuration files and license documents. The browser preview is provided separately on FontCue. See the official Terminus site for project details and the SIL Open Font License.
Terminus FAQ
Is Terminus a vector font?
The official package is built around bitmap BDF fonts. The FontCue WOFF2 preview is only for browser comparison and does not replace the native terminal sources.
Which size should I choose?
Choose the native size that matches your terminal cell and display scale, then check punctuation and line spacing in the real environment.
Structured setup guide
Set up Terminus by matching the bitmap size to the terminal cell.
- Choose the family setup
Select the BDF size that matches the terminal cell and display scale.
- Check the final environment
Keep the native pixel size so the intended grid remains sharp.
Frequently asked questions
The official package is built around bitmap BDF sources; the FontCue WOFF2 file is only a browser preview.
No. It is intentionally optimized for a smaller web download; the official source link on the page points to the complete family when more glyphs or variants are needed.