Scripts originate from handwriting or pointed pen calligraphy. Due to their elegant, refined look, scripts were commonly used for display purposes in trade printing, invitations, and diplomatic papers but rarely for body text.

Scripts can be split into two categories: formal and casual scripts. Formal scripts are based on the letterforms of 17th and 18th-century handwriting masters such as George Bickham, George Shelley, and George Snell. The main typeface characteristics include fine and thick connecting strokes between letters and decorative, flowery extensions conveying a rather diplomatic, distinguished, and refined feeling.

Casual script fonts feature brush-like strokes and flowing design flairs. This style emerged in the mid-20th century and gained widespread popularity in commercial design using script-style fonts.