ITC Charter, originally Bitstream Charter, was designed in the mid-1980s by Matthew Carter. The typeface was designed with the limitations of low- and middle-resolution output devices in mind; hence the squared off serifs and lack of excessive diagonals and curves. The design, however, became an instant success on its own merits. It is an excellent everyday typeface for a wide variety of uses including books and technical manuals. ITC Charter offers small cap, extension and alternate typographer sets that help to make it more versatile and functional.