Letter Stacks
When different letters share the same shape, you can optionally stack them together into concentric circles. Double letters were actually a specialized stacking rule (doubles stack the same letter twice with same line weight and shared decor). You'll see how stacking different letters with shared shape is slightly different below.
Why Use Stacks?
It's all about aesthetics and readability:
- Creates more compact designs by reducing the number of separate shapes
- Makes words with similar-shaped letters easier to read
- Adds visual interest with concentric circles of varying thickness
- But it's optional - you can write "DEPTH" with separate D, P, and T circles if you prefer
Core Rules (When You Choose to Stack)
1. Shared Shape Stacking
- Letters with the same base shape (like S, T, and R - all circles) can stack together
- Each letter keeps its unique identity with varying stroke weights (line thickness)
- Each letter keeps its individual decorations (lines are drawn for each)
- Stacked letters form concentric circles, with the outermost being the first in the stack and the thinnest line weight.
2. Stacking Limits (This Site Only)
- Consonants: Maximum of 3 letters per stack
- Vowels: Maximum of 2 letters per stack (E, I, and U only)
- Center vowels only: Only E, I, and U can stack (they're positioned at the center of circles)
- A and O can't stack because they're positioned outside/inside consonants, not at the center
- Vowels break stacks: A vowel attached to a consonant breaks the stack. For example, "STORY" has S, T, R (same arc shape), but the O after T splits them: STO, then R, then Y.
- No mixing: This site uses either doubles OR stacks, not both at the same time. Choose one approach for your design.
3. Stacks vs. Doubles
Understanding the difference is key:
| Feature | Doubles (AA, BB, LL) | Stacks (S+T+R, E+I) |
|---|---|---|
| Letters | Same letter twice | Different letters, same shape |
| Stroke weight | Same thickness | Varying thickness |
| Decorations | Shared (drawn once) | Individual (drawn for each) |
| Visual | Concentric circles | Concentric circles |
Rules in Practice
Why Stack? Compare STRENGTH
The word "STRENGTH" has S, T, and R - all circle shapes that can stack. Compare the difference:
STRENGTH
Without stacking - S, T, R as separate circles
STRENGTH
With stacking - S+T+R form concentric circles
Notice how each letter in the stack maintains its own stroke weight and decorations.
More Stacking Examples
STRIPE
STRIPE - S+T+R stack (all circles)
TRUST
TRUST - T+R stack (both circles)
QUIET
QUIET - U+I vowel stack (both center vowels)
Practice: Letter Stacks
Can you read these words with stacking enabled?
Advanced Stacking
Try reading these more complex examples:
Want more practice? Check out the Practice section for additional exercises.
What's Next
You've mastered double letters and stacks! Now let's combine multiple words into sentences with word circles.
