Ambigram Definition

An ambigram is a typographical creation that presents two or more separate words within the same physical space.

Examples:

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  A Rotational Ambigram (Symmetric)

  The most common type is the rotational ambigram. One form is a word or phrase written in such a way that it appears identical even when it is read upside-down (like the word “ambigram” in the logo for Ambigram.com)
  

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  A Rotational Ambigram (Asymmetric)

  Another form of rotational ambigram is a word or phrase written in such a way that a second (different) word appears when read upside-down. For example, writing the word “angel” so that it says the word “devil” when inverted as in this Mark Palmer design.  The asymmetric rotational ambigram is also known as a symbiotogram.
  

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  A Reflected Ambigram

  A reflected ambigram is symmetrical with respect to a horizontal or vertical axis. This John Langdon design is symmetrical from left-to-right and says “Waterfalls”. These are sometimes called mirror ambigrams since they appear identical even when reflected in a mirror held to the side.
  

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  A Perceptual Shift Ambigram

  A word or phrase that requires a shift in perception instead of orientation.  For instance, creating a design that can be read as both the word “wave” and the word “particle” at the same time.
  

For additional examples, please see the ambigram gallery at ambigram.com.