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 the economy of 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. Charter offers small cap, extension and alternate typographer sets that help to make it more versatile and functional.

ITC bought the Charter designs in 1993, but Bitstream retained the right to sell the original designs.