Originally drawn in the style of 19th-century woodcut types with interior shading and ornate English swashes, Raphael was updated in 1974, and the interior shading was removed.

It now exhibits modern design elements - very wide letter strokes offset by hairlines - and is easily identified by the swashes that curve over the tops of the capitals, turning into crossbars on the A, E, F, and R. Used sparingly, Raphael adds flash to advertisements, announcements, stationery, notices, and business cards.