
The choice between serif and sans serif fonts depends on many factors, such as what you’re going to use it for, and how.Īs we mentioned above, serif fonts are commonly used for printed materials such as books, newspapers, and magazines because the serifs help guide readers’ eyes. Can appear generic: Due to the minimalistic nature of sans serif fonts, some can appear bland in certain designs and lack uniqueness and character.Ĭhoosing serif or sans serif for your project.Minimalist and clean look: The absence of serifs makes sans serif fonts a popular choice for designers who want to create a clean and modern look in a user interface.

Easy to read on screens: Sans serif fonts are easier to read on device screens, including low-resolution screens, because they have a clean and simple design.The typeface used was created by typefounder William Caslon IV and was named "Grotesque." Some examples of modern sans-serif fonts include Arial, Helvetica, Futura, and Calibri. The first known use of a sans serif typeface was in 1816. The “sans” in the term "sans-serif" is a French word that means "without." Typically, sans serif faces have lower stroke contrast (the difference between the thick and thin parts of a letterform’s stroke) than serifs. Naturally, a sans-serif font is a typeface that doesn't have serifs in the typeface. Oftentimes, small screens can make serif fonts appear jagged and blurry. However on small screens, serifs are harder to read, especially if they have low resolution. Easier readability in print, but harder to read on small screens: Serif fonts are easier to read in printed materials such as books, newspapers, and magazines because serifs guide the reader's eye along the line of text.Serif fonts can also make brands feel nostalgic because of the popularity of serifs in the past. Serif fonts have a classic look, making them a popular choice for more formal or official designs. Nostalgic, yet unique: Different typefaces evoke different emotions in the reader.Some other notable serif fonts include Didot, Bodoni, Georgia, and Garamond. It first appeared in 1932 in The Times of London newspaper because it allowed more letters in a narrow newspaper column without sacrificing readability.ĭecades after showing up in print, Times New Roman made its mark on the early internet.Given that Microsoft often used Times New Roman as the default typeface for Office, Times New Roman could be found everywhere - in Word documents, on websites, in advertising, and more.

Times New Roman is perhaps the most notable serif typeface of the late 90s and early 2000s. Until the 19th century, all books were set in serif type. Serif fonts have been used for centuries and are often associated with traditional typography. These lines are called serifs giving it the name serif font.
