When it comes to design, you’ve probably heard the phrases serif and sans-serif fonts. But what are the differences? The main distinctions between serif and sans-serif typefaces are explained on this page, along with their historical development. We also examine the best ways to use them into your designs and advertising.
It may be challenging to understand how to utilize many typefaces in the intricate world of typography, much alone what kind of “serif” they are. All of this will make sense if you’re a designer, but for those who haven’t studied or worked in design, it could be a bit perplexing.
As you read this article’s instructions on utilizing serif and sans-serif fonts, keep in mind that both font families are available in easil. For you, our group of easil graphic designers has been selected carefully. They are shown in our well-created themes and text visuals. Consequently, your task has been considerably simpler.
Therefore, you can now get started right away by experimenting with various font types for your projects!
What differs between sans-serif and serif fonts?
One of the first choices to be made when writing your own text is whether to choose a serif or sans serif font.
In a word, it all comes down to the little details that certain typefaces have on the endpoints of their strokes. Serifs or serif fonts are the names given to those typefaces that include them. Sans-serif fonts or sans-serif typefaces are those that don’t. Here is an illustration of how serif and sans-serif fonts differ:
Serif and sans serif fonts should be chosen depending on a number of factors relating to the project at hand and the design style.
The origin of serifs the latin alphabet and words cut onto stone throughout roman antiquity were thought to be the source of serifs. Prior to carving, the roman letter outlines were painted into the stone. The serifs were created by extending the brush strokes’ ends and corners.
Due to their apparent readability, serif fonts are often employed in long content, such as novels, newspapers, and the majority of periodicals. They are also the most widely used printed typeface. After all, having your message understood and understandable is the key objective while attempting to develop something stunning and extraordinary to look at!
There are countless more serif fonts, but some popular ones are times new roman, georgia, palatino, and Garamond so buy fonts online.
Where sans-serif fonts came from
Since 1805, sans-serif letters have been used in printed materials. They were well-liked because they could be easily read in advertising and displays whether they were printed extremely big or very tiny.
Because computer displays sometimes fail to display fine serif elements in tiny type, sans-serif fonts have grown to be the most popular for text display.
Arial, helvetica, and tahoma are a few of the popular sans-serif types, although there are many more.
Hot tip: a sans-serif font is a wonderful option for various shorter text situations, such as titles, credits, column headers, and text in infographics. Its streamlined letterforms are free of serifs, which may obstruct character legibility at extremely tiny sizes.
Serif and sans-serif font myths
There are rules for using serif and sans-serif typefaces, but there are also always exceptions. As a result, the following misconceptions need to be dispelled:
Although the “feeling” of serif fonts might be formal or classic, it’s not always obvious. Serif fonts are more formal than sans-serif. Sans-serif typefaces may also have that timeless look from long ago! Both may be classic when you choose the appropriate serif and sans-serif font combinations!
Sans serif fonts are better suited for header text. This is true, but there are many more considerations when choosing “attention-grabbing” fonts. Serif fonts may draw attention as well. Consider the old-fashioned newspapers!
As headers, they often use strong serif fonts.
It’s not as simple as serifs are for conventional print and sans serifs are for the web.
Online, certain serif types may appear lovely, while many sans-serif fonts are utilised well in printed materials like books and magazines. The way we consume information has evolved, as has screen resolution. Don’t be scared to dispel a few misconceptions since picking the appropriate font for the project is what matters most.
Alternative related fonts
Many additional typefaces are utilised and accessible in easil without confounding the matter. Slab fonts, handwritten fonts, display fonts, and more are all available.
You can find many of these font families in our posts on free fonts here and about font matching here. Display fonts are fairly “unique” or “fancy” looking and are often used in huge headers and minimum use.
Final thought
With easil and our easil templates, you have access to a wide variety of typefaces and font families. Profit from it and utilise this article to guide you in choosing whether to use a serif font or a sans-serif font, or perhaps both.
Generally speaking, your message must be succinct and unambiguous. When legibility and clarity are crucial, headers and short text should be written in a sans-serif typeface. On bigger printed text blocks, such as those seen on a flier, a serif font works well.
But while making your design decisions, keep in mind to take the whole context into account rather than simply depending on a set of principles. Be creative and experiment with various font combinations!