There are a few key differences between serif and sans serif fonts. Serif fonts are typically designed for typefaces that are used in printed materials such as newspapers, magazines, and books. Sans serif fonts, on the other hand, are designed for webfonts and other digital media. They often look more like typefaces that are used on websites or in presentations. One of the most important differences between serif and sans serif fonts is their weight. Serif fonts tend to be heavier than sans-serif fonts. This means that they will usually have a more pronounced look when you use them in textiles or documents. Sans-serif fonts, on the other hand, tend to be lighter in weight and will look more like typefaces that you would use on websites or presentations. Another important difference between serif and sans-serif fonts is their style. Serafonts typically have a more traditional look while sans-serif font styles can be more modern or experimental. Some people find these styles easier to read while others find them harder to read because they can be confusing at first glance.
If you’ve ever been on the hunt for the perfect font, there are two terms you’ve probably noticed—“serif” and “sans serif.” Knowing what these terms mean will help you better understand what you’re looking for.
Fonts and Typefaces
First, let’s briefly talk about the terms we use to describe the look of text. What most people refer to as a “font” is actually the “typeface.” For example, the classic Times New Roman is a typeface. “Font” is technically the file that contains the typeface. However, most people use “font” and “typeface” interchangeably.
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What Is a “Serif”?
Pretty much all typefaces can be categorized as “serif” or “sans serif.” Both of these terms include “serif,” so let’s start there. Here is the technical definition of a “serif:”
Basically, any time you see a little extra bit sticking out from the ends of a letter, that’s a “serif.” What does that actually look like? Let’s go back to our old friend Times New Roman, which is a serif font.
All of those little extra lines are serifs. Any font that has some type of protrusion or tail like that is classified as a serif font. Some other popular serif fonts include Garamond, Cambria, and Rockwell. These fonts are typically seen as more “formal” looking.
Sans Means “Without”
Okay, now we know what a serif looks like, what is a “sans serif” font? If you know what the word “sans” means you’ve probably already figured it out. “Sans” simply means “without.”
Any font that doesn’t have serifs is categorized as a “sans serif” font. It literally just means “without serif.” Here’s an example with another very common font, Arial.
You can see this font looks a lot simpler. The ends of the letters are cleanly squared off, it doesn’t have any of that extra flair. Sans serif fonts are typically seen as more modern. Popular sans serif fonts included Helvetica, Futura, and Calibri.
That’s really all there is to it! You can use this knowledge to more easily find the right font. A serif typeface would be perfect for a formal wedding invitation, whereas something that needs to be easily read or have a modern look would benefit from a sans serif font.
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