Serif

A serif is a small decorative stroke or line added to the ends of the main strokes of a letter in certain typefaces. Serifs distinguish these fonts from sans-serif typefaces, which lack such finishing details. Serif fonts are commonly associated with print and long-form reading, where the serifs are thought to help guide the eye along lines of text.

Origins and history: The use of serifs is linked to ancient and early modern letterforms that developed in inscriptional lettering and handwriting. The modern term “serif” and the typographic classification into serif families emerged in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries as printers described and systematized letterforms. Common subdivisions include old-style, transitional, modern, and slab serifs.

Characteristics: Old-style serifs have moderate contrast between thick and thin strokes and gently bracketed junctions. Transitional serifs show higher contrast and more vertical stress, while modern serifs feature very high contrast and fine hairlines with unbracketed, crisp serifs. Slab serifs have thick, block-like serifs and little or no stroke contrast. The presence, shape, and size of serifs influence readability, tone, and the overall impression of a typeface.

Usage and examples: Serif typefaces such as Garamond, Baskerville, Times New Roman, Palatino, and Georgia are commonly used for book text, academic papers, and other printed material. Sans-serif typefaces such as Arial or Helvetica are often preferred for digital interfaces, headings, or on-screen reading. Designers may choose serif or sans-serif based on context, audience, and the desired aesthetic.

Notes: Digital typography has improved the rendering of serifs on screens, and designers weigh legibility, aesthetics, and cultural associations when selecting serif versus sans-serif for a project.