Seriftypsnitt

Seriftypsnitt is the Swedish term for serif typefaces, fonts that feature small decorative strokes—serifs—at the ends of letters. Serifs influence the texture and legibility of text and are contrasted with sans-serif typefaces, which lack these features.

The serif style originated in ancient inscriptions and was refined in the Renaissance through humanist and transitional design. In Western typography, serif families are commonly categorized as Old Style, Transitional, and Didone, reflecting changes in stroke contrast and shape. Notable figures associated with these traditions include Nicolas Jenson, John Baskerville, and Pierre Didot.

Design characteristics of serifs include the shape and treatment of terminals, the presence or absence of bracketed connections, and variations in stroke contrast. Old Style serifs tend to have moderate contrast and rounded bracketing, while Didone styles emphasize high contrast and geometric precision. The choice of serif can affect readability in different media.

Seriftypsnitt remains prevalent in print, including books and newspapers, where its classic look and legibility are valued. In digital media, high-resolution displays improve readability, and designers often pair serifs with sans-serif helpers to create typographic hierarchies.

In contemporary design, serif families offer versatility across weights and widths, used for editorial branding, headlines, and long-form text. Prominent serif families include Garamond, Baskerville, Times, and Bodoni, which have shaped typographic aesthetics for centuries.

Related topics include sans-serif, slab serif, type design, and typography.