seriffamilier

Seriffamilier refers to groups of typefaces that share common design characteristics, primarily the presence of serifs. Serifs are the small decorative strokes or finishing strokes that appear at the ends of the main strokes of a letterform. While the exact form and style of these serifs can vary significantly, their fundamental presence is the defining feature of a serif typeface.

The classification of serif typefaces is a subject of ongoing discussion among typographers and historians. However, common categories often include old-style, transitional, modern, and slab serif. Old-style serifs, for instance, are typically bracketed (meaning they curve smoothly into the main stroke) and have a diagonal stress, often seen in fonts like Garamond. Transitional serifs represent a bridge between old-style and modern, with more contrast between thick and thin strokes and less bracketing, exemplified by typefaces such as Baskerville. Modern serifs, like those in Bodoni or Didot, exhibit extreme contrast and unbracketed, hairline serifs. Slab serifs, also known as Egyptian serifs, are characterized by thick, slab-like serifs that are often unbracketed and of uniform thickness, as seen in Rockwell or Courier.

The use of seriffamilier in design is extensive. They are traditionally favored for body text in print publications like books and newspapers due to their perceived readability, as the serifs are thought to guide the eye along the line of text. However, their application extends to headings, logos, and digital interfaces, where different seriffamilier can convey distinct moods and aesthetics, ranging from classic and traditional to strong and contemporary.