serifs

A serif is a small decorative stroke or line added to the end of a letterform’s main strokes. Serifs appear in many typefaces and are contrasted with sans-serif designs, which lack such finishing strokes. They are often said to contribute to the texture of text and to guide the reader’s eye along lines of type, though readability conclusions vary.

Classification of serif typefaces typically follows historical development. Old-style serifs, such as Garamond and Caslon, have organic, humanist shapes with moderate contrast between thick and thin strokes. Transitional serifs, including Baskerville and Times, show higher contrast and a more vertical stress. Modern serifs, such as Didot and Bodoni, feature very high contrast and crisp, geometric shapes. Slab serifs, like Rockwell, have thick, block-like serifs and a sturdier, less calligraphic appearance. Within these families, serifs can be bracketed (with a curved join to the stem) or unbracketed, and they may end in wedge or teardrop terminals.

Historically, serifs trace back to inscriptions and stone-cut lettering in the ancient world. They were refined in Europe during the Renaissance as movable type evolved. The 18th–19th centuries saw the solidification of major families, while the 20th century introduced distinctive modern, transitional, and slab styles. A notable example of 20th-century design is Times New Roman, created for The Times in 1932.

Usage and legibility: serif typefaces are commonly used for body text in print, valued for their traditional appearance and perceived readability in long passages. On screens, opinions vary; some studies find no inherent advantage, while others consider serifs helpful for scanning. Designers choose serif or sans-serif based on context, branding, and readability goals.

Notable serif families include Times New Roman, Garamond, Baskerville, Palatino, Caslon, and Georgia, with slab-serifs such as Rockwell forming a distinct subcategory.