{"id":2154,"date":"2021-04-29T10:38:18","date_gmt":"2021-04-29T14:38:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplifiedblog.wpengine.com\/?p=2154"},"modified":"2023-07-13T07:19:15","modified_gmt":"2023-07-13T11:19:15","slug":"your-ultimate-guide-to-typefaces-serif-vs-sans-serif-fonts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplified.com\/blog\/design\/your-ultimate-guide-to-typefaces-serif-vs-sans-serif-fonts","title":{"rendered":"Your Ultimate Guide to Typefaces: Serif vs. Sans Serif Fonts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Joe Rinaldi of Impact says that fonts provide the first impression of what your brand is. Hence, choosing the right font in your branding and website design is critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the examples below, you can see that by simply changing the typography of these well-known logos, the personality and perception is entirely different. Brands that previously looked professional and sharp now appear unsophisticated.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Your
Photo Credit: Lingo<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to choosing fonts, the options are seemingly infinite: Helvetica? Times New Roman? Georgia Bold, perhaps? Or do you dare\u2026. Comic Sans?! But before deciding what fonts fit best for your brand it\u2019s important to understand the different typeface categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two most important and commonly used categories you need to be familiar with are Serif and Sans Serif.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Serif vs. Sans Serif: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>What is a Serif Font?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Your
Source: Original<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A serif is the small decorative stroke that continues after the end of the stems of letters. This makes serif fonts look more traditional and ornate compared to their counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most common serif fonts are Times New Roman, Garamond, Baskerville, Georgia, and Courier New.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serif fonts send a message of trustworthiness and grace. You can usually find serif in newspapers and magazine headlines. They are also used in large displays as they provide better readability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related: Design Terms: A Must Read for Beginners!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Well-Known Serif Font Logos:<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Your<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Examples of Serif Typeface in Branding:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n
    \n
  1. The New York Times<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
    \n
    \"Your<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The New York Times<\/a> is a publication that has been around since the 1850s. Their use of Serif typeface gives readers the impression of tradition, reputation, and dependability.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
    1. The New Yorker<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
      \n
      \"Your<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The New Yorker<\/a> is another famous magazine that uses the Serif typeface to build trust, credibility, and reputability amongst its readers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/span>What is a Sans Serif Font?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n
      \n
      \"Your
      Source: Original<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u2018Sans\u2019 is French for ‘without’. By definition, Sans Serif is one without decorative strokes on each letter. These look more modern and less ornate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The most used Sans Serif fonts include Arial, Helvetica, Proxima Nova, Futura, and Calibri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Sans Serif typefaces can make your design look more cutting-edge. These have become the go-to choice for most UI\/UX and web designers. Their lightweight and even strokes also make them a popular choice for brochures, mockups, and business cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/span>Well-Known Sans Serif Logos:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n
      \n
      \"Your<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/span>Examples of Sans Serif Typeface in Branding:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n
        \n
      1. Starbucks<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
        \n
        \"Your<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Starbucks is one of the most recognizable brands, and as they have evolved, they have moved away from hand-lettered typefaces. This change makes them more relatable to their target audience – millennials and Gen Zers.<\/p>\n\n\n

          \n
        1. Hubspot<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
          \n
          \"Your<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Hubspot<\/a>, a CRM platform, uses modern, minimal fonts to evoke friendliness and approachability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n\n\n\n

          <\/span>Drawbacks of Serif Fonts<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n
            \n
          1. Web designers like to keep text small and minimal, and Serif fonts are elaborate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. If used in small sizes, Serif can be disorienting, so they are best suited for larger-sized characters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n

            <\/span>Drawbacks of Sans Serif Fonts<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n
              \n
            1. The use of Sans Serif alone can appear too generic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            2. They are not as readable in print because individual letters are not easily distinguishable in Sans Serif fonts.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n

              <\/span>Can you combine fonts?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              Absolutely! When combining different typefaces, the rule of thumb is to not use more than 2-3 fonts. One for the heading and one for the body of the content. This improves readability and creates a slight contrast in your design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Sans-Serif and Serifs are like peanut butter and jelly. They go perfectly together. Serifs are perfect for headings and Sans Serifs\u2019 high readability in digital designs makes it a good fit for the content body.<\/p>\n\n\n

              \n
              \"Your<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              <\/span>In The End…<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              There is no one size fits all solution to picking the right font<\/a> for your brand. But these Simplified guidelines can help you simplify the process!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              <\/p>\n\n\n\n