In typography, serifs are small extra strokes that can be found at the end of the main vertical and horizontal strokes of some letters. Serifs can be subtle or pronounced, and they can aid in the readability of a typeface. The term “serif fonts” refers to any style of type that has serifs, while fonts without serifs are called sans-serif fonts. Serif fonts are popular for use in large blocks of text in printed materials such as books, newspapers, and magazines, as the serifs make it easier for the eye to travel over the text. However, serif fonts are not as useful for web designs, especially when they are used in small sizes, as the tiny serifs can be lost or fuzzy on computer monitors with low screen resolutions, making the text difficult to read. There are different shapes and classifications of serifs, including hairline, square or slab, and wedge serifs, which can be either bracketed or unbracketed. Serif fonts can be categorized into classic, modern, old-style, transitional, slab serif, and blackletter fonts, with each classification having similar characteristics, including the shape or appearance of their serifs. Informal or novelty serif fonts can also be used to attract attention, but they are best used sparingly and combined with another easily legible font.
Serif fonts were originally used in print design to help letters stand out clearly and make the text more readable. However, they can be challenging to read on small screens, and sans-serif fonts have become more popular. Nonetheless, serif fonts can still be a good choice for certain design elements, such as logos and print design. They can convey a sense of history and formality and make large amounts of text easier to read. Serif and sans-serif fonts can also be combined for a modern and engaging design. Ultimately, the choice of font should depend on the target audience and the project brief.