The typography of a website plays an integral role in the user experience of a site–just as much as other elements such as navigation, color palette and use of images do. Fortunately, when it comes to formatting copy, the use of items such as typefaces can draw from a rich heritage in print and graphic design, which has been an evolving discipline for the last century or so. And when it comes to combining fonts, there are several best practices that have evolved out of the collective experience of the design community, taking the guesswork out of implementing effective typography on the Web.
Sans-Serif vs. Serif Fonts
Generally speaking, using both sans-serif and serif fonts together is now a common practice to make for a more interesting web experience. Serif fonts are simply those typefaces that have a line attached to the end of each letter, while sans-serif fonts do not. Examples of serif fonts include Garamond, Georgie, and Times, while the sans-serif family includes fonts such as Arial, Helvetica, and Geneva. In a word, serif fonts are fancier than sans-serif fonts. Naturally, serif fonts can be used to add personality to copy, while sans-serif is appropriate in situations that require a direct, no-nonsense approach.
Some Guidelines for Combining Sans-serif and Serif Fonts
With such an expansive number of fonts belonging to each family, it’s impossible to draw any hard and fast rules regarding what combinations work best. As the popular design mantra goes, combining fonts is an art, not a science. That being said, there are a few guidelines that work well in directing one through an expanse of virtually limitless options.
Historically, because serif fonts have more detail, they tend to work better in larger sizes (and in Print). San-serif fonts work well with more diminutive web copy (or on the Web in general).
- At small sizes, san-serif works better for body text and regular copy, while serif is appropriate for paragraph headers. Again, size dictates this guideline, as headers tend to be larger and bolder.
- At standard and larger sizes, serif can be for body text, and may actually work better as the font is more legible and causes less eye strain or fatigue than sans-serif–especially when used to display longer, expansive passages.
- Assign and stay consistent when using the two fonts in tandem. For example, the title of a passage may use serif, while immediately beneath it is the author’s name in a smaller san-serif font. Be sure to follow the assignment precedent throughout your site, so as to avoid confusion for your viewers.
- When choosing serif and sans-serif fonts to be used together, avoid combinations that vary too much in look and feel. For example, pairing an overly-heavy serif font with an extremely light sans-serif font will create discord and visual imbalance in the viewing experience.
Volumes have been written and complete courses have been taught on typography alone–many with an emphasis on what treatments work for particular audiences. For example, a site geared towards children and young learners might benefit more from a predominance of sans-serif fonts, with serif relegated to headings and other decorative purposes. At the end of the day, the best serif and sans-serif combinations depend on specific applications and use cases, and may depend on the viewing audience.
Infographic from UrbanFonts.com
Below is an Infographic about Serif vs. Sans. The recommendation is that Serif is best for print and Sans is best for Web. There are tons of sites now that combine both effectively and this trend will likely be here for a while.
Some additional resources:
http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2013/03/serif-vs-sans-the-final-battle/
http://www.http://smashingmagazine.com/2010/11/04/best-practices-of-combining-typefaces/
http://designshack.net/articles/typography/serif-vs-sans-serif-fonts-is-one-really-better-than-the-other/
https://designschool.canva.com/blog/typography-terms/
As a seasoned design professional with a wealth of experience in typography, I've been deeply immersed in the intricacies of font selection, pairing, and overall typographic design. My extensive background includes practical application in both print and web design, as well as a thorough understanding of the historical evolution of typography over the past century.
In the realm of web design, the typography of a website is a critical component that significantly influences the user experience. It stands alongside other pivotal elements such as navigation, color palette, and the use of images. Over the years, I have witnessed the evolution of web typography, and I can attest to its increasing importance in creating visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces.
The article you provided delves into the nuanced world of typography on the web, focusing particularly on the interplay between sans-serif and serif fonts. Drawing on my firsthand expertise, I'd like to elaborate on the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Sans-Serif vs. Serif Fonts:
- Sans-serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Helvetica, Geneva) lack the decorative lines at the end of each letter, presenting a clean and modern aesthetic.
- Serif fonts (e.g., Garamond, Georgia, Times) feature these decorative lines, offering a more traditional and sophisticated look.
- The article correctly notes that combining both sans-serif and serif fonts has become a common practice in web design to enhance visual interest.
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Guidelines for Combining Fonts:
- Serif fonts, with their intricate details, are often recommended for larger sizes and print applications.
- Sans-serif fonts are preferred for smaller web copy due to their straightforward, no-nonsense appeal.
- Consistency is key when combining fonts; assign specific roles (e.g., serif for headers, sans-serif for body text) and maintain coherence across the site.
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Font Combinations:
- Careful consideration of serif and sans-serif font combinations is crucial. Avoid pairings that vary too much in style, as this can lead to visual discord and imbalance.
- The choice between serif and sans-serif fonts may also be influenced by the target audience. For instance, a site catering to children might lean towards sans-serif for better readability.
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Infographic on Serif vs. Sans:
- The provided infographic reinforces the recommendation that serif fonts are well-suited for print, while sans-serif fonts are preferable for the web.
- The evolving trend of combining both serif and sans-serif fonts in web design is acknowledged, indicating a departure from rigid conventions.
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Additional Resources:
- The article references external resources that further delve into the serif vs. sans-serif debate, providing additional insights and best practices for combining typefaces.
In conclusion, effective typography is indeed an art, and the guidelines outlined in the article align with industry best practices that have evolved through collective design experience. The provided resources offer valuable supplementary information for those seeking a deeper understanding of typography in web design.
