Serif fonts are inspired by architectural embellishments, particularly under roof overhangs. While the embellishments adorn, they also help to support the overhang. Serif fonts were created for reading up close at small sizes. Instead of a sharp corner, we take a short cut and curve the lines. The letter T here shows this:
T
Times, and Times New Roman are two of the most popular serif fonts. The majority of those setting type prefer Times for the body text of a document, claiming that the serifs help the eye to move smoothly and swiftly over the text.
Sans serif fonts do not have serifs. They tend to be "plainer." The angles are sharper. For example consider
T
This is set in Arial, a sans-serif font. Sometimes this is also referred to as modern. This type of font has become increasingly popular throughout the twentieth century. The community is united in believing that you should use no more than two fonts - one serif, one sans-serif. Then either
a. use sans-serif for headlines, headings, etc. and serif for the body of the text.
b. use serif for headlines, headings, etc., and sans-serif for the body of the text.
The more popular of these two is (a), but of course, this can change.
;-)
