Readability studies have actually found that serif typefaces are easier to read because the added strokes make each character more distinctive. Look at the number of books and magazines that use sans serif typefaces for their covers and in text throughout the publication. To relate sans serifs only to digital publication is ridiculous. Designers have been using sans serif typefaces in print for many years successfully. Just like saying serifs are only from print, some try to claim sans serifs are only for digital publications. The days of poor-quality screen resolution affecting readability are coming to an end. These higher-quality screens also debunk the argument that you can only read serifs in print.
In the last few years, high definition and retina-display have become almost the norm. It was likely on a screen using Times New Roman (a serif). While some printed materials do have higher publication resolutions, this is still a flawed argument. So where did this myth come from? The top argument in support of his flawed theory is that screen quality is not as good as the quality of printed materials, therefore making serifs hard to read on a screen. It’s perfectly readable and adds a lot of emphasis to the overall design concept. It uses serif typefaces in a beautiful way. Why would you only use serifs in print? Look at websites like Church of The Atom. This is one of those myths that is repeated without merit. In many instances, readability concerns are not based on the type category but rather the actual typeface and its application. While in the past some of these myths and rumors may have held some credence, modern publishing techniques (printed and online) have narrowed the gap between serif and sans serif typefaces and readability. The problem with selecting a typeface – either serif or sans serif – is magnified by all of the myths we read daily about the different letterforms. Some of the most well-known sans serif typefaces include Helvetica, Arial, Futura and Franklin Gothic. The mood and feelings most associated with sans serif typefaces are modern, friendly, direct, clean and minimal. Sans serif typefaces have a look that is direct and precise, although character edges may be either sharp or rounded. The type category is thought to embody simplicity because of this lack of added detail. This style of typeface lacks strokes at the ends of letters (hence “sans” serif). Sans serif typefaces are considered more modern and include a variety of widths and shapes. Some of the most well-known serif typefaces include Times Roman (and Times New Roman), Rockwell, Georgia, and Baskerville. The mood and feelings most associated with serif typefaces are classic, elegant, formal, confident and established. Serifs appear on both upper- and lower-case letters within a font family, as well as on glyphs, numerals and other characters. Each serif typeface will have a distinctive style for this mark that makes the family identifiable. It can be in the form of a tail, sharp or blunt, decorative or plain. It’s the little decorative stroke that extends from letters. They are used in everything from book publishing to newspapers and magazines to billboards and websites. Serif typefaces are among some of the oldest modern typefaces.
9 Sans Serifs Are More Attention-Grabbing.8 Serifs Can Be Used to Increase Spacing Between Letters.
5 Sans Serifs Are for Digital Publications.