Serif vs. Sans for Text in Print

One of the first determinations to be made when selecting a typeface for text is serif or sans? This decision should be based on several key points regarding the project at hand. Once made, your typeface search will be narrowed down considerably.

Although serifs are considered to be decorative, their appearance may well serve a higher purpose. Serif typefaces have historically been credited with increasing both the readability and reading speed of long passages of text because they help the eye travel across a line, especially if lines are long or have relatively open word spacing (as with some justified type).

Others dispute this viewpoint, asserting that what we read most (serif text), we read best. This might very well account for the popularity and dominance of serif typefaces in the U.S. for lengthy text in print, including books and newspapers. That said, the fact remains that many sans serif typefaces exist that are more legible at any size than some serif designs. So whichever style you choose, take note of the particular characteristics and overall legibility of the design, including specific weights and roman vs. italic.

You may find it helpful to consider these factors when deciding whether to use a serif or a sans typeface:

Serif vs Sans for Print — Not every serif typeface is more readable than a sans serif, as demonstrated by the fairly ornate ITC Kallos™ (left) compared with Avenir® Next (right).

Usage
For projects involving lengthy text, such as books, newspapers, and most magazines, serif typefaces are the most commonly used typestyle. Their prevalence stems from a combination of historical precedent and perceived readability. On the other hand, sans serif text typefaces can be used for annual reports and brochures. Sans serifs can also work well for magazines and other materials that allow for a more liberal design approach.

For other shorter text settings – such as captions, credits, column headings, as well as text in charts and graphs – a sans serif typeface can be a good choice. Its simplified letterforms are unencumbered by serifs, which can impede the readability of characters at very small sizes.

Audience
When selecting a typeface for young children, or anyone just learning to read, sans serifs are preferable, as their simplified letterforms are easier to recognize. This can also be relevant when designing for readers with certain visual impairments. Be sure to do your audience research before making any decisions.

Color and other type treatments
Serif strokes can be thin or thick, subtle or robust. Delicate serifs can be challenging to reproduce crisply in certain scenarios, notably: reversing them out of a dark color, photograph, or pattern (as they will tend to break up); or printing them in CMYK (as the edges will look fuzzy or weak). Printing them in a solid, spot color is less risky. If need be, select a serif typeface with sturdy features, or opt for a sans serif.

Editor’s Note:Ilene Strizver, founder of The Type Studio, is a typographic consultant, designer and writer specializing in all aspects of typographic communication. She conducts Gourmet Typography workshops internationally. Read more about typography in her latest literary effort, Type Rules! The designer's guide to professional typography, 4th edition, published by Wiley & Sons, Inc. This article was commissioned and approved by Monotype Imaging Inc.