What is the difference between serif and sans-serif fonts?
Serif fonts have small strokes at the ends of letters; sans-serif fonts do not.
Definition
Serifs such as Playfair Display or Instrument Serif feel classic, editorial or luxurious. Sans-serifs such as Inter or DM Sans feel modern and neutral. Pairing one of each is a reliable combination.
Why it matters
Type sets the voice of a site before anyone reads a word, and the contrast between a serif and a sans-serif makes hierarchy clear.
How to get it right
- Use a serif for headlines if you want an editorial or premium feel.
- Use a clean sans-serif for body text on screens.
- Stick to two families.
- Check both on a phone.
Mistakes to avoid
- Decorative fonts for body text
- Two similar fonts that look like a mistake
- More than two families
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What is the difference between serif and sans-serif fonts?
Serif fonts have small strokes at the ends of letters; sans-serif fonts do not. Serifs such as Playfair Display or Instrument Serif feel classic, editorial or luxurious. Sans-serifs such as Inter or DM Sans feel modern and neutral. Pairing one of each is a reliable combination.
Why does Serif vs sans-serif matter?
Type sets the voice of a site before anyone reads a word, and the contrast between a serif and a sans-serif makes hierarchy clear.
How do you get serif vs sans-serif right?
Use a serif for headlines if you want an editorial or premium feel. Use a clean sans-serif for body text on screens. Stick to two families. Check both on a phone.
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