Typeface Classifications In Typography.

Among the variety of typefaces available, it is essential to divide them into categories. It helps the designer understand the different typeface classifications, where they come from, and how they differ. The typefaces are divided into the below categories.

Serifs- These typefaces have serifs, the slight curve attached to the primary stroke of the character are grouped under the serifs typeface. Serifs were among the first created digital typefaces, & they are often used in print media for both body & headlines.

Old Style Serifs were developed in the late 15th and 16th centuries. They emphasize the diagonal axis, and the minimum contract exists between the thick and thin strokes. The serifs are angle-headed and bracketed (curve attaching the stem and the serif). Adobe Garamond, ITC Berk

Transitional Serifs — As per the name, transitional serifs evolved in the 18th century while transitioning from the old style to the modern. They put more emphasis on the vertical axis. The serifs are vertical, and the contrast is between thick and thin strokes. Eg:Baskerville.

Slab Serifs are thick, rectangular serifs with almost no contrast between thick and thin strokes, and it is equal width serif. Rockwell, American Typewriter are some of the examples.

Modern Serifs — They were developed in the late 18th century. They have straight serifs emphasizing the vertical axis, and a high contrast exists between thick and thin strokes. They have almost no or very little bracketing. Didot, Bodoni, Fenice are some of the examples.

Glyphic Serifs — The glyphic-style serifs appear more carved and engraved (lapidary) than the pen-drawn ones. The serifs are more triangular and flaring towards the outside. Quorum, New text, Albertus are some of the examples.

Sans Serifs — Sans means without; the terminology sans serifs suggests typefaces without serifs. They are modern than serifs in terms of look & development as well, & they have evolved in recent times, with the development of the digital design industry, & are considered modern

Grotesque Sans- It is the earliest and the first famous sans serifs. The curves are square for this sans serif, with a capital G and double story lower case g, and there is not much contrast between the strokes. Bureau Grot, Franklin Gothic are some of the examples.

Neo-Grotesque Sans is a more rational form of grotesque, and they have an everyday outlook with very little contrast. Helvetica, Arial are some of the examples.

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Originally Published at ProCreator Blog, by Sandesh Subedi.