Serif

A serif is a small finishing stroke on a letter. A serif typeface uses these strokes as part of its letterforms.

See real examples ↓
Editorial New specimen

What it means

Serifs vary widely: some are bracketed into the main stroke, some are sharp and delicate, and others are broad slabs. The category includes quiet reading faces and highly expressive display designs, so the word serif alone says little about how a font will perform at a particular size.

Use it in practice

Try a serif when you want to explore a different rhythm or texture from a sans serif. Evaluate the specific design in your headline and body copy.

Watch out for

Fine strokes can disappear at small sizes or against busy imagery. Test the actual screen size and contrast.

From the collection

Editorial New is credited by these websites. Look at its finishing strokes and the contrast between thick and thin parts of the letters.